Episodit
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When your horse hesitates, pins its ears, or struggles with a movement, what’s really happening? It’s easy to jump to conclusions—assuming resistance, pain, or a training gap. But the key to true understanding lies in separating observation from interpretation. In this episode, Stacy Westfall explores the importance of neutral fact-finding when assessing your horse’s body, why riders often misread behaviors, and how small mindset shifts can lead to major breakthroughs.
Key Takeaways: We naturally assign meaning to behaviors. Riders often assume their horse "won’t" do something when the truth may be that they can’t—yet. Seeing clearly takes practice. Developing the ability to separate facts from assumptions allows for better decision-making in training. Video is a powerful tool. Watching recordings of your rides can reveal overlooked details and refine your ability to analyze movement. Awkwardness doesn’t always mean wrong. Some physical discomfort—like an unbalanced canter transition—is a normal part of building strength. Not all resistance is pain-related. Horses, like people, can develop habits or attitudes about work, even after an initial physical issue is resolved.Learning to assess your horse’s body with clarity will improve your training, communication, and overall partnership. This episode is part of a four-part series based on the Four Square Foundation Quiz, designed to help you pinpoint your next best step. Tune in next week as Stacy explores the next quadrant: The Horse’s Mind.
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When training your horse, are you treating symptoms or addressing the real issue? In this episode, Stacy Westfall explains why accurate diagnosis is always the first step. She shares insights from decades of horse training, revealing how misdiagnosing a problem can lead to ineffective solutions, frustration, and even new challenges.
Key takeaways:
Misdiagnosing a training issue can lead to solutions that create new problems instead of resolving the root cause. Elite horses often mask training flaws, making it easy to apply ineffective methods to the average horse. Identifying the right starting point leads to improvement across all areas. Stacy created a free quiz to help riders pinpoint their biggest challenge and where to focus first.This episode explores how understanding both your horse’s and your own thought processes can lead to lasting progress. Whether you're struggling with a specific issue or looking for a clearer training path, the first step is accurate diagnosis. Take the quiz at StacyWestfall.com to discover where to focus next.
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Not every ride goes as planned—but what happens after the ride often determines whether you improve or stay stuck. In this episode, Stacy Westfall breaks down a "less than perfect" training session with her horse Ember, sharing how experienced riders turn these moments into stepping stones instead of setbacks.
Key takeaways:
Progress follows a cycle—planning, execution, evaluation, and adjustment—not a straight upward path. Understanding this cycle helps riders stay focused and adaptable. Training isn’t linear—horses don’t improve in a straight line, and recognizing this helps riders end their sessions with confidence, not frustration. The Four-Square model (rider’s mind, rider’s body, horse’s mind, horse’s body) provides a framework for evaluating challenges clearly instead of emotionally.By shifting from self-judgment to observation, riders create the mental framework needed for true advancement. This episode provides practical examples of how top riders gather information instead of frustration—so you can do the same.
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This episode tackles the challenge many riders face when trying to balance structured training plans with intuitive horsemanship. Stacy Westfall uses an unexpected cooking analogy to demonstrate how mastering any skill requires both systematic planning and gut-level awareness.
Key takeaways:
Strategic time investment in foundational training during off-seasons creates both immediate progress and long-term flexibility Managing multiple horses at different training stages requires distinct approaches, from intensive skill-building to maintenance work Traditional planning tools reveal scheduling conflicts and opportunities that even experienced trainers miss when relying on memory aloneThe episode demonstrates how riders can develop their own "recipe for success" by combining careful planning with experiential wisdom, making it especially valuable for those managing multiple horses or complex training goals.
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Do you find yourself using words like "trust" and "enjoy" when describing your horse training goals, but struggle to translate these concepts into action? You're not alone. Many riders grapple with the gap between their aspirations and day-to-day training decisions. In this episode, Stacy Westfall explores how to transform abstract horse training concepts into physical, observable actions.
Key takeaways:
Dreams remain intangible until we define what they look like in real-world situations Common phrases in horse training often mask deeper, more specific intentions The path from aspiration to action requires questioning your own assumptionsThrough real examples from her work with her horse Ember, Stacy demonstrates a questioning process that helps riders move beyond vague terminology to create meaningful, actionable training plans. This episode is essential for both goal-resistant and goal-oriented riders who want to bring their horse training dreams into physical reality.
