Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall

Nov 27 2024 315 ep. 29 mins 240
Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall Podcast artwork

Stacy Westfall teaches people how to understand, enjoy and successfully train their own horses. In her podcast, she shares all of her knowledge in her area of expertise: horses. She offers insights into issues that riders face in their own minds as well as the way they are viewing the challenges and goals they have with horses. She shares tips on becoming a better rider as well as a better leader for your horse. Discover how you can understand things from your horses point of view so that you can enjoy the learning process with your horse. When you are able to understand what your horse is experiencing mentally and physically the process of learning new things becomes more enjoyable. Your goals may be showing, trail riding or simply enjoying life with horses-all of which Stacy enjoys herself. She shares her own struggles and successes to allow listeners to understand that everyone experiences ups and downs. Through her podcast, website, YouTube channel and social media Stacy answers questions about: Fear, when to sell a horse, goal setting, safety, ground work, trailer loading, lead changes, reining, spins, stops, western dressage, ranch riding, when to get help, lessons, clinics and improving your safety, success and enjoyment of horses.

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Episode 315: Why are you thankful for horses? How have horses changed your life?

Nov 27 2024 37 mins  
In this episode, Stacy Westfall shares a personal tip on the value of re-listening to podcasts, courses, and books to deepen learning and retention, especially when paired with implementing lessons in between. She introduces the replay of a special Thanksgiving-themed episode that features listener-submitted reflections on why they are thankful for horses. Originally aired two year

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

Nov 20 2024 18 mins  
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 par

Episode 313: Preventing Secondary Reactions: Preparing Your Horse for Success

Nov 13 2024 29 mins  
In this episode, Stacy Westfall opens with an update on her current horses, and then introduces the main topic of how to train for something ‘before you need it.’ Stacy discusses her approach to training Ember, a highly athletic and sensitive young horse she describes as "a lot of horse." Using the analogy of a sports car versus a luxury car, she explains how different horses r

Episode 312: Is Your Horse Seeing Contradictions? Helping Your Horse Understand

Nov 06 2024 25 mins  
In this episode, Stacy explores the concept of recognizing and embracing contradictions in horse training, sharing insights from a recent experience with her horse, Luna. Luna has started anticipating spins during trot circles, which could be viewed as a problem, but Stacy sees it as a potential training advantage. She explains how anticipation can create a draw toward certain move

Episode 311: The Silent Conversation: Three Hidden Challenges in Understanding Horse Language

Oct 30 2024 17 mins  
In this episode, Stacy Westfall explores three key challenges in reading horse body language and how misinterpretation can affect horse-human relationships. Unlike human communication, which combines words and body language, horses rely solely on physical expression, making accurate interpretation crucial. The first challenge involves understanding that horses naturally fall into t

Episode 310: When Your Horse Disagrees: Managing Conflicting Viewpoints

Oct 23 2024 21 mins  
Horse owners often encounter situations where our horses seem to "disagree" with our choices or training methods. This can trigger feelings of conflict and uncertainty within us, leaving us unsure of how to move forward. However, Stacy Westfall suggests that rather than seeing these disagreements as problems, we should view them as opportunities to develop greater empathy and under

Episode 309: Back to the Basics: The Dance of Internal and External Focus

Oct 16 2024 23 mins  
In this episode, Stacy shares a unique perspective on foundational skills in horsemanship. She explains how this viewpoint can reveal subtle imbalances and growth opportunities. By stripping away advanced techniques to reassess basics, Stacy demonstrates how simple exercises provide insights into the animal's mind and emotions. The episode centers on the dual focus required in effe

Episode 308: Maintaining Momentum: Riding Through Life's Interruptions

Oct 09 2024 22 mins  
Here's a cleaned-up version: This episode explores the challenge of maintaining momentum when faced with interruptions in your horse training plans. Whether you're a planner or a go-with-the-flow rider, you'll find valuable insights for keeping your equestrian dreams on track. Using personal experiences and insights from students, Stacy covers: • The impact of interruptions at di

Episode 307: Through Their Eyes: A Horse's View on Group Riding

Oct 02 2024 28 mins  
In this episode, Stacy addresses a listener's question about riding horses in groups larger than two. She outlines six key points for evaluating and preparing a horse for trail riding, including at-home and on-trail assessments, making predictions, communicating with other riders, and self-evaluation during the ride. Stacy emphasizes the importance of understanding the horse's pers

Episode 306: Listener Q&A: Enhancing the Relationship between a Novice Rider and a Capable Horse

Sep 25 2024 18 mins  
In this podcast episode, Stacy Westfall responds to a listener question from Laura, who has a highly trained and well-behaved horse named Parker. Laura says, “he's just so good. And me being new, I kind of wonder what I can offer him.” Stacy offers four angles for Laura to consider: 1. Use Parker's excellent behavior as a model to study and apply to her other horses. 2. Avoid t