Posts by Stacy Westfall
Schooling a horse at a horse show-Episode 16: Trail to the World Show
There is so much valuable experience that horses can gain at horse shows. Most shows have a haul in fee or a non-showing fee that people can pay to come and simply be at the horse show. I encourage people to do this and I often haul horses that are not ready to show simply…
Read MoreUrban Trail ride…to the donut store!
Urban trail riding is a bit different than my usual trail riding but it was fun! Maybe it’s just me but I think everything looks better from the back of a horse. Thanks to the Chino Hills Horseman’s Association for bringing me to California for your event. Thanks to Rancho de Felicidad for hosting me.…
Read MoreDeveloping an independent seat: colt starting, reining, western dressage
In this video I discuss: How to test your seat position. My belief that there is no one perfect rider position. There is one thing that all great riders have in common. When I look at multiple disciplines I see there are lots of ways for riders to be effective. All great riders have an…
Read MoreMistakes people make neck reining on the trail: Episode 14-The Trail to the World Show
In this video I discuss how I change my expectations between riding in the arena and on the trail. I share why Willow’s ears change as a result of me changing my focus. When I’m in the arena, I often ask Willow to be more ‘dialed in’ or focused. I can tell when she is…
Read MoreMeasuring success at horse shows-Episode 13; The trail to the World Show
What would a perfect day on horseback look like for you? I like both showing and trail riding…so my perfect day involved both:) On this day, in this video, I decided to take Gabby to a ranch riding show to test my question: Is Gabby ready to ride one handed and do flying lead changes?…
Read MoreA promise to a horse, Willow’s Story: Episode 12
I make one promise to my horses. I promise to develop you to your fullest potential. Pulling a cart, a safe trail horse or the show pen… I don’t decide…I help them find it. I sold Willow as a weanling. I bought her back as a 4 year old when she was too small. I…
Read MoreWhat is the most effective fly spray for horses out there right now?
“Hey Stacy. How about a poll? What is the most effective fly spray out there right now? Anyone got a special mix they are using? I need to control/repel mosquitoes, horn flies, deer flies, and the occasional horse fly.”-Carla V. How about it? What do you use to control flies around your horses? What flies are…
Read MoreShow to your horses strengths, specialize or generalize? Episode 11-The Trail to the World Show
What are your horses strengths? How much influence can training have on movement? What is the judge looking for in the event? How to they consider the movement, the training and the degree of difficulty? How much can you influence these as a rider/trainer? I have established that I can show my horses and achieve…
Read MoreMistakes during simple and flying lead changes: Episode 10-The trail to the World Show
Lead changes are simply lead departures to a new lead. Simple idea. Complex execution. Lead changes are often considered simple, ‘because the horses do them in the pasture’ but in reality, cueing them in a precise spot, with a rider changes the equation substantially. In this video, I show good and not-so-good transitions with Willow.…
Read MoreThe most difficult transition we do with a horse: Episode 9-The Trail to the World Show
In this video I discuss transitions of speed, gait…and the most difficult transition I believe we do with horses. Teaching horses to accept contact, loose rein, and contact again is difficult. Practicing transitions inside of gaits (jog to extended jog) is just as important as transitions between the gaits (trot-canter). I knew my weekend plan…
Read More