Episode 353: When Cues Become Conversations

In this episode, Stacy Westfall explores how a simple cue system can evolve into a conversation with your horse. Through real examples from her own riding and her students, Stacy shows how anticipation, contradictions, and “mistakes” often signal effort and learning rather than resistance.

Key takeaways:

• What looks like a problem may actually be proof your horse is trying to apply what you’ve taught
• Anticipation isn’t something to eliminate, but a tool that can reveal missing pieces in your cue system
• Strengthening one cue often exposes weaknesses in another—this is part of balanced communication
• Viewing feedback from your horse as part of a loop transforms training into a two-way conversation

This episode examines how shifting your perspective—allows you to recognize effort, guide balance, and deepen the connection with your horse.