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

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.

• 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.