Posts by Stacy Westfall

A horse’s body reveals more than just physical movement—it reflects their thoughts, emotions, and understanding. In this episode, Stacy Westfall explores how a horse’s behavior can show both their level of knowledge and their maturity. She shares why interpreting the horse’s mind requires stepping outside of our automatic reactions and learning to see things from…

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,…

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…

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,…

  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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…