Meet Nicole Brass | Horse trainer and lifelong student of equine behavior

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Brass and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, what role has risk played in your life or career?
As a horse trainer, every time I swing onto a horse, especially with the young ones I’m starting under saddle, there is an inherent risk involved. Our growth in life as humans comes from pushing though fears and taking risks in whatever endeavor of choice we are involved in. I must face those risks and fears each day. Conversely, my job is also to help horses face their fears and take the risk of trusting me and humans in general, to help them become the best version of themselves.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I began my life on horseback as a baby when my Dad would put me in a sling while he was riding on our ranch. My first horse show was at the age of 5 and I began working with horses for other people when I was 11. My journey of understanding the language of horses and how I can be their true advocate has been a never ending and evolving journey of growth since then. While I have earned numerous titles, awards and achievements through a variety of different disciplines, the most rewarding aspect of my work has been in the individual achievements of each horse I work with. I am very passionate about giving back to horses as they have given me so much joy throughout my life. Many of the horses I have worked with are rescues or horses that need to be reworked due to being mishandled or mistreated by humans. There is an indescribable amount of joy in knowing that my work can literally save the life or transform the life of another creature.
Two years ago I had a horse named Manolo who suffered a devastating accident where he shattered his shoulder. I refused to put him down as recommended as he wanted to fight for his life. He was unable to be transported to a vet hospital, and as we were away from home for a show, it was just the two of us. I stayed with him day and night for 3 months until he was able to be transported back home in a sling we built in the horse trailer. Today I am not only riding him again, but we are planning on showing him this year. His survival and ability to now thrive has been a true miracle has been my greatest teacher into the mystery of equine communication and understanding their language. He is also my greatest lesson for what ia possible when someone truly believes in us and gives us a chance. I channel his strength and determination every time I feel exhausted or physically dented and depleted.
After a lifetime of learning I felt I had a pretty good handle on relating to horses and he showed me an entirely deeper dimension of not only the ability of horses’ to communicate their needs and wants, but insight into the deep wisdom that they possess. I just had to believe in him and listen to what he needed as he fought to survive.
I am very passionate about helping others to view horses through the lens of the horse and to demonstrate how we can work with horses in a way that honors their genetic make up. Many horses are worked with and kept in environments that do not honor their very social, herd mentality. I am a huge proponent of socializing all of the hoses that I work with including the 5 stallions that are current residents. Every horse at the ranch is turned into play groups every day.
When people visit they are often quite surprised to see loose horses wandering around the barn and hanging out and stallions nuzzling one another. The greatest compliment I can receive is when someone remarks on the barn harmony and how happy all the horses are. When the horses are happy, then I’m happy
Working with horses is physically and emotionally draining every single day. It is not a desk job where you just turn out the lights and head home. I relate it to having a pre-school full of youngsters and you’re responsible for them 24/7.. it is also the most rewarding job I could possibly imagine. The view from my office is often one of riding through mountains and nature. I’m blessed to have an amazing work team and support crew and my job wouldn’t be possible without their hard work . I believe the greatest gift in life is not only finding your passion but pursing it through any hardship or obstacle that arises. When our work and our passion align, then great things can happen

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If it were summertime and I had a friend visit while I was in Idaho, I’d load up some horses and head into the mountains.. If I were in Arizona during the winter, I’d also head out onto the trail with them. For me, there is no greater way to enjoy the day than from the back of a horse, out in nature. It’ is impossible to beat the view from between the ears! I take people out riding a couple times a week and love to pack a picnic. Once we get to our destination, which is often a mountain lake, I’ll untie a blanket from the back of the saddle, and pull the makings of a of a great charcuterie board from the saddle bags to enjoy lunch with a view. In a perfect world, I’d be able to take people out on pack trips for a few days in the mountains. To unplug and enjoy an adventure into nature from the back of the horse is the best way to reset the body and mind of horse and human alike

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Renown cutting and reining horse trainer Al Dunning was my greatest mentor and River Grove Ranch owner Elizabeth Tierney believed in me and gave me the opportunity to run her ranch while working with horses in the way I choose and my Dad gave me the courage to pursue my passion. with the foundation and work ethic he instilled in me. Throughout my life, my greatest teachers have been the horses I work with.

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Image Credits
Kelly Powers Photography/Red Mane Creative