Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall
Episodes
Episode 264: The hidden cost of how you treat you.
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dread. Disbelief… Disappointment. In this episode, Stacy shares an incident where she felt these, and she shares how understanding your response...
Episode 263-Messy Middle or normal process: reducing frustration and increasing fun
29 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 262- Unlocking Potential: Recognizing the layers of training
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
"…there are hundreds of exchanges that are happening between horse and rider, and being able to observe those in as much detail as you can really he...
Episode 261: Becoming congruent: The skill of shifting your perspective
15 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Three students join me and share their challenges, and life lessons learned through horses. As you listen, pay close attention to the choices these st...
Episode 260- Frustration dissolves when you learn to structure and evaluate your rides
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Frustration is an emotion that many riders report they feel. In this episode, Kathy and JoAnn share their personal journeys, which include leaving eve...
Episode 259- The value of seeing the whole process
01 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, you'll have the opportunity to experience a glimpse behind the scenes into the lives and journey of two students inside the Resourcef...
Episode 258: Choosing and Celebrating Success
25 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Stacy Westfall's podcast, she delves into the concept of defining and celebrating success. Stacy reflects on why she didn't mention...
Episode 257: Liberty Festival, reining, and bridleless riding
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Stacy shares insights from her recent experiences at two horse shows in Kentucky and answers a listener's question regarding preparin...
Episode 256: Bend is your friend, especially when bridleless
11 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Stacy Westfall reflects on the 20th anniversary of her first bridleless competition ride, sharing insights from her journey. She begi...
Episode 255: Lessons from Outliers: Horses not on the 'traditional' path
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode, Stacy answers a listener's question about working with 'outliers'. Outliers are horses with unique needs or circumstances. Stacy shares ...
Episode 254: My horse is so heavy: skillset and mindset changes
27 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I answer a listener question about a horse who has become heavy on the bit. Topics include: The importance of identifying concer...
Episode 253: Tack & technique: choosing bits
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, I answer a question from a listener who is preparing to start their horse under saddle and has questions about the progressio...
Episode 252: What is a finished horse?
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A listener wrote in that she recently got a new trail horse, and she said, "he's supposed to be a "super finished" trail horse." But he is not actin...
Episode 251: Should I reward the smallest try…or expect more?
06 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Early in training, or early in introducing a new concept, it is an EXCELLENT idea to reward the smallest try. But here is the question. When do you ...
Episode 250: How to use your seat to cue your horse.
30 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It is remarkable how well horses can learn to read a rider's seat cues. In this podcast, I explain how I use my seat cues to communicate with my ho...
Episode 249: Does your horse have a limiting belief?
23 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you've been listening to the podcast for a while, you have probably heard me say, "Your horse is asking you questions." Sometimes people will reply...
Episode 248: Am I doing this right?
16 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The questions you ask will impact the information you gather and your entire riding experience. Often times, the question "Am I doing this right" Or...
Episode 247: How do I know it's the cue and not the repetition of the pattern?
09 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
One goal when riding is an increasing consistency in your horses' response to your cues. This will only be possible when YOU are consistent with the...
Episode 246: How do I get my horse to keep doing it longer?
02 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered, but how do I get him to do it for longer? Maybe you want your horse to keep loping until you tell him to stop. Maybe you wan...
Episode 245: Why does it work one day, then not the next?
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Training a horse involves creating a language between horse and rider. It is very common for a horse to be somewhat guessing at the answer at times ...
Episode 244: Why ride patterns? (especially boring ones)
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Simply put: a pattern is a planned ride. When you ride with a plan…you'll begin to show up consistent. The more consistent you are…the easier it i...
Episode 243: Why should I bend my horse? (and why you avoid asking more questions)
12 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I discuss two ideas, the challenge of asking questions, and 'why bend?' The theme of this season of the podcast is, "No question is t...
Episode 242: "But all the doors are closed"….why some horses exhibit resistance.
05 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
One major difference between the early rides on a horse, and the more finished rides on a horse, is the way the cues are used in combination. In this ...
Episode 241: Three reasons it can feel like the training process is going slower than you thought it would….
28 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you are consistently taking action, and you recognize that you are having some success, but not at the rate or speed you anticipated.this episode i...
Episode 240: How to relax your body and communicate clearly when riding.
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Many riders experience doubt, tension, or frustration when riding because they are unsure of themselves, or are confused by their horse's response. Ma...
Episode 239: Do you have a connection issue or cue system confusion?
