About Barbra
I’m Barbra Schulte, the creator of Core Confidence Training for Riders, a program used by hundreds of riders in all disciplines to grow a deeper connection with their horse, a greater belief in themselves, and more ease with others.
The impact has been immense. My students and clients have gone on to incredible successes in the arena and on the trail. And what excites me the most is they measure ‘success’ by their scorecard and not primarily by outer standards.
And while external metrics of success are exciting (and happen all the time), what truly matters are things like learning how to put fear aside, how to feel more connected to a horse, how to be mentally prepared, calm, and focused for every ride, how to feel secure in a variety of situations.
They make ongoing decisions about their horse, or a trainer choice or a barn move according to their values. They learn the freedom of trust in their journey and belief in themselves.
It all started on my parent’s horse farm with 400 horses…
Personal Performance
Personal Performance focuses on mental and emotional strategies to enhance equestrian performance across all riding disciplines. It features articles, videos, and audio resources, including insights from her book The Gift, which offers 72 tools to build confidence and overcome riding fears. Topics cover managing challenges like bad weather or negative self-talk, setting a “True North” for personal goals, and maintaining focus under pressure. Barbra shares practical tips, such as embracing challenges with a growth mindset and using acting techniques to achieve an ideal performance state, drawing from her Mentally Tough training program. The content is designed to empower riders to ride with confidence, ease, and fun, with free short messages delivered twice weekly to inspire and educate.
Riding, Performance, and Cutting Coach
As a Riding, Performance, and Cutting Coach, I guide and support you toward excellence in the saddle, confidence in yourself, a connection with your horse, and a love of your journey.
My students and clients have accomplished incredible successes in the arena, riding their horses, and on the trail. What excites me most is that each rider measures ‘success’ by their own scorecard and not primarily by outer standards.
And while external success metrics are exciting, what truly matters are things like learning how to navigate fear, connecting with a horse, being mentally prepared, calm, and focused for every ride, and riding your best in any situation.
It all started on my parent’s horse farm with 400 horses…
Featured Content
Discover fresh insights, heartfelt encouragement, and tools for riders just like you to grow your mental game – every week.
My newsletter offers daily inspiration to help you stay focused, confident, and connected with your horse. We also dive deep into the mindset tools that matter in the arena — and in life.
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A Re-energizing Walk
It was a beautiful day in Texas. I was with my boy, Nick.
I’ve been home for a couple of days after quite a stint away. It’s interesting that when you put out a lot of emotional and physical energy, it’s essential to restore your energy.
And that’s one of my favorite ideas I’ve learned over the years, whether it’s in a moment when you’re riding—you and your horse take a breath—or if it’s in the bigger picture for sleep – or if it’s in the bigger picture coming home and allowing your body to recharge.
A Question about Grief
Last week I did a video about no resistance to challenges, and it was really more about the kinds of things that come up as we’re riding, say, bad weather, the ground, judges, someone’s comments – those kinds of things.
It could also be our own inner voice saying detrimental things.
I was thrilled to see the comments and hear from you. I love that and I always know what’s ringing true for you so thank you.
One of the comments asked how does that idea apply to grief? I thought that was a really good question.
This No-Resistance to Challenges Mindset
Today, I want to tell you something that came up this week in our cutting class: I shared a mindset that is one of my favorites because it is so empowering. Inherent within it is a growth and resiliency mindset.
It’s about challenges and about not resisting them but embracing them.