Episode 316: Three Revealing Behaviors: When Horses Want to Play

Train Your Own Horse with Stacy Westfall

In this episode Stacy explores the nuanced concept of play in horses, identifying three distinct types of playful behavior: possessed play, repressed play, and reactive play. She challenges listeners to consider playfulness on a spectrum, both in themselves and their horses.

Stacy highlights the importance of understanding and managing a horse's playful energy. She argues against two extremes: constant, unfocused play and complete obedience without any playfulness. The key is finding a balance where horses can experience play or ‘blow off steam’ while still being responsive to their handler's commands.

Through personal examples, she demonstrates how recognizing and appropriately channeling a horse's desire to play can improve training and relationship. Stacy emphasizes that play isn't just about wild energy, but about emotional and physical communication between horse and rider, and the ability to transition smoothly between play and work.