Robert McPherson, a practicing psychiatrist and falconer in the vast and wild landscape of Cross Keys, Montana, has recently begun work with a new patient. Sean is a young boy from a military family who suffers from debilitating panic attacks and night terrors. He cannot be left alone, and his family hasn't been able to find a therapist who can unravel Sean's problems. As Robert tries to help Sean, his mysterious behaviors and unnatural knowledge of eagles and horses lead Robert toward a very unconventional treatment. Robert's wife Maggie, an academic psychiatrist with strong ties to the east coast, is deeply skeptical of Robert's work with Sean. With a backdrop of mountains and falconry, Robert coaxes Sean toward recovery. Robert's longtime friend and expert falconer, Sam, hunts alongside Robert. Together they practice the majestic and ancient practice of falconry as Robert struggles through unknown territory in his work and marriage.

At the core of this book is a series of 'state of the art' experiments in which the author participated, designed to establish whether certain classical ideas about true collection could be scientifically proved. Discussion of the results leads into an exploration of how working towards collection informs the progression of training and the way in which the exercises are implemented. This pursuit of collection is likely to take a purer form if it is motivated by artistic values rather than by the rider's ego. In this fascinating and thoughtful book, the author urges readers to focus on their own individuality, rather than being motivated or misled by external pressures; to 'collect' or 'centre' themselves, as they work towards a similar state with their horses.

Robert McPherson, a practicing psychiatrist and falconer in the vast and wild landscape of Cross Keys, Montana, has recently begun work with a new patient. Sean is a young boy from a military family who suffers from debilitating panic attacks and night terrors. He cannot be left alone, and his family hasn't been able to find a therapist who can unravel Sean's problems. As Robert tries to help Sean, his mysterious behaviors and unnatural knowledge of eagles and horses lead Robert toward a very unconventional treatment. Robert's wife Maggie, an academic psychiatrist with strong ties to the east coast, is deeply skeptical of Robert's work with Sean. With a backdrop of mountains and falconry, Robert coaxes Sean toward recovery. Robert's longtime friend and expert falconer, Sam, hunts alongside Robert. Together they practice the majestic and ancient practice of falconry as Robert navigates the unknown territory in his work and marriage.