About Us
Our names are Jessica and Brad Nichol. Both from the Midwest, Brad arrived in Glenwood Springs, Colorado in 2000 to practice general surgery. Jessica joined Brad in the Roaring Fork Valley in 2005 along with her two RR girls, Luca and Savannah.
Jessica was introduced to the breed and AKC Conformation in 1999 by Rosalind Cich of Brondiki RR.
My first ridgeback was a male named Morgan, who had been returned to the breeder. While faced with all of the learning that goes hand-in-hand with first-time ridgeback ownership, I was also immediately in love with the intelligence and strong-willed nature of this dog. The perfect counterpoint - sleeping hound - balanced the active lifestyle of being out-and-about with a ridgeback in Chicago.
Jessica observed and learned about ridgebacks from a breeder's perspective by attending and participating in AKC Conformation events alongside her breeder in the Chicago/Milwaukee area from 1999-2005.
When I reflect on that period, I know that I did not appreciate all of the learning from Rosalind and the show environment. Showing felt intimidating during my early and mid-twenties, and I was so nervous in the ring! However, I observed the etiquette and listened to conversations between spectators with questions and the handlers, breeders, and owners. I began to notice what did and did not work with the dogs. Basic obedience training was essential, and I learned how to handle my dogs in the city and at a dog show.
We continued to include Rhodesian ridgebacks from Brondiki in our family for over 20 years. However, dog sports were put aside while raising young children. Now, with older children, we are returning to AKC Conformation and exploring other dog sports. Jessica began training with Eric Salas Workshops in October 2022.
Photography for Zolani RR by Brad Nichol Photography unless otherwise noted.
