Posts by Stacy Westfall

In this episode, I discuss the difference between the mentality of showing versus training. These are complementary systems when you understand the difference between them. Showing is polishing. Showing is taking a test. Showing is an external evaluation. The judge’s job is to evaluate against a standard. Training is communicating. Training is teaching, clarifying, adjusting,…

In this episode, I discuss the concept of high value and low-value cycles. I define what they are and share one tool I use to avoid or get out of a low-value cycle. This is work worth doing to create long-term success. Ouch…

Where does confidence come from? Why can something go wrong in one situation…yet you can still have confidence? Yet in other situations, confidence seems so elusive. After a recent incident that could have easily shaken my confidence, I began reflecting on four different areas where I see confidence as an option. Many riders want more…

Are you confused about how to make your dream into a goal? If you are, you are not alone. This is especially common with riders who have relationship type goals. _To form the bond I have always dreamed of. _I dream of having a connection with him…. _To do anything on my horse with more…

What if achieving your goal was simple? 
Not necessarily easy…as in requiring little effort. But simple, as in, one thing you could do that would ensure progress. Does your goal require that your horse develops a high level of fitness? 
Or is it more focused on refining cues and communication?
 Or does it include a…

If you’re saying to yourself, “That was too much. I need to cut back this year.” This podcast is for you. There are times when adjusting your goals is in your best interest. But before you decide if you will repeat a goal or change it, remember to factor in what HAS changed…which is you.…

Self-doubt is often born out of a low-value cycle. “I could have done better.” sound so innocent. But what it really begins a little spiral of self-doubt. The next time you have to make a decision, a part of you will feel doubt, because you KNOW you’ll be judging yourself in the future. Your treatment…

When a rider sets a goal or begins to struggle, they are often tempted to heavily focus on the ‘how.’ This often appears as a heavy focus on the horse’s body or the rider’s body.  The real ‘how’ of reaching a goal or finding your path through a current struggle is a combination of the…

In this podcast, I explain how it is possible to teach a horse to offer desirable responses. I describe it as having a ‘conversation’ with a horse. I discuss the theory AND I give actual riding examples, including a link to a video example. Inside a conversation, there are ‘gaps’ or spaces left for the…

In this episode, I discuss the difference in the energy of starting something new, versus re-starting something after your plans were interrupted. New starts often come with an excited type of energy. Re-starting is an entirely different skill set. It requires you to use a different energy and a different way of thinking. I explain…