Everything that creates safety or leads to advancing requires an ability to clearly communicate to the horse's body. Yet, the system of communication changes as the horse's understanding grows.  Often the horse is first taught to turn from direct rein pressure…but many riders ideally want to steer with a neck rein or their body.   How is this transition possible? It is possible when the horse realizes that all the cues that are given are communicating with the body. In this podcast, I share two ways that riders often disconnect the feet and body instead of connecting them more and more. 

Episode 194: Which comes first; the head or the body?

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.

Hobbies

Games & Hobbies

Sports

Wilderness

Leisure

Episode 286: When Words Fall Short: How You See It vs. How I See It

In this podcast, Stacy shares five levels of distraction that she see in horses.  This is important to think about, because if you can recognize it in layers, or levels of distraction, then you have a chance to see the progression.  People use the term ‘distracted’ to describe a wide range of behaviors, so I want to show you this in layers. Level 1: Checked Out Level 2: Panic, But With Recovery Level 3: Just Above the Safety Line Level 4: Second Story Window Level 5: Roof Top Listen and identify which level you are at, and learn more about the common challenges with each level

Episode 285: Five levels of distraction you can see in a horse.

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 194: Which comes first; the head or the body?

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