14 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When I hear a rider say, 'I've lost the connection with my horse." I see red flags go up in my mind. Here's why. The vast majority of the time, if I w...
Episode 238: To those who are pursuing their dreams...
07 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I have the beautiful privilege of speaking with many people who love horses. The majority are women. Many of them are pursuing their horse dreams ...
Episode 237: How capable is your horse…really?
31 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss how quickly horses begin to recognize patterns of behavior, and I answer a listener question about working around feeding t...
Episode 236: One skill that rules them all…first ride to bridleless
24 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Confidence and self-confidence are both important. But if one skill rules them all, it is the belief that you can trust yourself. Confidence comes f...
Episode 235: The challenge of bit-less and bridleless riding.
17 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I'm answering a question that came in about bitless and/or bridleless riding. In the episode, I explain: common mistakes people make ...
Episode 234-Pressure: Do you prefer sensitizing or desensitizing?
10 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today I'm answering a question that came in regarding two horses owned by one person. One horse is very responsive to pressure, while the other is mor...
Episode 233- Are you riding reactively or proactively?
03 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I asked riders this question, "Is there a feeling you really struggle with that seems to be affecting your riding?" These are a few of the answers: se...
Episode 232-Training bank account and emotional bank account
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, I'm answering a listener question about training vs emotional 'deposits' when spending time with a horse. I answer this question from sever...
Episode 231-Groundwork: earning the right to be in each other's space
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I'm answering a question that came in about my philosophy of 'earning the right to be in each other's space." The caller explains that she un...
Episode 230: Are your corrections causing more problems?
12 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On today's podcast I'm going to share with you a three step way to evaluate your corrections when you're training your horse. I actually don't like th...
Episode 229: "What do you do with your horse goals and dreams when life brings it to a halt?"
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I received this question, decided to make it a podcast topic because I have recently experienced a significant setback that derailed my plans. I see t...
Episode 228: How do I keep my horse from getting bored?
29 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I often get questions like, "How do I keep my horse from getting bored?" or "How do I keep repetitive things from becoming boring?" or statements li...
Episode 227: The two biggest lessons showing has taught me.
22 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I am wrapping up the 'horse show' season of the podcast. Showing has hugely impacted my development as a rider, and in this episode I...
(updated)Episode 226: The trainer, the showman, the judge: ways of thinking that impact your riding.
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I'm discussing three viewpoints THAT ARE happening in other aspects of riding…but are most clear in showing. Understanding these th...
Episode 225: Calculated plateaus in training and showing
08 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learning the skill of establishing a calculated plateau will require you to know yourself, know your horse, and exercise self-control. A calculate pla...
Episode 224: Splitting focus, allowing mistakes and growth mentality
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Here is how I would describe the ideal rider and horse experience at a horse show: Ideally, the rider is focus on: -what's happening with the horse (t...
Episode 223: Q&A: "The fear preventing me from showing my horse is…"
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A listener calls in and explains that she has previously enjoyed showing, and would like to show again…but a few thing have changed. She is older, a...
Episode 222: Show environments, routines and insecure horses
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss the benefits of a show environment, and why insecure horses can learn to thrive at shows. Topics include: Three different ...
Episode 221: How hard is it to interchange disciplines, and is that frustrating for a horse?
08 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I answer a listener's question about riding in different disciplines on the same horse. Topics discussed include: how the hors...
Episode 220: Showing vs. training and developing the rider's eye
01 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss the difference between the mentality of showing versus training. These are complementary systems when you understand the di...
Episode 219: High-value and Low-value cycles
25 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss the concept of high value and low-value cycles. I define what they are and share one tool I use to avoid or get out of a lo...
Episode 218: Check your confidence in these four areas
18 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 217: What if the goal IS what helps you develop the relationship?
11 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you confused about how to make your dream into a goal? If you are, you are not alone. This is especially common with riders who have relationship ...
Episode 216: The base layer goal that will ensure your progress
04 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What if achieving your goal was simple? Not necessarily easy…as in requiring little effort. But simple, as in, one thing you could do that would ...
Episode 215: Two things to consider before changing your goal
28 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you're saying to yourself, "That was too much. I need to cut back this year." This podcast is for you. There are times when adjusting your goals ...
Episode 214: Reviewing…without a self-doubt spiral.
21 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Self-doubt is often born out of a low-value cycle. "I could have done better." sound so innocent. But what it really begins a little spiral of self-do...
