Episode 352: Survival Riding—What It Looks Like and Why It Happens
In this episode, Stacy Westfall explains how survival riding develops, why it often goes unrecognized, and what keeps riders stuck in that cycle. Drawing on stories from her own childhood as well as patterns she sees in adult riders, Stacy reveals the two main roots of survival riding and why avoiding the uncomfortable work only makes the problem grow. Key takeaways: – Survival riding often begins with not knowing what you don’t know, leaving riders unprepared for escalation – Guilt and fear in adult riders can keep them from practicing the very skills that would prevent runaway moments – Short-term safety choices can mask long-term gaps in communication and control – Building advanced skills creates readiness and dissolves the need for “white-knuckle” riding This episode examines how survival riding shows up, why it persists, and how skill-building replaces scraping by with confidence. It’s especially relevant for riders who recognize moments of barely holding it together and want to move toward deliberate, prepared riding.
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Episode 351: Why ‘Kind of Working’ Feeds Dissatisfaction
When things are “kind of working,” it’s tempting to stay the course—even if you’re not fully satisfied. In this episode, Stacy Westfall explores the hidden resistance that keeps riders from making changes, even when they know it could improve safety, connection, or performance. Drawing from examples across different riding levels, Stacy reveals why rocking the boat feels harder when nothing is terribly wrong…and why that’s exactly when change matters most. Key takeaways: – Feeling dissatisfied but resisting change often comes from fearing the discomfort it will create—both for you and your horse – Small, untracked “1% improvements” can mask backward steps if you’re not measuring progress over time – Avoiding disruption at home can lead to bigger problems when surprises happen on the trail or in the show ring – Off-season is the best time for deliberate skill-building, even if it temporarily disturbs your “polished” picture This episode examines the mental and emotional side of choosing change—especially when it means creating short-term resistance for long-term gain. It’s for riders who want to move beyond “good enough” and step into deliberate, measurable progress with their horses.
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Episode 350: How Does the Training Ever Work to Stop a Spook?
In this episode, Stacy Westfall offers three distinct ways to think about how horses learn to handle surprise. Drawing from her experiences with horses like Willow, she explains how layered training builds connection, responsiveness, and the ability to recover quickly when the unexpected happens. Key takeaways: A horse’s recovery depends on the quality of connection already built through shared attention What may feel like micromanagement at first becomes the seamless responsiveness of an experienced team Rhythm teaches predictability, but random prepares the horse for real-life surprises Horses can be trained to handle inconsistencies—not by avoiding them, but by making them part of the conversation This episode examines how training shapes a horse’s response to the unexpected—and how your mindset, habits, and choices all play a role in what unfolds next.
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Episode 349: What Critical Mass Really Looks Like in Riding
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Episode 348: Don’t Wait — Prepare Before the Problem
Most riders only think about safety after something goes wrong. But what if the most effective way to feel secure—and actually be safe—is to prepare before a problem ever shows up? In this episode, Stacy explains why proactive riding builds not just safety, but also clarity, emotional stability, and dependable habits that hold up under pressure. Key takeaways: – Waiting for a problem before you teach a skill puts both you and your horse at risk – Practicing “the answer” ahead of time builds clarity – Emotional tone during training shapes long-term rider and horse behavior – Safety is not reactive—it’s the result of consistent, intentional preparation This episode demonstrates how teaching the answer before it’s “needed” can transform your confidence, your horse’s trust, and your ability to respond clearly when the unexpected happens. It’s a practical reminder that true safety comes from preparation—not luck.
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.
Brasil