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

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.