Episode 213: 'How greed' and your success pattern
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When a rider sets a goal or begins to struggle, they are often tempted to heavily focus on the 'how.' This often appears as a heavy focus on the horse...
Episode 212: The 'gap' in the conversation tells you what your horse is thinking.
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I explain how it is possible to teach a horse to offer desirable responses. I describe it as having a 'conversation' with a horse. I ...
Episode 211: Starting energy vs. Re-starting energy
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss the difference in the energy of starting something new, versus re-starting something after your plans were interrupted. N...
Episode 210-Hundreds of reasons to be thankful for horses this Thanksgiving
23 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Listen while you prep for Thanksgiving, or anytime you need a reminder of what horses bring to your life. I asked…and YOU answered. Messages flood...
Episode 209: The teacher and the student (human or horse)
16 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you heard the statement, "There are no stupid questions." It's a common saying because it's a common problem. Students fear asking a questio...
Episode 208: Reflecting to reveal your pattern of choices.
09 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Reflection is different from remembering. Reflecting is looking back at experiences and making sense of them from your current point of view. It is th...
Episode 207: The very real work of changing your mind.
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine how much freedom you would feel if you could watch videos of your rides and see what is working first, instead of only seeing what wasn't. Or ...
Episode 206: How riders use planning against themselves or their horse
26 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What is the point of planning your ride…if you don't follow through on the plan? And if you plan, but then ride without regard to your full experien...
Episode 205: Planning transitions and revealing habits
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You have two choices when riding; plan your transitions or ride reacting to what is happening. Planning your transitions when riding involves the me...
Episode 204: Your horse experiences your body.
12 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When you work with your horse, you look at his body to understand his full experience. You probably notice his physical responses to your cues, as wel...
Episode 203: The Resourceful Rider
05 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a Resourceful Rider? Examples of resourcefulness include: 1-Being strategic about how you leverage your resources; 2-Not wasting time and mone...
Episode 202: 3 things to do when the next step ISN'T obvious
28 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 201: The next most obvious step.
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I recorded this audio while riding Willow bridleless; day 2. My point: I didn't set out to ride Willow bridleless, as in, the thought was NOWHERE in...
Podcast 200: Can you relate to any of these struggles or success stories?
14 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
200 episodes and over 1,000,000 downloads later…its working! 200 episodes and over 1,000,000 downloads later… When I started this podcast, I want...
Episode 199: The trickiest concept
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The trickiest concept of them all…If the horse gives the 'incorrect' answer…it doesn't necessarily mean you taught the lesson wrong. This one can ...
Episode 198: The benefits of NOT believing you can.
31 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What stands in the way of reaching your dream? The ability to hold belief for the amount of time it takes to achieve it. But… If it's as simple as b...
Episode 197: The delayed side effects of your habit patterns: desirable or undesirable?
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 196: Teaching, Testing and Micromanaging: The difference is timing
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The difference between testing, training, and micromanaging is TIMING. If you are not sure of the difference in timing there, is a much higher chance ...
Episode 195: I don't want my horse to stop meeting me at the gate.
10 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you every considered asking more of your horse and thought, "I'm afraid my horse might stop meeting me at the gate." Or maybe you took a lesson o...
Episode 194: Which comes first; the head or the body?
03 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Everything that creates safety or leads to advancing requires an ability to clearly communicate to the horse's body. Yet, the system of communication ...
Episode 193: The #1 way to identify if you're trying to skip the messy middle
27 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are you struggling to advance with your horse? Does it feel like you are on a plateau thats 'ok'…but not what you want it to be? You might be ready ...
Episode 192- Forward is a DIRECTION, not a speed.
20 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Episode 191: Do you show up strong and clear for your horse?
13 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I outline three examples where I often see riders using 'low' energy to try to influence their horse. In each example, I share what I...
Episode 190: Doing less of a 'bad thing' won't work.
06 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do you have a thought, that you are not aware of, that is holding you back? While this might seem like an impossible question to answer- it's not. I...
Episode 189-Why I teach with patterns…and how it isn't about the pattern.
29 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When I say that I ride the same pattern over and over again in training, the most common question is, "Doesn't the horse memorize the pattern?" In thi...
Episode 188: Moving faster or slower than your horse; physically and mentally
22 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are you willing to be out of sync with your horse to make progress? In this podcast, I talk about the idea of moving faster or slower than your horse ...
