The Whole Horse Podcast | Episode 77 | Being with loss and creating a legacy with Josh Nichol

Wow. This podcast episode with Josh Nichol went in an entirely different direction than expected, and I’m so grateful. It became a tribute to the two beings Josh supported in transitioning the previous day, including his best cattle dog Jake (see his picture below). Josh shares about his experience, the process that happened for both animals, the role of the other animals and his family and we got into ways to create a legacy for our dear ones, when they have left their physical forms. Get your tissues out, this conversation is powerful and emotional and important.

In Josh’s words: “I like to think of myself as a professional student of the horse; learning is what I do first and teaching is second. Mentoring people, building relationships and watching growth is truly my passion. I currently teach clinics throughout Canada in the summer and work out of our home ranch in the winter, helping people develop their relationships through horsemanship.

This style of horsemanship is very relational, it allows you to see yourself through your horse and continues as you advance through the process. Mastery in horsemanship begins with a commitment to bettering ourselves! This starts with taking ownership and responsibility for our part of the story, thus interpreting the horse’s actions and performance differently.  When we are aware of – and work on developing – our side of the relationship, we truly facilitate not only growth in our horses, but growth in ourselves.  Good horsemanship challenges everything about our inner person. What an amazing gift: progressing in our horsemanship goes hand in hand with developing our best self!”

Learn more about Josh at https://www.joshnichol.com

A photo of Jake

Alexa’s Book: Death Sucks: A Straight-Up Guide to Navigating your Pet’s Final Transition

Download podcast here or listen on iTunes