Category: Utah Life

Bridle Up Hope: Changing Lives Through Horses and Habits (EP. 66)

Bridle Up Hope: Changing Lives Through Horses and Habits (EP. 66)

In this heartfelt episode, Nicole Holgreen, Executive Director of Bridle Up Hope, shares the powerful story behind the foundation created in memory of Rachel Covey. Through equine-assisted learning, Bridle Up Hope empowers girls and women to build confidence, resilience, and hope—one ride at a time. Nicole opens up about her own path to leadership, the program’s life-changing curriculum, and its growing global reach. Listeners will be inspired by stories of transformation that showcase the healing connection between humans and horses, and the ripple effect of community, compassion, and courage that Bridle Up Hope continues to spread around the world.

About Bridle Up Hope:

Bridle Up Hope blends the healing power of horses with the proven principles of The 7 Habits® to create life-changing experiences for girls and women. At first, Bridle Up Hope was only intended to be a small neighborhood program, but after witnessing amazing transformations, they knew they had to think bigger. To date, 3,500+ girls and women have completed the program and the organization has expanded to 10+ global locations.

About Our Guest: 

Nicole Holgreen is the Executive Director of Bridle Up Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring hope, confidence, and resilience in women through equestrian training and life-skills development. With a strong background in leadership and a deep passion for empowering others, Nicole plays a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s mission and impact.

Nicole is married to Jared Holgreen, and together they have built a loving blended family of four children and two grandchildren. She finds strength and inspiration in her family and brings those same values of connection, perseverance, and hope into her work. Whether in the arena or at home, Nicole is committed to lifting others and helping them discover their inner strength.

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Resources & Previous Episodes of Interest:

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Grit, Resilience and Unity that Define a Utah Mountain Town with Mayor Ben Nadolski (EP 51)

Grit, Resilience and Unity that Define a Utah Mountain Town with Mayor Ben Nadolski (EP 51)

In this episode, Billy Petersen interviews Ben Nadolski, the Mayor of Ogden, Utah. They discuss Ben’s unique journey from a career in wildlife management to politics, the challenges of public scrutiny, and the importance of mental toughness and resilience in leadership. Ben shares insights on the human side of leadership, the significance of hard work, and the impact of surrounding oneself with the right people. The conversation also touches on Ben’s day-to-day responsibilities as mayor and the current projects he is focused on. In this conversation, they discusses the importance of collaboration in leadership, emphasizing the need for all departments to work together to achieve common goals. The mayor talks about the ‘Ogden Way,’ which focuses on community accountability and the role of government in supporting citizens without overstepping.

Billy, Shaun and Ben discuss

  • Ben Nadolski transitioned from wildlife management to becoming the Mayor of Ogden.
  • Ben emphasizes the value of critical thinking over party lines.
  • Surrounding yourself with supportive people is crucial for success.
  • Local politics focus on community impact rather than national issues.
  • Energy and mindset significantly affect leadership effectiveness.
  • And more

About Our Guest: 

Mayor Nadolski took office on January 2, 2024, bringing with him a breadth and depth of experience to the office, including two terms on the Ogden City Council, and a 23-year career with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). Nadolski was instrumental in the inception and implementation of the Ogden River Restoration Project; a $6-million project in Ogden, Utah, that transformed a blighted and polluted river into a Blue Ribbon Fishery that paved the way for a surge in recreational use and community and economic development for Ogden City.

Connect with Ben Nadolski

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Connect with Shaun Peterson: