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

Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall

#Equestrian #Lifestyle #Bridleless #Business #Change #Enjoy #Horse #Lead #Understand #Stacy Westfall #Sports #Hobbies #Outdoor #Colts #Rein #After Life #Problems #Start #Succession #Training

1:36:55

What’s up, Tribe, and welcome back to Good Moms Bad Choices! January was amazing, but its time to turn the page on the calendar and embrace beautiful new energy as we enter ‘The Journey of Love February.’ This month is all about the heart - join Erica and Milah to catch up and discuss what’s new in the world of motherhood, marriage, and amor! In this week’s episode, the ladies offer witty and sharp perspectives about personal growth in love, supporting your kids through their friend drama, and how to honor your true needs in a partnership. Mama Bear to the Rescue! The Good Moms discuss protective parenting and helping your kids fight their battles (8:00) Bad Choice of the Week: Help! My kids saw me in my lingerie! (20:00) My Happily Ever After: Erica and Milah discuss the prospect of marriage, dreams of becoming a housewife, and the top 5 ways to be confident in love (32:00) Yoni Mapping: Releasing Trauma and Increasing Pleasure (57:00) Its OK to fuck up, but also, what do you (really) bring to the table: The Good Moms have an honest discussion about finding accountability and growth before love (1:03:00) Watch This episode & more on YouTube! Catch up with us over at Patreon and get all our Full visual episodes, bonus content & early episode releases. Join our private Facebook group! Let us help you! Submit your advice questions, anonymous secrets or vent about motherhood anonymously! Submit your questions Connect With Us: @GoodMoms_BadChoices @TheGoodVibeRetreat @Good.GoodMedia @WatchErica @Milah_Mapp Official GMBC Music: So good feat Renee, Trip and http://www.anthemmusicenterprises.com Join us this summer in paradise at the Good Vibe Rest+Vibe Retreat in Costa Rica July 31- August 5 August 8 - August 13 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

about a year ago 17:25

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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 two categories: stoic (calm, less expressive) and animated (energetic, expressive). The second challenge occurs when horses become well-trained, often appearing less animated but not necessarily less engaged or emotional. Westfall uses her horse Newt as an example, showing how a horse can maintain its personality while developing focus. The third challenge involves the tendency to cluster behaviors and emotions, like associating playfulness with happiness or stoicism with boredom. Westfall cautions against these assumptions and recommends verbalizing what you think you're seeing in your horse to become more aware of your interpretations. This episode provides valuable insights for horse owners seeking to better understand their equine partners' communication styles.

342 episodes

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

Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall

97 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

342 episodes

#Equestrian #Lifestyle #Bridleless #Business #Change #Enjoy #Horse #Lead #Understand #Stacy Westfall #Sports #Hobbies #Outdoor #Colts #Rein #After Life #Problems #Start #Succession #Training

All episodes

Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall

1
Episode 342: Stuck Between Knowing and Doing 22:56

3 days ago22:56

22:56

Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall

1
Episode 341: Forward Is a Direction—And a Trained Skill 24:22

10 days ago24:22

24:22

This episode builds on the previous discussion of horses "falling in" on circles by shifting from the problem to the proposed solution: teaching forward as a direction, not just a speed. Stacy explains why forward is often misunderstood and rarely trained as a purposeful, straight-line intention—and how this gap shows up in real riding issues. Key takeaways: Most riders unconsciously cue left or right more often than they intentionally ask for straight forward movement Horses do not default to straightness—it's a trained skill, not a natural tendency Trails and arena rails can give the illusion of straightness, masking a lack of rider-directed movement Problems like dropped shoulders often stem from poor forward engagement, not just steering issues This episode examines how redefining “forward” as a deliberate, trainable direction can dramatically improve your horse’s balance, straightness, and responsiveness. Riders struggling with tight turns, imprecise lines, or inconsistent stops will benefit from this practical framework for improving both clarity and control.…

Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall

1
Episode 340: Why Your Horse Keeps Falling In—and Leaning on Your Inside Leg 33:55

17 days ago33:55

33:55

Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall

1
Episode 339: Training with Energy: Preparing Horses for Real-World Challenges 19:34

24 days ago19:34

19:34

Recorded from her truck at a horse show, Stacy Westfall explores the critical but often overlooked concept of energy management between horse and rider. She observes that many riders fail to prepare their horses for the inevitable energy fluctuations they'll encounter in new environments, whether at shows or on trails. Key takeaways: External energy sources (flapping tents, other horses, tractors) and internal energy (rider nervousness, horse excitement) create an energetic environment that many riders mistakenly label as "problem behavior" when their horse responds Training at home rarely includes deliberate practice with higher energy levels, leaving horses unprepared when they encounter intense situations in unfamiliar environments When challenges arise, a rider's instinctive physical response—either shrinking back or providing confident support—reveals their underlying mindset and directly impacts their horse's confidence This episode examines the fundamental difference between riders who approach challenges thinking "I might be causing this problem" versus those who think "my horse needs support," demonstrating how this mental distinction creates dramatically different outcomes when horses face uncertainty. Particularly valuable for riders who compete or trail ride in varied environments where energy management becomes critical for success.…

Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall

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Episode 338: The Mind-Body Connection at Tricky Trail Crossings 16:55

4 weeks ago16:55

16:55

Stacy shares insights from her first off-property trail ride with Ember, revealing a critical moment where riders unknowingly teach their horses problematic behaviors. By identifying the exact instant when most riders make a fundamental mistake at water crossings, Stacy demonstrates how arena training directly transfers to trail success. Key takeaways: When a horse hesitates at obstacles like mud or water, is "go now" REALLY what you want to say? Arena work that develops nuanced communication between horse and rider enables successful navigation of trail challenges Maintaining consistent guidance when horses encounter new situations prevents confusion, unlike the mixed messages This episode examines the direct connection between indoor schooling and outdoor application, demonstrating how the "high school" level subtleties developed in controlled settings become essential tools when facing real-world trail challenges. Riders who struggle with water crossings or similar obstacles will gain actionable insights into how their communication either resolves or creates these common trail problems.…

Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall

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Episode 337: Change the Angle, Change the Lesson 42:03

5 weeks ago42:03

42:03

This episode explores how shifting between perspectives reveals critical blind spots in your horsemanship. To illustrate this Stacy shares a 'backward' look at a common problems: a horse that spooks. When you commit to looking from each of these angles, you are more likely to get the full picture, transforming how you interpret and address training situations. Key takeaways: Discover how alternating between perspectives exposes patterns you miss when fixed in one viewpoint Explore how the same situation (like a spook) transforms completely when analyzed from each of the four angles Learn why your interpretation of events is heavily filtered by which perspective you habitually default to This episode demonstrates the transformative power of intentionally changing viewpoints to solve persistent riding challenges. By using spooking behavior as a practical example, riders will gain a framework for applying this four-perspective approach to any training situation, allowing them to break through plateaus and develop deeper understanding of the horse-human partnership.…

Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall

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Episode 336: Horsemanship as Art—And the Tension of Teaching It 25:11

7 weeks ago25:11

25:11

Horsemanship is often described as an art—but teaching it requires breaking that art into pieces. In this episode, Stacy reflects on the challenge of translating feel, flow, and intuition into teachable steps—and why both structure and flow must coexist within the art of horsemanship. Key takeaways: Building flow without foundation leads to instability—structure is what gives flow freedom Inspirational teaching often reflects flow, but lacks the tangible grip of mechanics Over-focus on structure can limit the experience of partnership and presence The artistic expression of riding emerges when steps become second nature This episode examines the contrast between structure and flow in horsemanship, offering insight into why both are essential—and how recognizing your own tendencies can bring more balance to your training. Ideal for riders who want to understand the 'why' behind the feel, and step into the dance themselves.…

Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall

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Episode 335: The Rider’s Body – When Your Body Tells a Different Story (Part 2) 23:52

8 weeks ago23:52

23:52

Stacy Westfall explores the hidden conversation happening between riders and horses—beyond conscious cues. Using the analogy of learning to float while swimming, she reveals how riders can unintentionally contradict their own instructions through subtle physical signals. In this episode: Discover why your horse reads your tension, breathing patterns, and hormone shifts as clearly as your intentional aids Learn to distinguish between helpful awareness and counterproductive anxiety by recognizing when your body is communicating mixed signals Understand why even experienced riders must consciously evaluate both their horse’s readiness and their own physical state in challenging situations This episode demonstrates that skilled riding isn’t just about technical precision—it’s about mastering the subtle interplay between internal belief and physical communication. Your emotions will always "ooze out" of your body and become part of the conversation your horse is already listening to.…

Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall

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Episode 334: The Rider's Body – Your Cues vs Your Core (part ) 24:45

9 weeks ago24:45

24:45

In this episode, Stacy explores the critical distinction between specific riding aids and your overall body intention. Riders often experience a disconnect between the small cues they apply (leg pressure, rein contact) and the broader message their body position and energy convey to the horse. Key takeaways: – The rider’s body communicates more than just cues—it reflects intention, emotion, and unconscious signals – Clarity arises when physical aids align with internal intention and focus – Emotional states influence the horse, whether or not the rider is aware of them – Building awareness of your own body language is essential for clear communication – Questions are a natural part of the learning process for both horse and rider This episode demonstrates how critical it is to align physical cues with internal clarity. It’s especially valuable for riders who want to improve communication with their horse through better body awareness—not just better technique.…

Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall

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Episode 333: The Rider's Mind - The Critical Balance Between Knowledge and Meaning 24:55

