Caution: Listening to this episode may change the way you think about horsemanship forever, are you ready?

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.

To get started with Josh’s video collection on Understanding Your Horse’s Needs, sign up for your NF+ membership today:

https://noellefloydplus.com/programs/collection-understanding-horse-needs-foundation