Posts by Stacy Westfall
Episode 287: Distracted: Should I let my horse stop and look, or keep him moving?
In this podcast episode, Stacy explains the options you have for handling a distracted horse. She explains why there are mixed views, and explains why these seeming contradictions exist. To make this episode memorable, Stacy invites you into a make believe $100,000 game. Key points include: Deciding whether you want to leave the horse to…
Read MoreEpisode 286: When Words Fall Short: How You See It vs. How I See It
In this episode, Stacy dives into the challenge of using words to describe what happens with your horse. She starts with a common experience: reading a student’s description, then watching a video to match it with reality. This exercise often reveals discrepancies. For instance, while a student might describe a horse as “reactive” or “stuck,”…
Read MoreEpisode 285: Five levels of distraction you can see in a horse.
In this podcast, Stacy shares five levels of distraction that she see in horses. This is important to think about, because if you can recognize it in layers, or levels of distraction, then you have a chance to see the progression. People use the term ‘distracted’ to describe a wide range of behaviors, so I…
Read MoreEpisode 284: How Riders Can Avoid These 3 Self-Created Obstacles
In this episode, Stacy shares three ways riders unintentionally complicate their journey, creating unnecessary hurdles in the process. This includes a discussion on thoughts like, “I started too late, I didn’t have the opportunities, it wasn’t meant for me.” The first way is by not exposing themselves to others who are actively engaging in the…
Read MoreEpisode 283: Switching Gears: Mastering Multiple Roles with Your Horse
This podcast episode discusses the dual roles riders embody: the supportive advocate and the accountable coach. The challenge arises when riders need to switch between these roles depending on the situation with their horse. Using personal anecdotes and analogies, Stacy illustrates how these roles manifest in real-life scenarios, such as encouraging a horse to canter…
Read MoreStormy and Lefty Updates: Sleep tight, ONE job to do…
I gave them ONE job to do…🤣 You may have noticed that Stormy and Lefty like to be close to each other, especially when they are sleeping. 😴 I have cameras in the stall, and in this video, I captured Lefty’s early attempt to sleep beside Stormy. He really wanted to cuddle…but he hadn’t quite…
Read MoreEpisode 282-Riding Towards Understanding: the Virtual Tevis Cup Challenge
In this episode, Stacy Westfall explores the power of goal-setting and learning in layers, using her own experiences and the upcoming Virtual Tevis Cup as examples. She explores how breaking down big goals into smaller, achievable tasks can propel us toward our ultimate dreams., discussing how seemingly unrelated goals can complement each other. The Virtual…
Read MoreTevis Cup: Will you join me?
Before you decide ‘yes’ you will join me, or ‘no thanks’…let me explain. What is the Tevis Cup…and what is the Tevis Cup virtual challenge? The Tevis Cup, also known the Western States Trail Ride, is the oldest modern day endurance ride, having been held annually since 1955. The goal: One horse, one rider, 100-Mile…
Read MoreEpisode 281- Earning Wisdom: Two Stories of Personal Growth
Today’s podcast explores the concept of wisdom as something attainable through experiential learning, rather than mere accumulation of knowledge. Through two compelling success stories, you will see examples of how two women have taken the information they were given, applied it to their lives, and have discovered wisdom. Topics include: knowledge vs. wisdom the desire…
Read MoreLittle Lefty and his pal Stormy: unloading from the trailer, meeting the first time, drinking milk, and Lefty’s layers of blankets!
This is a round-up of my social media updates, all in one place for your reading (and viewing) enjoyment! Videos of the orphans arriving. Little Lefty got his name because he has white on his left front and left hind. Later, after he had the name a few days Clara Quade (you’ll see her in…
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