The SPIRIT OF THE WEST Podcast

:  Another interesting  ride with Doug Walsh talking about riding with Martin Black working cows in Idaho, and describing what led him to life as a cowboy and horseman. You’ll hear why a horse does not understand many of the verbal cues we give them, and you’ll be captivated by the beautiful music of the west on this hour of great radio.

Alberta horseman Doug Walsh joins Hugh to tell the intriguing story of a mare he’s been working with for several years. It’s been a stressful journey and you’ll hear all about the successes and setbacks.  There’s an entertaining poem about a rancher who discovered a unique breed of cattle and became the target of his neighbour’s laugher, until they went through the sale ring. Lot’s of great music and much more this week.

This is the best of 2025 with a look back at some of the funniest, and most interesting and moving stories folks have shared.  You'll hear some of the best true western music released in the past year along with some of the best cowboy poetry.  A memorable collection of the tracks of 2025.

This week it’s a brand new Spirit of the West Christmas special with a saddlebag full of the kind of Christmas music you don’t get to hear anywhere else, songs about Christmas on the range.  You’ll hear some classic Christmas Cowboy Poetry and some of the best work of the men and women of the west. 

A rancher with operations in several parts of the west is also a fine singer and song writer and this week J.Parson shares his stories of horses, cattle and ranching along with some of his songs and the inspiration that led to their creation. A horse with a long hidden issue when the cowboy on his back did something to trigger it, on the Horse Training File. A look at opportunism and concerns on the Rangeland news, and much more.
 
 

:  Well known horseman who earned his spurs in Australia and North America, Chris Cox is recovering from major back re construction surgery to repair the damage from years of riding tough horses. This week you’ll hear a special message from Chris about his situation and he’ll share a lot of great stories about his horseback adventures. The Rangeland news reveals the name of a Canadian who has been invited to the Road to the Horse Next spring, and many more interesting items. There’s some unique music this week and a spellbinding piece of cowboy poetry.

Three good cowboys from different places in the world get together with Hugh to try and come up with a more spectacular adventure than the guy who started, and they’re all true.  Some really special music features songs that haven’t been heard for a long time. The rangeland news remembers a legend in the Canadian Cutting horse industry and looks at how meat from cloned animals might be at the retail grocers with no labelling to identify it. A fine piece of poetry and much more will keep you ridin’ close.

Award winning horseman and mental health advocate Taylor Douglas back this week to talk about his new project. It will see a percentage of sales revenue from a line of horse products go towards helping folks in the horse industry who are dealing with mental health concerns. There’s a play list of  songs that will take you along on the late fall roundups and one of the finest cowboy poems you’ll ever hear.

:  An award winning cowboy and horseman from Saskatchewan seemed to have everything going right, but for years he was troubled with anxiety and depression that he kept to himself until it became more than he could handle. This week Taylor Edwards shares his amazing journey, and a lot of insight into his horsemanship.  There’s a song and poem that focuses on remembering the dark days of the war and the enormous price paid for the freedom we enjoy today.  Good music and great information to keep you ridin’ close.

Its insight, knowledge and experience that sets the pros apart from the novices and this week, Bruce Logan, a consummate horseman and cowboy share’s what he’s learned from a lot of years working on ranches and in the show ring. You’ll hear some powerful and moving music about this way of life, along with the Rangeland News and a fitting piece of cowboy poetry capturing the feeling of late fall days in cattle country.

This week the music and the stories are dedicated to a broadcasting legend who recently retired. Pete Hicks spent his long career doing everything he could to promote country music performers.  You’ll hear some his own original songs, and stoires along with the rest of the Country music legends.  From rodeo to radio, it’s a nostalgic ride with some terrific people

Some well -known top hands share their stories of how good horses got them through some dangerous situations this week.  Martin Black and R.W. Hampton will keep you on the edge of your seat.  Hugh looks back to the diary of a cowboy ridin night herd on a deep dark night and how his horse got him safely back to camp in pitch blackness.  Some stirring songs of cowboy life, Rangeland News a round out what could be one of the best shows this year, so far.

Mike Kevil one today’s top colt starters joins Hugh and they’ll discuss the elements that go into the challenge getting a young horse to find his potential, and there’s a great mix of music and the songs all relate to riding green colts and rank broncs. The Rangeland news looks at how pen riders do a better job recognizing problem cattle than technology does.  A good piece of cowboy poetry finishes this one off in style.