))
Stacy Westfall teaches people how to understand, enjoy and successfully train their own horses. In her podcast, she shares all of her knowledge in her area of expertise: horses. She offers insights into issues that riders face in their own minds as well as the way they are viewing the challenges and goals they have with horses. She shares tips on becoming a better rider as well as a better leader for your horse. Discover how you can understand things from your horses point of view so that yo ...
…
continue reading
"If I could snap my fingers and give you a gift...” In this episode, Stacy shares what she considers one of the most powerful tools in any rider's journey. Drawing insights from the fascinating way children naturally approach familiar content, this episode reveals how riders can turn video from an overwhelming experience into a journey of discovery…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Stacy explores why celebrating small wins matters, even - and especially - when faced with unexpected emotions about our progress. Through two student examples, she shows how awareness of subtle changes and acceptance of our journey's ups and downs leads to deeper understanding and growth. She shares her personal journey with the c…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Stacy guides listeners through creating a year-end review from their horse's perspective. Building on her popular approach of sharing stories from the horse's viewpoint, she offers: Two ways to participate: follow along with the podcast or download a free interactive PDF workbook (click here to go to the page with the pdf) Examples…
…
continue reading
In this episode Stacy explores the nuanced concept of play in horses, identifying three distinct types of playful behavior: possessed play, repressed play, and reactive play. She challenges listeners to consider playfulness on a spectrum, both in themselves and their horses. Stacy highlights the importance of understanding and managing a horse's pl…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Stacy Westfall shares a personal tip on the value of re-listening to podcasts, courses, and books to deepen learning and retention, especially when paired with implementing lessons in between. She introduces the replay of a special Thanksgiving-themed episode that features listener-submitted reflections on why they are thankful for…
…
continue reading
Stacy Westfall explores a common misconception in horse training: that professionals don't experience uncertainty or caution when facing new situations. Through parallel stories of her hesitation at a coffee shop and a horse encountering a trailer ramp, she reveals that professionals absolutely feel cautious, careful, and mindful – they just accept…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Stacy Westfall opens with an update on her current horses, and then introduces the main topic of how to train for something ‘before you need it.’ Stacy discusses her approach to training Ember, a highly athletic and sensitive young horse she describes as "a lot of horse." Using the analogy of a sports car versus a luxury car, she e…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Stacy explores the concept of recognizing and embracing contradictions in horse training, sharing insights from a recent experience with her horse, Luna. Luna has started anticipating spins during trot circles, which could be viewed as a problem, but Stacy sees it as a potential training advantage. She explains how anticipation can…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 311: The Silent Conversation: Three Hidden Challenges in Understanding Horse Language
17:25
In this episode, Stacy Westfall explores three key challenges in reading horse body language and how misinterpretation can affect horse-human relationships. Unlike human communication, which combines words and body language, horses rely solely on physical expression, making accurate interpretation crucial. The first challenge involves understanding…
…
continue reading
Horse owners often encounter situations where our horses seem to "disagree" with our choices or training methods. This can trigger feelings of conflict and uncertainty within us, leaving us unsure of how to move forward. However, Stacy Westfall suggests that rather than seeing these disagreements as problems, we should view them as opportunities to…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Stacy shares a unique perspective on foundational skills in horsemanship. She explains how this viewpoint can reveal subtle imbalances and growth opportunities. By stripping away advanced techniques to reassess basics, Stacy demonstrates how simple exercises provide insights into the animal's mind and emotions. The episode centers …
…
continue reading
Here's a cleaned-up version: This episode explores the challenge of maintaining momentum when faced with interruptions in your horse training plans. Whether you're a planner or a go-with-the-flow rider, you'll find valuable insights for keeping your equestrian dreams on track. Using personal experiences and insights from students, Stacy covers: • T…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Stacy addresses a listener's question about riding horses in groups larger than two. She outlines six key points for evaluating and preparing a horse for trail riding, including at-home and on-trail assessments, making predictions, communicating with other riders, and self-evaluation during the ride. Stacy emphasizes the importance…
…
continue reading
1
Episode 306: Listener Q&A: Enhancing the Relationship between a Novice Rider and a Capable Horse
18:22
In this podcast episode, Stacy Westfall responds to a listener question from Laura, who has a highly trained and well-behaved horse named Parker. Laura says, “he's just so good. And me being new, I kind of wonder what I can offer him.” Stacy offers four angles for Laura to consider: 1. Use Parker's excellent behavior as a model to study and apply t…
…
continue reading
Stacy Westfall
…
continue reading
In this episode, Stacy addresses a common issue in horse training: anticipation. A listener from Denmark asks how to handle a horse that performs learned exercises without waiting for cues. Stacy explains that anticipation is initially a positive sign of successful training, likening it to the first half of a rainbow arc. However, as training progr…
…
continue reading
Stacy shares insights on transitioning horses from arena training to trail riding. She emphasizes the importance of embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than avoiding them. The podcast highlights the differences between controlled arena environments and unpredictable trail settings. Stacy explains her approach to introducing her…
…
continue reading
Stacy Westfall discusses the overuse of the phrase "I'm sorry" in everyday situations and how it relates to horsemanship. She recounts observing excessive apologizing in a workshop setting and at grocery stores, questioning whether these apologies are genuine expressions of remorse or habitual responses. Westfall emphasizes the importance of unders…
…
continue reading
This episode of the podcast explores the concept of "decision fatigue" and the challenges of navigating the "messy middle" or "miserable maybe" when faced with big life decisions. Stacy shares how this process can be similar to what a horse expereinces when being trained to approach and relax around scary objects. Key takeaways: - Decision fatigue …
…
continue reading
In this milestone 300th episode, Stacy Westfall explores the challenges and benefits of choosing change. She reflects on her journey of creating weekly content for over a decade and how it has shaped her perspective on change. Stacy discusses the constant nature of change and the importance of distinguishing between changes we can control and those…
…
continue reading
In this episode, Stacy explains how she picks and maintains a theme when working with her horses. She shares how studying one theme over a longer period reveals the many angles that are possible. It also helps her see how the theme applies to non-horse parts of life as well. Key takeaways: • Focus on a specific theory while working with horses • Ho…
…
continue reading
This podcast explores the crucial difference between mimicking and understanding in learning processes, using examples from horse training and human skill acquisition. Stacy emphasizes that while mimicking is often the initial step in learning, it's merely the beginning. True mastery comes from developing a deeper understanding of the 'why' behind …
…
continue reading
Stacy Westfall discusses marking behavior as a fundamental aspect of horse training. She explains how this technique, often used in clicker training, can quickly reinforce desired behaviors, or can accidentally mark a mistake as well. Stacy explains the powerful tool horses use with each other of simply not reacting, and why it works so well in a f…
…
continue reading
Stacy Westfall
…
continue reading
Stacy Westfall introduces the concept of "allowing" versus "making" in horse training. She emphasizes that both approaches have their place, with "making" including positive actions like guiding or shaping behavior. The power of allowing is highlighted as a tool to influence a horse's mind and encourage desired behaviors. Stacy uses the example of …
…
continue reading
