Posts by Stacy Westfall
Western Dressage: What is the judge looking for?
I attended the Western Dressage Judges seminar…and I don’t intend to become a judge. Why did I go? I went because I had one question: What are the judges looking for in western dressage? I had done some online research. I had shown at a few shows. But I wanted to know first hand what the…
Read MoreHow do you teach a square halt for dressage or western dressage?
“Your horse should stop and stand square during the halt.” “How?” Was the first question that popped out of my mouth. The first time I posed this question, I happened to be talking with a college student who had just told me my goal was to stop with my horse standing square. I could see…
Read MoreTrail to the Western Dressage World Show with Stacy Westfall
Do you like seeing behind the scenes? I do. The end result is often enjoyable; the fully decorated cake, the perfect wedding…an amazing horse in the show pen. But the story of how it all came about is often far more interesting. This year I’ve decided to invite you in for a behind-the-scenes look at…
Read More3 Pros and 3 Cons of having a reader for your dressage test
“Stacy, Do you utilize a reader for your dressage tests or do you memorize?” In dressage and western dressage you have the option of having someone read your test to you as you show. This person is called a ‘reader’. Sometimes it will also be referred to as ‘calling a test.’ The reader is only…
Read MoreHow do you pick where you’re going to live?
This was originally posted in 2016…I’m healthy and fine…but still trying to let people know that we don’t live in Texas (see the bottom of this post for more on that:) ———————- I’m simultaneously excited and exhausted. Excited because I’m finally making my big announcement in this blog (give me a minute) and exhausted because-…
Read More3 Mistakes I made reading my first dressage test results
“I felt confused and slightly disappointed…” When I rode my first dressage test I thought I had done the hard part… until I tried to read the results. I had taken the time to memorize the movements but I had paid little attention to the rest of the test. Although I was told I should…
Read More3 fixes for mud in horse pastures
I’ve lived in different areas of the country and seen many ways to deal with muddy pastures and paddocks. Some places don’t really have to deal with mud while others have lovingly nicknames spring ‘mud season’. I currently live in Ohio. If I had HUGE pastures the horses might not tear up the footing but…
Read More9 Reasons Western Dressage is Growing in Popularity
Western dressage is growing quickly…but why? Here are some of the reasons I discovered when I was getting started. Reason #1 You can use the horse and the tack you already own. Most western saddles and many western bridles are allowed. For the most up to date rules, you should always check the rulebook which you…
Read MoreDealing with stallions that bite; habits and hormones
“Hi Stacy, again a very interesting podcast. I love how you break it down into parts. This makes is much easier to understand. I have a 4-year-old stallion in training, who was really disrespectful when I first started. Very pushy, using his shoulders to run right through me, not respecting my space at all. The…
Read MoreAnd the winners are…
1st- Deanna 2nd- Mara 3rd- Nicole 4th- Martina Congratulations everyone! Below are photos of everyone with their horses:) This is Deanna and her horse Indigo. They are from right here in Ohio! This is Mara with her two mares, a mother and daughter. This is Nicole with her rescue horse Burlap. He was a rescue who came in…
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