10 weeks ago24:55

24:55

This episode explores the two core elements inside the rider’s mind: the information you rely on and the thoughts that either help or distract you. Stacy unpacks how both missing knowledge and unexamined beliefs can quietly interfere with clear communication and forward progress with your horse. Key takeaways: Gaps in understanding may look like missing information—but can also stem from mismatched or misapplied techniques Your body unconsciously reflects your true beliefs regardless of your intentions, creating mixed signals your horse can't interpret When your mind automatically creates meaning from every interaction Unexamined thoughts and stories can distort feedback and trigger self-doubt during key moments This episode examines the powerful concept of having "enough" knowledge to proceed confidently. It’s especially valuable for those balancing learning with leadership, offering insight into how to sort through mental noise and act with clarity in real time.…

Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall

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Episode 332: The Horse’s Mind – From Instinct to Intention (Part 2) 25:01

11 weeks ago25:01

25:01

In this episode, Stacy explores how horses experience emotion—and more importantly, how they can learn to regulate it. Through stories, training examples, and thoughtful reflection, she illustrates how emotional elasticity allows horses to pause instead of panic, and process instead of simply react. Listeners will learn how to recognize a horse’s natural default state, how that state influences outward behavior, and how training can help develop more thoughtful, responsive equine partners. Key takeaways: – The difference between raw instinct and thoughtful responses – What emotional regulation looks like in motion – How temperament plays into training outcomes – Why a horse’s reactions aren’t always what they seem This is part two in a series on The Horse’s Mind. For a foundation on how physical behavior reflects a horse’s thinking, listen to Part 1: Episode 331. To dive deeper, visit Stacy’s website and take the free quiz on the four quadrants of horse and rider development. The results will highlight where to focus next—and follow-up resources will guide your next steps.…

Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall

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Episode 331: The Horse’s Mind: What Their Body Tells You About Their Thinking (Part 1) 30:13

12 weeks ago30:13

30:13

A horse’s body reveals more than just physical movement—it reflects their thoughts, emotions, and understanding. In this episode, Stacy Westfall explores how a horse’s behavior can show both their level of knowledge and their maturity. She shares why interpreting the horse’s mind requires stepping outside of our automatic reactions and learning to see things from their perspective. Key takeaways: – How a horse’s physical reactions reveal their level of understanding – The difference between confusion, disagreement, and emotional reactions – Why your horse might test a cue—and what their response tells you – How your own energy and behavior shape your horse’s learning This episode examines the deep connection between a horse’s mind and body, helping riders build clearer, more effective communication. Stay tuned for Part 2, where Stacy explores how horses can develop emotional flexibility.…

Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall

1
Episode 330: The Horse’s Body: Observation vs. Interpretation 22:29

13 weeks ago22:29

22:29

When your horse hesitates, pins its ears, or struggles with a movement, what’s really happening? It’s easy to jump to conclusions—assuming resistance, pain, or a training gap. But the key to true understanding lies in separating observation from interpretation. In this episode, Stacy Westfall explores the importance of neutral fact-finding when assessing your horse’s body, why riders often misread behaviors, and how small mindset shifts can lead to major breakthroughs. Key Takeaways: We naturally assign meaning to behaviors. Riders often assume their horse "won’t" do something when the truth may be that they can’t —yet. Seeing clearly takes practice. Developing the ability to separate facts from assumptions allows for better decision-making in training. Video is a powerful tool. Watching recordings of your rides can reveal overlooked details and refine your ability to analyze movement. Awkwardness doesn’t always mean wrong. Some physical discomfort—like an unbalanced canter transition—is a normal part of building strength. Not all resistance is pain-related. Horses, like people, can develop habits or attitudes about work, even after an initial physical issue is resolved. Learning to assess your horse’s body with clarity will improve your training, communication, and overall partnership. This episode is part of a four-part series based on the Four Square Foundation Quiz, designed to help you pinpoint your next best step. Tune in next week as Stacy explores the next quadrant: The Horse’s Mind.…

Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall

1
Episode 329: Misdiagnosed? A New Way to Diagnose Riding Challenges 20:11

14 weeks ago20:11

20:11

When training your horse, are you treating symptoms or addressing the real issue? In this episode, Stacy Westfall explains why accurate diagnosis is always the first step. She shares insights from decades of horse training, revealing how misdiagnosing a problem can lead to ineffective solutions, frustration, and even new challenges. Key takeaways: Misdiagnosing a training issue can lead to solutions that create new problems instead of resolving the root cause. Elite horses often mask training flaws, making it easy to apply ineffective methods to the average horse. Identifying the right starting point leads to improvement across all areas. Stacy created a free quiz to help riders pinpoint their biggest challenge and where to focus first. This episode explores how understanding both your horse’s and your own thought processes can lead to lasting progress. Whether you're struggling with a specific issue or looking for a clearer training path, the first step is accurate diagnosis. Take the quiz at StacyWestfall.com to discover where to focus next.…

Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall

1
Episode 328: The Moment is Gone (But That's Not a Problem) 31:13

15 weeks ago31:13