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Live Q&A call in opportunity!
I remember when I was growing up that I could call into a radio station to win prizes or to ask questions. When they put you on ‘hold’ you could hear the show being done live! This is your chance for that experience! I will be recording a podcast tomorrow and if you call in,…
Read MoreMistakes during simple and flying lead changes: Episode 10-The trail to the World Show
Lead changes are simply lead departures to a new lead. Simple idea. Complex execution. Lead changes are often considered simple, ‘because the horses do them in the pasture’ but in reality, cueing them in a precise spot, with a rider changes the equation substantially. In this video, I show good and not-so-good transitions with Willow.…
Read MoreInsecure horses and self control
Thankfully the horse show ended better than it began! Willow (the 7-year old I mentioned in a previous post) recovered nicely. Willow is not a naturally confident horse and this was her first horse show. To give an example of how nervous she was, the first night I was riding in the dressage arena we…
Read MoreClinics, lessons and learning oppertunities
We are at the Equine Affaire in Columbus, Ohio this weekend and lots of people are asking about clinic, lessons and other learning opportunities. I’m posting this blog with easy links to the pages that describe these. Clinics: https://stacywestfall.com/clinics/# Lessons: https://stacywestfall.com/lesson/ We encourage people to watch at DVD’s to prepare for and decide if clinics or lessons…
Read MoreFood stuck to my face…if only I had hands!
Newt was clearly wishing to snack on this…but he just couldn’t catch it! The things you see around the barn! I’m not sure if we will ever have a comedian quite like Newt…although his younger brother Lincoln and my rescue pony Presto might give it a shot!
Read MoreHow can I help you in 2018?
This is the question I keep asking myself. How can I help you? What do I have to offer that would be of value to you? What have people asked for? Thankfully many of you have been vocal. I get emails, messages and face to face requests. Many subjects are covered but ONE theme runs…
Read MoreDay 5: Handling the foals and when to halter break
I like thinking outside the box. It isn’t that thinking inside the box is bad…it’s more that I can add to that knowledge by thinking differently at times. Let’s apply this thought to halter breaking. When does halter breaking begin? That depends on who you ask. Some people begin the day the foal is born,…
Read MoreWhat do you excel at?
I often quote during my demonstrations Mr. Heinz (think ketchup) who said “To do a common thing, uncommonly well, creates success.” While reading the bible I found this “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand in the presences of kings. He will not stand in the presence of unknown men.”…
Read MoreHave you been to a horse slaughter sale?
This may seem like an odd question but I am trying to gather information. I try to visit a sale like this at least twice a year. No, it is not enjoyable, but it does keep me grounded and aware in a very real way. If you do check ‘Yes’ please leave a comment about…
Read MoreAlternatives to horse slaughter in California
Check out this great idea: Gelding Clinics to be held to reduce the number of stallions out there. I know that many people want to point fingers at the ‘big breeders’ but there is also truth in the fact that there are large groups of mixed horses out there in pastures. Mare, foals, stallions etc…
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