Episode 310: When Your Horse Disagrees: Managing Conflicting Viewpoints

Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall

Horse owners often encounter situations where our horses seem to "disagree" with our choices or training methods. This can trigger feelings of conflict and uncertainty within us, leaving us unsure of how to move forward. However, Stacy Westfall suggests that rather than seeing these disagreements as problems, we should view them as opportunities to develop greater empathy and understanding.

Stacy shares her own experiences of receiving "negative feedback" from her horse, Enzo, and how she responds with a sense of amusement and compassion, much like a parent understanding the frustrations of a young child. She encourages listeners to recognize that horses, like young children, are simply trying to communicate their needs and desires, even if they don't align with our own perspectives.

By embracing these conflicting viewpoints with an open mind and a willingness to see both sides, Stacy believes we can navigate the challenges of horse training with greater success, fostering a collaborative partnership built on mutual respect and understanding.