In the debut episode of Dear Horse World, Noëlle is joined by Josh Nichol, renowned teacher and creator of Relational Horsemanship. Noëlle shares her journey with her rescue Appaloosa, Lady, and how Josh’s guidance helped Lady overcome aggression and resistance—not through control, but by challenging Noëlle’s ability to become vulnerable, receptive, and self-aware.

Josh introduces the powerful concept of a horse’s three needs: Mind, Space, and Pressure. The mind is key to their understanding, space is the energy and body language between you, and pressure is the ask—the invitation for your horse to yield and release. Together, these create a contract of trust, liberating your horse to feel safe, confident, and capable.

Noëlle and Josh dive deep into the critical question: Are we in the receptive state we ask of our horses? Are we present enough to observe their needs, or are we distracted by our own tension and anxieties? Josh shows how a receptive state is not just the foundation of horsemanship, but of how we show up in life.

You’ll also learn that ‘Feel’ isn’t a talent you either have or don’t have—it’s a practice. It starts with presence and awareness, being able to observe your horse’s needs in the moment, and responding with intention. Josh provides practical insights on how to guide your horse through the pressure they experience, empowering them to release that pressure and, in turn, strengthen their trust in you.

This episode will inspire you to rethink your approach to horsemanship—not just as something you do, but as a relationship you build day by day. It’s about creating the conditions where your horse feels understood, secure, and willing to take on hard things with you. It’s about leading with vulnerability, speaking to your horse’s mind, space, and pressure, and ultimately building a foundation of trust that empowers both you and your horse.

Episode Highlights:

Discover how to connect through mind, space, and pressure to create a liberated, confident horse that’s ready to take on any discipline.
Learn how to create a receptive state within yourself, so you can show up for your horse with presence and intention.
Explore the concept of feel—a practice of being fully present and observing your horse with all your senses.
Get meditation tips–as little as 10 seconds–to help you stay present with your horse.
Learn how to guide your horse through challenges, like spooking, herd boundness, or pushiness, by understanding and meeting their needs

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What if your breath and energy hold the key to self-awareness, emotional healing, and a deeper bond with your horse? In this episode, yoga and neuroscience-informed breathwork expert Julia McCabe and relational horsemanship trainer Josh Nichol explore how understanding your inner world transforms your outer relationships—with horses, people, and yourself.

What You’ll Learn:

How breathwork heals: Simple breathing techniques to release trauma, calm anxiety, and build resilience.

What horses teach us: Why your horse reacts to your energy—not your commands—and how they reflect your inner emotional state.

Real stories of transformation: How riders have overcome emotional blocks and found confidence through relational horsemanship and breathwork.

Practical tools for connection: Ways to stay present, calm your energy, and create a harmonious relationship with your horse and yourself.

Whether you’re looking to improve your relationship with your horse or deepen your understanding of yourself, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiring stories. Discover how breathwork and horsemanship can transform the way you show up—in the saddle, in your relationships, and in life.

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