Getting into horses or returning to horses later in life can be a challenge but can also contain many hidden blessings. My guest today, Suzi Vlietstra, shares her experience of returning to horses at age 57. In her words, "So here I am, an older and wider rider hoping to recapture some of the equine magic." and another quote, "I was now a very adult rider with some unfamiliar fears..." We discuss the challenges of changing bodies, letting go of past expectations, embracing the here and now...and much more.

The older & wider rider - a conversation with Suzi Vlietstra

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 you can enjoy the learning process with your horse. When you are able to understand what your horse is experiencing mentally and physically the process of learning new things becomes more enjoyable.  
Your goals may be showing, trail riding or simply enjoying life with horses-all of which Stacy enjoys herself. 
She shares her own struggles and successes to allow listeners to understand that everyone experiences ups and downs. 
Through her podcast, website, YouTube channel and social media Stacy answers questions about: Fear, when to sell a horse, goal setting, safety, ground work, trailer loading, lead changes, reining, spins, stops, western dressage, ranch riding, when to get help, lessons, clinics and improving your safety, success and enjoyment of horses.

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Episode 284: How Riders Can Avoid These 3 Self-Created Obstacles

This podcast episode discusses the dual roles riders embody: the supportive advocate and the accountable coach. The challenge arises when riders need to  switch between these roles depending on the situation with their horse.  Using personal anecdotes and analogies, Stacy illustrates how these roles manifest in real-life scenarios, such as encouraging a horse to canter in a confined space or making decisions while trail riding.  Drawing parallels between sports coaching and horse training, she elucidates the challenges riders face in pushing their horses beyond their comfort zones while maintaining a supportive rapport.  By sharing personal experiences and insights, Stacy encourages listeners to reflect on their own roles and challenges in horse training, offering practical tips for navigating these complexities.  

Episode 283: Switching Gears: Mastering Multiple Roles with Your Horse

In this episode, Stacy Westfall explores the power of goal-setting and learning in layers, using her own experiences and the upcoming Virtual Tevis Cup as examples.  She explores how breaking down big goals into smaller, achievable tasks can propel us toward our ultimate dreams., discussing how seemingly unrelated goals can complement each other. The Virtual Tevis Cup serves as a focal point, challenging listeners to rethink their capabilities and embrace new opportunities for growth, even in unexpected areas. Stacy emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, learning from mistakes, and maintaining a community-driven approach to equine endeavors.  If you're interested in participating in the Virtual Tevis Cup or exploring layered goals for yourself and your horse, visit Stacy Westfall's website or social media for more information.

Episode 282-Riding Towards Understanding: the Virtual Tevis Cup Challenge

Today's podcast explores the concept of wisdom as something attainable through experiential learning, rather than mere accumulation of knowledge.  Through two compelling success stories, you will see examples of how two women have taken the information they were given, applied it to their lives, and have discovered wisdom. Topics include:   knowledge vs. wisdom the desire for, and problem with a checklist horse training has layers, and so does gaining wisdom technique includes how you treat yourself the power in seeing all options as possible, and then choosing  Through hearing Mel and Heather’s experiences, you will have the opportunity to discover how wisdom is earned. 

Episode 281- Earning Wisdom: Two Stories of Personal Growth

Stacy Westfall shares a deeply personal journey of unexpected challenges and gratitude in her latest podcast episode. Following the sudden loss of her husband's mare Lucy, who left behind a ten-day-old foal named Lefty, Stacy found herself unexpectedly caring for two orphaned foals. She adopted another foal, Stormy, from Last Chance Corral to raise alongside Lefty, leading to a whirlwind of emotions and physical demands. Through this experience, Stacy emphasizes the importance of embracing contrasts in life. Despite the exhaustion and concern of caring for the foals, she finds moments of rest and contentment. Stacy draws parallels between her own emotional resilience and the foals' physical and mental growth, noting how they stretch their comfort zones and quickly return to a state of equilibrium. Reflecting on her past experiences, including raising orphan foals in 2016, Stacy expresses gratitude for her preparedness and the resources to care for the foals. She credits her mindset mastery work for enabling her to navigate a range of emotions and embrace the challenges as choices rather than burdens. Ultimately, Stacy sees caring for the orphaned foals not as an obligation but as an honor and a gift, highlighting the importance of choosing to embrace life's challenges. She concludes with a message of gratitude and resilience.

The older & wider rider - a conversation with Suzi Vlietstra

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