Episode 187: The backward cycle of learning; 'after', 'during', 'before'
15 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Wouldn't it be nice if you could just read a book or see a demonstration once…and just do the new thing with ease? The reality is often quite differ...
Episode 186- Specific vs. non-specific riding
08 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast was recorded while I was on a long, 'non' specific ride. I categorize riding sessions into four different types to increase my awareness ...
Episode 185- How to determine if your self concept is slowing you down.
01 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Self-concept is how you perceive your behaviors and abilities. It affects your motivation, attitude, and behavior. It is possible that your self conce...
Episode 184-The benefits and challenges of learning to evaluate your ride
25 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you developed the skill of evaluating your rides? The skill of evaluating yourself is highly valuable. It improves your ability to be fully pre...
Episode 183-Creating building blocks or rearranging the blocks you have to create something new.
18 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A listener asks a question about changing her horse's pushy, fidgety behavior on the ground. She asks, "How can I deconstruct a behavior or a reaction...
Episode 182-How to deal with a mouthy horse and prevent biting.
11 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A listener asks how to correct her mouthy horse and how to keep mouthiness or biting from happening in the first place. In this podcast, I explain why...
Episode 181- Three reasons it can be challenging to sit a horses lope
04 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A listener asks how she can sit the lope or canter without popping out of the saddle. She says, "I seem to pop out of the saddle quite a bit…Some pe...
Episode 180: Help, my horse started laying down while riding
27 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What would you do if your horse started to lie down while you were riding? Here are some reasons a horse might try to lay down when riding: Horse is ...
Episode 179: Getting forward motion from a horse without negative tension.
20 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A listener calls in, "My question is about how to create forward without creating negative tension." This starts a discussion on how riders often brin...
Episode 178: My mare goes from calm and sweet to disconnected: self awareness, anticipation, and adjustability
13 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A listener asks a question about her mare, who at first appears, "…very good and calm, until she's worked out what it is we're doing and starts to a...
Episode 177- Rein contact: does your horse think support or correction?
06 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A listener asks a question about the different levels of contact between dressage and reining. On the surface this seems like a question about a horse...
Episode 176: But is this really what my horse likes doing?
30 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A listener expresses a desire to build relationship and connection with her horse and asks, "what does my horse really like to do?" In this podcast, I...
Episode 175: Why horses might put their ears back during work
23 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What is the first thing that comes to mind if you picture a horse keeping its ears back? Do you think aggression? Pain? Doubt? In this podcast, a list...
Episode 174: Horse bucking while leading: earning the right to be near me
16 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
horse-play: Noun 1. rough, boisterous play."this ridiculous horseplay has gone far enough" A listener asks a question about a horse that bucks when be...
Episode 173: Teaching a foal to be bold
09 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A listener calls in and asks reports that she can only touch her nine-month-old foal if she is holding food. In this episode, I describe how this situ...
Episode 172: What to do with feelings like terrified and scared
02 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"I'm terrified to ride her. I'm terrified to be in the pasture with her. I'm terrified to screw her up. I'm scared to get on. I've tried to ride my ol...
Episode 171: Positive and negative tension in riders
23 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Help! "My horse "flinches" at everything. I mean everything – including me sniffing. Somedays are worse than others. My trainer has kindly talked to...
Episode 170: Can you change the story in your head about a horse or is it time to move on?
16 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A listener asks a question about 'changing the story in your head about a horse…and knowing when it's time to move on.' Often times, the story we ...
Episode 169: Fearful horses: instinct, training, speed of learning and accidental rewards
09 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today, I'm answering two questions about fearful horses. I'll discuss the dance I see between the natural flight instinct, training, a horse's speed...
Episode 168: Q&A: 'I need help getting my horse to bend'; groundwork & ridden
02 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Why do some horses resist bending in the direction of the circle when being lunged or ridden? Two listeners called in asking versions of this question...
Episode 167: Things to consider when prepping for first big horse show
26 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A listener asks about how to prepare her 4 year old for his first big horse show. Topics discussed when answering include: how to prep depending o...
Episode 166-Goal Setting & Overcoming Obstacles Starter Kit
19 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Obstacles can become stepping stones to your dreams! In this podcast I'll discuss; Why people avoid setting goals or quit, the role of dreams, dealing...
Episode 165: Mastery and the Plateau
12 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Does it ever feel like the more you learn-the further you are from arriving? This week I read, Mastery: The Keys to Success and Long Term Fulfillment ...