Episode 343: Why “Almost Right” Will Bring Less Tension

Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall

Striving for precision too early in training often backfires—not because correctness is wrong, but because perfection adds pressure. In this episode, Stacy shares how choosing to leave something slightly off, or “almost right,” can actually lead to greater clarity and softer communication. Using a real-time groundwork session with her mare Luna, Stacy illustrates how intentional imbalance builds understanding without triggering tension.

Key takeaways:

– Aiming for perfect balance too soon often creates tension in both horse and rider – Allowing small, chosen “mistakes” can give horses space to problem-solve – Overcorrecting sends mixed signals and creates a trapped feeling for the horse – Progress comes from subtle repetition, not dramatic gear changes

This episode examines how allowing “almost right” moments helps horses and riders stay mentally and physically relaxed while learning. Ideal for riders who find themselves overthinking, micromanaging, or unknowingly creating tension in pursuit of perfection.