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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