I’ve always struggled to define who I am. I grew up firmly planted in the ‘in-between’.
In between blue and white collar worlds. In between a failing communist regime and a country trying to redefine itself.
In between big, gentle old-style Warmbloods, naughty ponies, draft horses used for logging living in tie stands or stalls and going out to work or pasture during the day, and emerging access to Quarter Horses and gaited breeds, natural horsemanship methods, and horses living in groups outside in larger spaces.
The in-between can be beautiful. It can also be confusing and a lot to hold space for. And it’s ever-changing.
As a kid I’d go from helping farmers cut hay, driving ancient tractors after school at 13yo, to the opera with grandpa in the same day. From riding horses all day in the wind to ballroom dancing at night. From a foul-mouthed scruffy country kid to a polite student with good grades.
I’m still all of that. And I can operate a chainsaw now.
Over the past several years I discovered Mustangs, built Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy , pursued a master’s degree, got divorced, learned horse packing and quietly worked towards licensure in counseling while gentling many a Mustang and meeting some great people.
Mental health is one of those fields where you don’t graduate and hang out your shingle. You are on the hook for several more years and lots and lots of hours of supervision and supervised practice, get to take more tests and apply to the state for them to turn you loose on your own.
Well, they finally turned me loose last Thursday. I got the most unceremonious email with a PDF attachment, telling me I’m now a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and my license number. I just gave up my A number (alien 
number, on my Greencard) last year. I quite like this trade.
I’ve never fully identified as a “horse trainer” or “Mustang trainer”. I’ve also kept the shrink stuff on the down low because I didn’t feel “real” without being fully licensed, even though I’ve been practicing for years.
I’m a bit intimidated and a lot excited for this new in-between. In between mountains, Mustangs and mental health is a pretty cool place to be. I hope you stick around and join me for this new chapter 
#wildhorses#horses#mountains#sunset#happy#adventure#makingmountainmustangmemories
