In this episode, Stacy shares a challenging moment she very much wants to rush through. Drawing parallels between human behavior and equine tendencies, Stacy emphasizes that rushing is not merely a physical action but a way of thinking that can impact emotions. Using her expertise in horse training, she provides insights into how rushing manifests in both riders and horses, affecting the overall training experience. - Stacy’s technique for reducing rushing in horses (you can also use it on yourself) - three reasons rushing seems like a good idea - how rushing impacts decison making - the MOST challenging time to resist rushing
Mar 13
18 min
In this podcast, Stacy explains two unintentional releases riders often overlook and the challenges they cause for the horse. These are also things that can happen in your everyday life. Topics include: freezing, shrinking, and withdrawing rider’s lack of awareness of the horse’s experience how to solve for freezing the challenge of lowering energy, hoping to calm horse avoiding ‘offending’ the horse redirecting energy scared horses being un-guided determined horses and ‘open doors’ Noticing how these things happen in 'real life' is an amazing opportunity to understand yourself better, which will improve your time with your horse.
Mar 6
20 min
In this episode, Stacy explains how to know if your horse is ready to move to a more advanced technique, or combination of cues, or when you should return to the basics. If you find yourself wondering, “Is my horse ready to move on?” or if you have moved on, but your horse shows signs of resistance….this episode is for you. Topics include: Believing your horse's signals and returning to foundational techniques Muscle Memory and Habit Response Rider muscle memory and habit response in riding Horse muscle memory and habit response dynamics Importance of consistent practice before facing crises Assessing your willingness to put in the necessary repetitions Recognizing the role of consistent practice in improvement Addressing issues like head tossing, reluctance to move forward, pulling on the rein, and excessive speed
Feb 28
22 min
Anger, frustration, fear… to wonder and joy. In this episode, three students share their challenges and growth with their horses inside the Resourceful Rider Program. What stands out to me is how the riders are describing that they can see themselves and their horses more clearly. If I say it backward, before they experienced the shift, their emotions: angry, frustrated, scared…were actually altering what they were able to see. Also listen for how they have learned to support and guide their horse's training. * shifting away from, ‘oh, no, there's something wrong with me’ * finding humor while training * learning to see a piece at a time, learning to see maneuvers in segments as pieces of a sequence * learning when you live in a rural area * the power of being in a community with other women that are trying to get better with their horses This episode is filled with valuable insights, and by the end, you'll see how it was possible for them…and it’s possible for you too.
Feb 14
30 min
Stacy shares valuable insights into how riders unintentionally slow their learning. She explains why many less experienced riders skip what she calls ‘step two’ and try to go straight for step three. She also contrasts this by explaining how pros do the opposite. With actual tips for how to improve, and a blend of humor, expertise, and relatable anecdotes, this episode encourages riders of all levels to embrace the journey from seeing to understanding, one identifiable detail at a time. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, saddle up for an episode packed with wisdom, encouragement, and the joy of newfound revelations in the world of horse riding.
Feb 7
17 min
In this episode, Stacy explains the five essential steps riders undertake to enhance their horseback riding skills and their training techniques. She emphasizes how each cycle of this process contributes to the continual improvement of a rider's abilities. The focus is on the pivotal first step, where many riders often encounter obstacles. Stacy explains how this is a particular challenge for women entering the equestrian world later in life. Can you clearly identify these 5 steps in a recent situation? Can you remember a time like Stacy shared where you could not progress past one of the steps?
Jan 31
24 min
In this episode, you’ll hear a conversation that perfectly illustrates the connection between what is going on in our mind, and how it is often reflected in our experience with our horse. In this conversation, Kristen is struggling with riding transitions, specifically, ‘letting the horse go’ or riding bigger, and then transitioning back to collection. Listen as Stacy asks questions to find the intersection of what is going on when riding, as well as what is going on in Kristin’s thinking. You’ll hear the breakthrough at the end of the conversation. Also notice that specific physical riding advice is given, BUT HERE IS THE PROBLEM: Counting strides won’t fix this issue, if the part that is happening in her THINKING isn’t addressed. emotions as vibrations getting stuck in a familiar emotional state why changing actions alone won’t work why change can feel awkward how this applies to fear, and recovering from accidents The best news is that you can learn to transition between emotional states, and it will improve your riding.
Jan 24
23 min
In this episode, we will explore how to pursue a feeling state as a goal. Listen in as Stacy coaches Lauren on how to pursue her theme of ‘having fun builds confidence’ as it relates to showing her horse. A way of being goal is an exploration of your experience of life. The direct goal becomes the exploration of your experience, the indirect goal becomes what you choose to do, for example, showing your horse. This shift in focus transforms the show from a mere competition into a platform for self-study. Topics include: 3 examples of making a ‘way of being’ goal measurable the danger of setting a ‘way of being goal’ and how to avoid it self-esteem and self-confidence the power of individual choice in defining success the importance of viewing this goal across all areas of life, not just with horses Steven Pressfield's book, “The War of Art" is also recommended as an additional resource on the subject.
Jan 17
28 min
In this episode, you’ll learn a simple 3-step process for turning your ‘way of being’ into something actionable. Examples of “Way of being goals.” include: do what is best for my horse have a closer relationship with my horse ride confidently without anxiety understand my horse's behavior better to enjoy showing again The problem or challenge with these types is that they often seem hard to define, and even harder to move into action, but it is possible. In less than two minutes a day, you can achieve a transformation that will not only impact you, but those around you…including your horse.
Jan 10
14 min
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