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What if your fuel—not your effort—is the problem?
Stacy Westfall shares a surprising lesson in persistence, revealing why sheer determination isn’t enough—and what actually sustains lasting effort.
Understand why intense effort alone often leads to diminishing returns—and what to do instead. Explore the subtle but crucial difference between belief-driven and willpower-driven action. Learn how to recognize when you're operating from belief versus raw determination.This episode uncovers the essential relationship between belief and effective action, providing riders with practical tools for achieving their goals—without exhausting themselves in the process.
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When riders set goals, they often strip away the emotional elements in an attempt to make them more "professional" or achievable. Stacy Westfall challenges this approach through a personal story of how a devastating show ring mistake unexpectedly launched her bridleless riding career.
Removing emotions from goals may feel safer and more clinical, but those very emotions—both positive and challenging—signal that you're pursuing something meaningful You can feel hopelessly far from success, yet just a few perspective shifts can completely transform your path forward Community matters deeply in horsemanship, whether found in show environments, boarding barns, trail groups, or online programs, providing the structure and support needed for growthThis episode demonstrates how embracing both the technical and emotional aspects of horsemanship creates more meaningful goal achievement. Particularly valuable for riders struggling to connect their dreams with actionable steps, it offers a framework for transforming setbacks into breakthrough moments.
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Do you catch yourself saying "I'm behind" so often it feels like a permanent state of being? That nagging sense of always playing catch-up can follow us from the house to the barn, affecting everything from daily tasks to our horsemanship goals. Join Stacy as she shares her journey from thinking "being behind" was unchangeable to discovering a path toward relief.
Your body sends clear warning signals about feeling behind - do you know yours? While switching plans mid-execution might feel like relief, but Stacy shares it often creates a pattern that shows up in unexpected places, including your relationship with your horse What appears as a time management problem often masks a deeper issue with mental clutter that keeps you stuck in the "behind" cycle
Key takeaways:This episode examines the hidden connection between feeling perpetually behind and your effectiveness both in and out of the saddle. Riders juggling barn time with job and a busy life will gain specific strategies for breaking free from the "always behind" mindset, with immediate applications for both daily life and horsemanship progress.
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When pursuing a meaningful goal or implementing a yearly theme, three specific challenges consistently emerge that can derail your progress. Join Stacy Westfall as she breaks down these obstacles and provides actionable solutions for navigating them successfully.
Key takeaways:
Our brains are wired to resist change in predictable ways, but understanding this resistance reveals surprisingly simple solutions for getting started on any goal, no matter how daunting it seems. The early stages of implementing change require a different approach than most people expect. Stacy shares how to use your brain's natural reward system (what she playfully calls "calorie-free cookies") to build momentum. The most significant barrier to achieving goals isn't what most people think - it's a hidden mindset trap that can make you abandon ship right when you're actually making progress.Overall, this episode examines why common approaches to change often fall short and provides concrete strategies for staying on track. Whether you're working with horses or pursuing personal growth, these insights will help you recognize and overcome the key obstacles that stand between you and your goals.
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Do you find yourself cringing when someone asks about your goals? Or maybe you've set goals before, but they felt hollow and meaningless? You're not alone, and you might just be missing a crucial step. Join Stacy Westfall as she reveals how adding a yearly theme can transform your approach to goal setting.
In this episode:Discover why traditional goals often fall short and how themes can fill the gap
Ten proven focus areas to choose from Easy-to-follow theme creation process Practical ways to keep your theme active all year
Learn how to make your goals more meaningful, especially if you value connection and relationship
Get access to a simple worksheet that includes:Whether you're a goal enthusiast or goal-resistant, this episode offers a fresh perspective on meaningful progress and a clear path to transform how you approach your riding journey in 2025.
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In this episode, Stacy explores how a fresh perspective on learning can transform your horsemanship journey. Through sharing her own mindset shift about future learning goals, she demonstrates how being specific with timeframes while staying open to possibilities can create powerful growth opportunities.
Key takeaways:
Learn why comparing your current learning to a previous period of growth can be motivating rather than intimidating Discover how slowing down to notice more layers can actually accelerate progress Challenge common misconceptions about what "learning more" meansListeners will walk away understanding that growth isn't about rushing forward or making dramatic changes, but rather about deepening understanding. Whether you're a beginner or experienced rider, this episode provides practical insights about goal setting, the importance of staying curious, and permission to explore your horsemanship journey with both the enthusiasm of a newcomer and the wisdom you already possess.
