Welcome to Awe Nice, where we highlight moments of wonder while working outdoors. We’re on the radio and we’re also on podcast platforms.

This week I interviewed Joe Morris from California. Joe is a horseman raised in the vaquero tradition and part of an accomplished, multi-generational line of ranching in his family.

He learned holistic management practices from Allan Savory, who many say pioneered the field. Joe told me he sees the animals and the land as one community, a whole.

We have three short moments from Joe. The first involves a young horse he started years ago when he was working on a large ranch in Nevada. Joe picks up the story at the banks of the Owyhee River during spring runoff. The current was fast, deep, and chocolate-colored.

Boy, so many elements of this scenario that could have been stressful for horse and rider. There’s the current and the depth of the Owyhee. There’s the fact that Joe is lifting his legs way up. And there’s having Sissy on his back.

But Joe worked very hard to develop a partnership, a relationship with his new horse. I trust you. You trust me. We go forward together.

Awe, Nice! welcomes interviewees. If you have a moment you experienced while working outside and would like to share it, contact us at awenice.com. We thank Kershaw knives and Redmond salt for their generous sponsorship.

Music is by my friend, Forrest Van Tuyl. You can find a link to Forrest as well as an Awe Nice donate button here.

Keep your eyes, ears, and mind open. Until next time.