Posts by Stacy Westfall
Western Dressage, Level 2 movements demonstrated
This video demonstrates the majority of the movements required in Western Dressage, Level 2, tests 1 through 4. I made this video in the hope that it might help others who are reading the tests and wondering how the movement would look when ridden. I don’t claim that these movements are examples of the perfect…
Read MoreWestern Dressage, Level 1 movements demonstrated
This video demonstrates the majority of the movements require in Western Dressage, Level 1, tests 1 through 4. When I was getting started in Western dressage I often found the language on the tests to be slightly confusing because I did not have a background in dressage. I made this video in the hope that…
Read MoreWestern dressage quarter and half pirouettes-Episode 18: The Trail to the World Show
This week I take you behind the scenes to one of my riding lessons. My goal at the lesson is to decide what classes to enter at the Western Dressage World Show. You get to see me practicing quarter pirouettes and half pirouettes. I printed all of the tests from level 1-4 and took them…
Read MoreTraining Exercise: Circles inside of circles- Episode 17
In this video I share with you an exercise that I use to increase my horses strength, balance and understanding of aids. I call it ‘circles inside of circles’ and it involves a lot of, you guessed it, circles. In the video I show how I set up cones as points to ride to as…
Read MoreSchooling 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…
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