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"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.Through practical tips and encouraging insights, Stacy breaks down the three stages riders typically move through and offers guidance for each phase. Whether listeners are still avoiding the camera or ready to deepen their understanding, this episode offers a fresh perspective on video review that could make 2025 their most insightful year of riding yet.
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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 concept of "life is 50/50," from initial skepticism to discovering its transformative power in horse training. This mindset shift helps explain why resisting challenges actually magnifies them, while accepting both progress and setbacks creates space to notice the small wins we might otherwise miss.
Listeners will learn how embracing both sides of progress - the expected and unexpected - leads to more sustainable progress.
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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 from Enzo and Ember that demonstrate how to capture your horse's personality Creative prompts to help identify memorable moments from your horse's perspective A chance to practice seeing daily experiences through your horse's eyesThis unique exercise combines storytelling with practical insights to help riders better understand their horses and deepen their partnerships.
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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 playful energy. She argues against two extremes: constant, unfocused play and complete obedience without any playfulness. The key is finding a balance where horses can experience play or ‘blow off steam’ while still being responsive to their handler's commands.
Through personal examples, she demonstrates how recognizing and appropriately channeling a horse's desire to play can improve training and relationship. Stacy emphasizes that play isn't just about wild energy, but about emotional and physical communication between horse and rider, and the ability to transition smoothly between play and work.
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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 horses.
Originally aired two years ago, this heartfelt episode highlights messages from around the world about how horses bring joy, connection, and personal growth to their lives. Listeners share powerful insights, describing horses as sources of peace, strength, and purpose, as well as companions in triumphs and challenges.
Stacy emphasizes the importance of gratitude and the transformative power of the horse-human relationship. This episode invites listeners to reflect on their own connections with horses while celebrating the inspiration these animals provide.
Happy Thanksgiving—and enjoy the replay!
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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 these feelings as a natural part of the process.
What sets professionals apart isn't an absence of uncertainty, but rather their approach: they do everything possible to prepare, then rely on "educated guesses" to bridge the remaining gap.
Stacy illustrates how everyone – even experts – faces resistance to new situations. The key difference is that professionals understand that "new is always new" and embrace the inherent uncertainty rather than fighting it. They prepare thoroughly, then lean into their experience to make informed decisions in unfamiliar moments.
She encourages listeners to observe their own responses to new situations in daily life, as these patterns often mirror how they interact with horses. -
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 explains how different horses require different handling while still aiming for a balanced "middle" response.
Stacy emphasizes the importance of not denying a horse's natural characteristics but rather working with them constructively. She focuses particularly on the challenge of transitioning from loose rein to contact, especially during spook situations. To prevent secondary spooking (when a horse reacts to the rider's response to the initial spook), Stacy practices hundreds of take-hold-and-release exercises during each ride.
The episode concludes with encouragement for riders who discover training gaps after problems arise, comparing preparation to fire drills - ideally practiced before needed, but still valuable to learn from past experiences. -
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 create a draw toward certain movements, making them feel more like the horse’s choice rather than a command. Stacy considers two solutions: changing the pre-spin routine or separating trot circles from the spin entirely. However, she chooses a third approach—embracing Luna’s anticipation as a sign of her eagerness to engage. By doing so, Stacy encourages a cooperative training environment where the horse’s motivation becomes a powerful tool. She also highlights how understanding and embracing contradictions is key in guiding horses through the learning process, especially in early stages of training.
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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 that horses naturally fall into two categories: stoic (calm, less expressive) and animated (energetic, expressive). The second challenge occurs when horses become well-trained, often appearing less animated but not necessarily less engaged or emotional. Westfall uses her horse Newt as an example, showing how a horse can maintain its personality while developing focus.
The third challenge involves the tendency to cluster behaviors and emotions, like associating playfulness with happiness or stoicism with boredom. Westfall cautions against these assumptions and recommends verbalizing what you think you're seeing in your horse to become more aware of your interpretations.
This episode provides valuable insights for horse owners seeking to better understand their equine partners' communication styles. - Näytä enemmän
