I see the same phenomena happening now in the horse world as families endure tragedies. You might be wondering what this has to do with riding well, and focus, and success. Here’s the connection.
A sense of belonging is arguably our greatest emotional need as a human. It’s something we all crave.
We want to feel accepted, respected and cared about. Yet in the “normal” times of riding, we sometimes suffer within because we fear being disconnected from others. But, if you are ever in need and receive an extreme outpouring of love from our horse family, you will be moved. However, you don’t have to be a direct recipient. There are other ways to tap into this amazing connection.
The first is to be the giver of kindnesses, or cards, or funds to people in need, and repeat some form of giving over time.
The second way is to know, really know, that beneath the thin veneer of our short term, and often imagined, fears in situations involving others, there is an entire world of people connected to you just because you ride with them. They are connected to you because of horses.
In a time of need, everyone’s true values always come to the light. Our good or not so good outcome of any one ride is pale in comparison to what people will think and do when the chips are down.
With this knowing, tucked quietly in your heart, you can relax and focus on being
a great partner with your special horse,
every time you ride.
That’s how tapping into this extraordinary phenomenon
that lies just below the surface of normalcy can impact your
riding. The real heart of those you sometimes
fear is really golden.
Barbra Schulte is a Professional Cutting Horse Trainer,
Personal Performance Coach, Author, Clinician, and Equine
Consultant.
Barbra has been involved with horses her entire life.
Beginning in early childhood and continuing through college,
she helped market and show many of her family’s 500 head
of horses. She competed in western pleasure, reining,
horsemanship, and cutting.
In 2000, Barbra was awarded the prestigious National
Female Equestrian of the Year Award given by the American
Quarter Horse Association in conjunction with the Women’s
Sports Foundation. This honor recognized outstanding
performance and leadership in a female equestrian.
Candidates for the award spanned across all disciplines
recognized by the American Quarter Horse Association.
In 2012 Barbra was inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall
of Fame, one of the most prestigious honors possible for
women equestrians. She was honored for all of her
outstanding career accomplishments.
Today, Barbra continues to train and show cutting horses. At
the same time, she is expanding her education business by
continually providing new online and live informational
training for riders of all disciplines (regarding mental and
emotional skills) and cutting horse
enthusiasts. www.barbraschulte.com