This podcast episode discusses the dual roles riders embody: the supportive advocate and the accountable coach. The challenge arises when riders need to switch between these roles depending on the situation with their horse. Using personal anecdotes and analogies, Stacy illustrates how these roles manifest in real-life scenarios, such as encouraging a horse to canter in a confined space or making decisions while trail riding. Drawing parallels between sports coaching and horse training, she elucidates the challenges riders face in pushing their horses beyond their comfort zones while maintai ..read more

I gave them ONE job to do… You may have noticed that Stormy and Lefty like to be close to each other, especially when they are sleeping. I have cameras in the stall, and in this video, I captured Lefty’s early attempt to sleep beside Stormy. He really wanted to cuddle…but he hadn’t quite figured out how to organize his legs…and hers. Great news! He eventually figured it out and they snuggle close all the time now. The stall the foals are in opens into our indoor arena. I’ve use round pen panels to create a small area they can roam out into. I think it’s cute that when they’re tired, they go ..read more

In this episode, Stacy Westfall explores the power of goal-setting and learning in layers, using her own experiences and the upcoming Virtual Tevis Cup as examples. She explores how breaking down big goals into smaller, achievable tasks can propel us toward our ultimate dreams., discussing how seemingly unrelated goals can complement each other. The Virtual Tevis Cup serves as a focal point, challenging listeners to rethink their capabilities and embrace new opportunities for growth, even in unexpected areas. Stacy emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, learning from mistakes, and main ..read more

Before you decide ‘yes’ you will join me, or ‘no thanks’…let me explain. What is the Tevis Cup…and what is the Tevis Cup virtual challenge? The Tevis Cup, also known the Western States Trail Ride, is the oldest modern day endurance ride, having been held annually since 1955. The goal: One horse, one rider, 100-Mile in One-Day. I have TOTAL RESPECT for those who condition themselves and their horses and compete in the ride. Not every horse and rider is up for that type of a challenge…however…there is… The Tevis Cup Virtual Challenge. This began as a result of Covid, and has become a FUN way to ..read more

Today’s podcast explores the concept of wisdom as something attainable through experiential learning, rather than mere accumulation of knowledge. Through two compelling success stories, you will see examples of how two women have taken the information they were given, applied it to their lives, and have discovered wisdom. Topics include: knowledge vs. wisdom the desire for, and problem with a checklist horse training has layers, and so does gaining wisdom technique includes how you treat yourself the power in seeing all options as possible, and then choosing Through hearing Mel and Heather’s ..read more

This is a round-up of my social media updates, all in one place for your reading (and viewing) enjoyment! Videos of the orphans arriving. Little Lefty got his name because he has white on his left front and left hind. Later, after he had the name a few days Clara Quade (you’ll see her in Stormy’s video) observed that the rhyme many children learn when tightening and loosening something says, “ righty tighty, Lefty, Lucy”… which now makes me tear up every time I hear it   Video #2 of orphans arriving. In the video, you’ll hear me say that the paint filly doesn’t have a name yet. She came ..read more

Stacy Westfall shares a deeply personal journey of unexpected challenges and gratitude in her latest podcast episode. Following the sudden loss of her husband’s mare Lucy, who left behind a ten-day-old foal named Lefty, Stacy found herself unexpectedly caring for two orphaned foals. She adopted another foal, Stormy, from Last Chance Corral to raise alongside Lefty, leading to a whirlwind of emotions and physical demands. Through this experience, Stacy emphasizes the importance of embracing contrasts in life. Despite the exhaustion and concern of caring for the foals, she finds moments of res ..read more

This is Lucy, the mother of little Lefty. To view Jesse’s FB page, click here.  The post Jesse Westfall: “I’ll miss her for the rest of my life.” appeared first on Official Site of Stacy Westfall ..read more

Learning life lessons through horses Although I love learning my life lessons through horses, there are some lessons I would prefer to skip. This week has been one of them. The unfortunate reality is that there will be hard times in life, and although I can’t always make them better…I certainly can make them worse. This week, as we have watched Lucy struggle with foaling and the foal struggle with surviving has been a reminder of the many lessons that can be learned IF I’m able to stay present during hard times. The truth is that I would rather run ahead, to a future place where I imagine thin ..read more

In this episode, you will hear a segment from a recent Zoom call where Stacy celebrates a student’s first horse show experience. Within this conversation, three key themes emerge: the show as an evaluation of training, the challenge of riding within a structure, and the subtle presence of regret. Topics include: How regret can sneak in during good times Why this thought pattern is destructive Judging your past decisions Intentional challenge or life’s ‘pop quiz’ Trail riding challenges This episode highlights the subtle way that thinking patterns impact our future choices. The post Episode ..read more