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 e...
Episode 327: The Recipe for Success: Balancing Structure and Intuition in Horse Training
This episode tackles the challenge many riders face when trying to balance structured training plans with intuitive horsemanship. Stacy Westfall uses an unexpected cooking analogy to demonstrate how mastering any skill requires both systematic planning and gut-level awareness. Key takeaways: Strategic time investment in foundational training during off-seasons creates both immediate progress and long-term flexibility Managing multiple horses at different training stages requires distinct approaches, from intensive skill-building to maintenance work Traditional planning tools reveal scheduling conflicts and opportunities that even experienced trainers miss when relying on memory alone The episode demonstrates how riders can develop their own "recipe for success" by combining careful planning with experiential wisdom, making it especially valuable for those managing multiple horses or complex training goals.
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25:42
Episode 326: The Physical Expression of Your Dream: Beyond Words Like 'Trust' and 'Enjoy'
Do you find yourself using words like "trust" and "enjoy" when describing your horse training goals, but struggle to translate these concepts into action? You're not alone. Many riders grapple with the gap between their aspirations and day-to-day training decisions. In this episode, Stacy Westfall explores how to transform abstract horse training concepts into physical, observable actions. Key takeaways: Dreams remain intangible until we define what they look like in real-world situations Common phrases in horse training often mask deeper, more specific intentions The path from aspiration to action requires questioning your own assumptions Through real examples from her work with her horse Ember, Stacy demonstrates a questioning process that helps riders move beyond vague terminology to create meaningful, actionable training plans. This episode is essential for both goal-resistant and goal-oriented riders who want to bring their horse training dreams into physical reality.
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18:30
Episode 325: The Missing Link: Why Some Keep Going and Others Burn Out
What if your fuel—not your effort—is the problem? Stacy Westfall shares a surprising lesson in persistence, revealing why sheer determination isn’t enough—and what actually sustains lasting effort. Understand why intense effort alone often leads to diminishing returns—and what to do instead. Explore the subtle but crucial difference between belief-driven and willpower-driven action. Learn how to recognize when you're operating from belief versus raw determination. This episode uncovers the essential relationship between belief and effective action, providing riders with practical tools for achieving their goals—without exhausting themselves in the process.
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17:26
Episode 324: Heart and Goal: Your Dreams Made Visible
When riders set goals, they often strip away the emotional elements in an attempt to make them more "professional" or achievable. Stacy Westfall challenges this approach through a personal story of how a devastating show ring mistake unexpectedly launched her bridleless riding career. Removing emotions from goals may feel safer and more clinical, but those very emotions—both positive and challenging—signal that you're pursuing something meaningful You can feel hopelessly far from success, yet just a few perspective shifts can completely transform your path forward Community matters deeply in horsemanship, whether found in show environments, boarding barns, trail groups, or online programs, providing the structure and support needed for growth This episode demonstrates how embracing both the technical and emotional aspects of horsemanship creates more meaningful goal achievement. Particularly valuable for riders struggling to connect their dreams with actionable steps, it offers a framework for transforming setbacks into breakthrough moments.
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18:13
Episode 323: "I Feel Behind" - And What To Do About It
Do you catch yourself saying "I'm behind" so often it feels like a permanent state of being? That nagging sense of always playing catch-up can follow us from the house to the barn, affecting everything from daily tasks to our horsemanship goals. Join Stacy as she shares her journey from thinking "being behind" was unchangeable to discovering a path toward relief. Key takeaways: Your body sends clear warning signals about feeling behind - do you know yours? While switching plans mid-execution might feel like relief, but Stacy shares it often creates a pattern that shows up in unexpected places, including your relationship with your horse What appears as a time management problem often masks a deeper issue with mental clutter that keeps you stuck in the "behind" cycle This episode examines the hidden connection between feeling perpetually behind and your effectiveness both in and out of the saddle. Riders juggling barn time with job and a busy life will gain specific strategies for breaking free from the "always behind" mindset, with immediate applications for both daily life and horsemanship progress.
Acerca de Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall
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.