Barbra Schulte

08/23/2026

In today's video, I talk about the three things that I strive to revisit everyday with the ponies.

See what you think and send a note back by hitting reply and responding to this email. I love hearing from you. 🙏🏻

Happy Day - Happy Week - Stay Cool (both temperature wise and swagger wise, LOL! 😉)

https://vimeo.com/1220474450/d2546eabde?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci&utm_source=aweber&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=barbra-schulte-get-unstuck-a-3-part-process

08/09/2026

As I continue to cherish the moments when I can really see and feel a horse’s response beneath me — moment by moment — and do my best to meet each moment with an appropriate response of my own, I’m reminded how important it is to get and remain present.



Otherwise, it’s easy to drift into our own world — and into the story we’re telling ourselves about what’s likely to happen (usually not so great!).



When we don't stay present, we start looking for and confirming our translation of 'problems' instead of noticing their small movements and responses that give us the information we need for what to do in the next moment.



There’s a big difference between having a plan for our ride - and - deciding ahead of time what we think is definitely going to happen — especially when we’re working through a challenge with a horse.



We do want a plan that helps move both our skills and our horse’s skills forward, yet we still need to stay open to what each moment is telling us is really happening.



Also, when we become too focused on getting a horse to do a specific behavior, we can miss the subtle signs that give us valuable information about what they need. Those little moments are the essence of guiding us to help them with more clarity and confidence instead of pushing harder or forcing the issue.



That’s why I find it so helpful to do the simple exercise in today's video - to become present before the ride even begins. It helps start you out in a more settled, perceptive, and responsive state — so you can better see, feel, and respond to your horse.



The exercise in the video is easy to do.



You can come back to it anytime during your ride (it takes only moments) when you notice yourself getting tense, distracted, frustrated, or caught up in one of those negative, runaway stories in your head.



Enjoy!



And, just in case you’re wondering what in the world is in the middle of the arena - it's hay — it’s there to attract the cattle and help keep them in the center when I wor

https://vimeo.com/1216653519/9ec0b73643?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci&utm_source=aweber&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=barbra-schulte-the-value-of-being-present-and-an-exercise

08/02/2026

I made a short video for you this week. Even though it's brief, it carries a big message - one we will continue to work on for as long as we ride.



Developing feel in the saddle is a skill that deepens over time.



And it begins with us.



To develop greater feel, we need to be emotionally grounded, and physically relaxed with just the right amount of softness in our bodies - not too loose and not too tight.



Clear, smooth communication with a horse is a conversation. We begin by asking. The horse 'hears' us - or not - and responds. Then it's our turn to listen, feel the horse, and respond back.



Feel allows us to ACCURATELY perceive the horse's movements through our entire body, especially through our seat and legs.



To maintain our focus and feel, we need to keep softness in our body, without making extra, unnoticed, quick, or random use of our seat, hands and feet - especially when we fall out of sync for a moment - or longer.



As always, the 'way' to become more self-aware and make adjustments, is first to s l o w d o w n.



Then we can tune in to our horse once again - and - be aware of our own body - making sure our seat, legs, feet, and hands are communicating intentionally and don't go feral! Ha.😉



That's what the 'beautiful riders' - the ones who look so smooth and effortless - have learned to do. They've spent years developing clarity, awareness, and softness in their minds, bodies and responses to their horse.



It all begins with knowing what you want to communicate, asking clearly, feeling your horse's response, and remaining vigilant to stay consistent with the movements you make in the saddle.



It all works beautifully together.



Your nervous system stays calm. Your ability to feel your horse deepens. Your communications become clearer and less confusing because those pesky, unintentional body movements on your part are minimized.



And - the best part - your riding begins to feel like a quiet, responsive, and very personal conversation between you and your horse.

https://vimeo.com/1214853178/d4236ab658?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci&utm_source=aweber&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=barbra-schulte-those-subtle-

07/25/2026

Every year during the summer, I offer extra special prices on individual copies or bundles of my books.

For a limited time enjoy great savings:
Individual books start at $18
Book bundles start at $54.90

Happy Riding!
Barbra

https://bschulte.lpages.co/2026-summer-book-sale/?utm_source=aweber&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=barbra-schulte-the-summer-book-sale-is-here

07/20/2026

A Short Story About Excellence.



Today’s video is a short story about how I came to make excellence a standard—not just in results, but in focus and process.



I also share the story of a superstar in another sport who inspired me through his passion, resilience, and ability to stay focused through seemingly insurmountable setbacks and pressure.



I’d love to hear what you think.

https://vimeo.com/1211079095/22021a1bf0?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci&utm_source=aweber&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=barbra-schulte-excellence-extraordinaire

07/12/2026

These days,s I'm getting up at 4:00 AM, feeding grain to three horses, and saddling at 5:30. I love seeing the dawn with the ponies and the sun come up - although I don't want to be in the sun much beyond 8:30 or 9:00 AM.

Today's video is a very brief catch-up on what's happening with my health, and I want you to meet someone new. Let's say she's pretty cute!

https://vimeo.com/1209078863/62ad1329ec

07/08/2026

07/06/2026

My beautiful friends at Rock On Center for Kids, a therapeutic riding program, have produced an award-winning documentary titled Where the Horses Heal the Soul.

Attached is the movie trailer and additional details. More details to come soon!

Congratulations ROCK and your beautiful participants, staff, horses and program.

"Where the Horses Heal the Soul" intricately weaves together narratives of resilience and newfound purpose as participants at ROCK (Ride On Center for Kids) connect with therapy horses. Set in central Texas, this documentary captures the profound impact that Equine Assisted services, therapies, and....

07/01/2026

I grew up riding and showing in Illinois across the river from Missouri. I’m so looking forward to this clinic. It will feel like coming home. I get to see long time friends and make new ones.