I may not be rich in the conventional sense, but to lead a life rich in experiences and people you love, there’s something to be said for that too.
The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering was a blast, so was spending time with Rachel Toler . We rode horses, looked at horses, talked about horses and listened to others talk and sing about horses and the western lifestyle.
It was wonderful to meet and reconnect with makers, poets and visitors I met last year, some of whom I’d dare to call friends. Meeting The Colorful Cowgirl in person and seeing even more of her beautiful work was especially fun.
Going to Elko is the most sleepless time of the year for me, but it’s so worth it. I’m almost back to a normal schedule. There’s just so much to see and do around that ruggedly beautiful state and quirky town.
I always appreciate learning about different gear, approaches to horsemanship, land use and mindsets surrounding horses, both wild and domestic.
Nevada is also where Mustangs are referred to as sh*tters but the people are too polite (well most of them are 
) to say that to my face once they find out what I do. And then they laugh with relief and maybe a bit of surprise when I tell them I’m well aware.
I’ve been lucky enough to meet some great wild horses and they’re how I can afford a nice horse. By picking one I like and making them nice, all while still learning myself.
Right now it’s snowing big, heavy flakes and I’m so excited to get back to working with wild ones.
Pictured here is DG Rafiki still in the pre-neckrope stage. He was the kind of horse where too much pressure too soon could’ve been bad.
Instead I broke it down for him and he’s coming along nicely. He’ll be available for adoption through Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy before too long.
PC: Photographer Linnea Helander
