Performance horse
Muscle memory from reining not working in dressage-Episode 6: The trail to the world show
Six dressage classes and a wedding! I signed up to show in six USDF recognized classes with the hope of collecting the first and second level scores we need for our bronze medal in dressage. It made for a busy weekend…especially when we added in attending a wedding! I think the discussion of the levels…
Read MoreFeeling nervous or having doubts at horse shows. Episode 5-The Trail to the World Show
The rider’s mind has a huge impact on training and showing a horse. I teach what I have learned from over twenty years of training and showing horses…and one of those things is the constant need to evaluate what you are thinking. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes at a dressage show.…
Read MoreTeaching a horse to handle stress. Episode 4: The Trail to the World Show
The world can be a stressful place if you don’t know how to recover from challenges. This is true with humans and it is true with horses. There are two primary ways we can address stressful situations with horses. We can try to avoid stress We can teach the horse how to handle stress Those…
Read MoreHow does feeling nervous or excited impact your riding?
“Stacy, Do you get nervous before you show?” I always have tension in my body before I show…but sometimes this tension is helpful and sometimes it is NOT helpful. I want a feeling of positive tension in my body as I prepare. I want to feel ready to go and excited. There have been times…
Read MoreTeach your horse to stand still: trail and arena. Episode 3: The Trail to the World Show
Question: Do you trail ride your show horses? Answer: Yes!!! In this video, I explain some of the reasons I trail ride. I also share how I ‘build a bridge’ between arena work and trail work. I explain what I consider ’emotional control training’ and show examples in the arena. Maybe the most interesting clips are…
Read More5 steps for teaching the free walk for western dressage.
“Stacy, How can I teach my horse to reach his neck down and out for the free walk?” Free walk, stretchy walk, long and low…no matter what riders call it the idea is the same. The horse should lower and stretch the neck downward and outward. To be more specific, western dressage defines the free…
Read MoreWestern 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 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 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…
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