Episode 314: New is Always New: Why Experience Doesn’t Eliminate Uncertainty

Stacy Westfall explores a common misconception in horse training: that professionals don’t experience uncertainty or caution when facing new situations. Through parallel stories of her hesitation at a coffee shop and a horse encountering a trailer ramp, she reveals that professionals absolutely feel cautious, careful, and mindful – they just accept these feelings as a natural part of the process.
What sets professionals apart isn’t an absence of uncertainty, but rather their approach: they do everything possible to prepare, then rely on “educated guesses” to bridge the remaining gap.
Stacy illustrates how everyone – even experts – faces resistance to new situations. The key difference is that professionals understand that “new is always new” and embrace the inherent uncertainty rather than fighting it. They prepare thoroughly, then lean into their experience to make informed decisions in unfamiliar moments.
She encourages listeners to observe their own responses to new situations in daily life, as these patterns often mirror how they interact with horses.

Links and Resources:

Book Stacy mentioned, ‘The Ride of Her Life’ by Elizabeth Letts (click here for Amazon link)

Towel warmer Stacy mentioned, Westinghouse Luxury Towel Warmer, (click here for Amazon link)

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