Juniper joined us more than ten years ago. We have learned so much about herd leadership from Juniper, watching her develop her relationships over time. The merging of leadership between then herd-leader Blackjack and Juniper was amazing to watch. She has big, powerful energy and communicates with clarity and precision – she works to draw the same from us. As she assumed the leadership role from BJ over time, we watched her continue to respect his emeritus status, providing care and privilege to him as he aged, all the way until his final days.
We are watching a similar transition now, as she seems to be teaching and passing the active role of herd management to Prince, yet maintaining an elder status for the big picture, and beginning her retirement. Juniper has a remarkable impact on many people here at the farm. Her presence is strong and her “big medicine” provides opportunities for resonance and discovery.