Personal Performance – THE GIFT Series

From the desk of Stacy Westfall:

“Hi Barbra,

Thank you so much for the wonderful book, THE GIFT. I have been meaning to write and thank you, but it seems at times that life just moves quicker with each passing day.

Because of the timing and the inscription I am guessing that you saw my bareback-bridleless ride at the Congress. I thought you might find it interesting to know that a part of you was riding with me that night.

I graduated from the University of Findlay in 1997 and during my time there you were a guest speaker. Many of the things that you taught have remained with me throughout the years. One exercise in particular, of touching the thumb and middle finger of my non-rein hand loosely together while showing as a way to stay relaxed, has become a regular habit. As I prepared Roxy for competition with no tack, I knew I would need a physical “cue” that I could teach myself to relax and recover with but with no saddle my free hand wasn’t always free! That is how I began running my fingers loosely through her mane at moments during my ride.

I would like to thank you, Barbra, for everything you have done in the industry as well as with me personally. “

“Barbra,
THANK YOU. I purchased THE GIFT hoping I could listen, drive, and calm my nerves! I listened to it for 5 hours going to one of my big shows of the year! I listened every time I got in my truck. And WOW! I took much of your advice, calmed myself, pumped myself up, and won the World Championship in Amateur Reining and was Reserve World Champion in the Sr. Reining! I’ve only been reining for 18 mos! I love the CD’s!”

Lisa Johnson
Lewis, KS

“I have been enjoying THE GIFT so much. It is a wonderful book with so much relevant and powerful material. It is so appropriately named – thank you for publishing it. I have been listening to the audio version on my half-hour drive to where I ride and I like to read a couple sections before I go to bed. I especially like the sections about “Purpose”, “Daily Preparation”, and “Preventing Choke”, and so many others. I am trying to use many of the tools that you talk about and I am making progress.”

Jim Neal
Rutherford, CA

“Barbra has done more concrete, fascinating work in the field of mental and emotional training than anyone else I know in the horse world. I have studied her work and I respect it.”

John Lyons
John Lyons Symposiums, Inc.

“Now you have two choices for enjoying an inspirational and educational book that will help improve your horsemanship as well.

The book version offers each segment in a short, easy to read ‘bite’ that makes it simple to study and understand.

The story of her son, Zane, will make you realize that there are far more important things in life than blue ribbons and silver trophies. Zane endured bone cancer that eventually took his life, yet he never failed to share his time and energy with other patients at the hospital, as wells as friends and family. His story makes it clear what really matters.

With his example of how a life can be well lived, Schulte explains that courage drives from a belief in a positive outcome, that you can handle whatever comes along, and that you have a greater purpose in your life than just competition.

The audio format is handy for commutes of all lengths. The short segments mean that you don’t have to sit in the vehicle for a long time waiting for the ‘story’ to end.

Your horsemanship will improve through the suggestions in this book, and you can make the world a better place with the overall goals, making someone else’s day better while you improve your own.”

Product Review from The American Quarter Horse Journal

“I recently purchased THE GIFT CDs and I want everyone I know and love to have it also.

I loaded them into the truck CD player and it must have skipped to disc six because that is where I started. (I love that I can skip between discs – that it’s not like a book telling one long story. It’s almost like God sends me messages sometimes.) Driving in tears is not highly recommended (that coming from a retired cop). On September 22nd is the 12th anniversary of my daughter’s death. She was fourteen years old at the time. So, THE GIFT message was especially close … and wonderfully written/spoken.

Thank you.”

Chris Dove
Worland, WY

“THE GIFT is a treasure of thought processes for dealing with life’s challenges. You definitely earned many ‘atta girls’ for the thinking and effort put into this book.”

Rick Graff
Edna, Texas

“I have just finished reading your book, THE GIFT, for the second time. You are right. It is exactly what I need to hear at this time in my life. Thanks for writing such a great book that will be a constant partner on my quest. I have a lot of work ahead of me and with a positive attitude; it will be a lot of fun.”

Gail Fox
St. Croix Falls, WI

“Your new book, THE GIFT, is such an inspiring work….I read ‘Focus’ just before saddling up to ride yesterday! I will forever be grateful to your talent, your ability to share it, and your own personal style of life! Thanks for that…..MAKE DUST or EAT DUST!”

Janie Larson
Ellensburg, WA

“I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed THE GIFT. I got it in the mail and couldn’t put it down until I read the entire book! And, I keep re-reading! I really appreciate the perspective that Barbra has not only in the arena but also life in general.”

Kandace Underwood
Stephenville, TX

“I just finished your book, THE GIFT, and truly enjoyed it. Again, I’m so impressed by your ability to motivate in such a positive way. There is so much in the book that I enjoyed. Something that really hit home with me this weekend was the section on believing in your horse.”

Lisa Strickland
Aiken, SC

“I want to thank you for your candid communication from your life experiences in your new book, THE GIFT. This book came to me with such timing in my life that one cannot claim it to be coincidental. I have shared this with my family and refer to some selections when I need to remind myself of my positive purpose in life, and life in cutting.”

Randy Taylor
Battle Ground, WA

“I have greatly enjoyed everything I have received from you over the years. This book, THE GIFT, is wonderful. I purchased two and gave one to a very special friend (who is more like my true sister) who had lost her son at age fourteen, four years ago. It brought tears to her as she was really needing a gift.”

Ashley Collins
Spring Creek, NV

“Barbra has experienced enormous success in the arena, and that success spills over into her life as well. She talks the talk, and she walks the walk. Her devotion to the mental aspects of riding makes her writing essential to the success of students in my program. This book has touched my heart in immeasurable ways, and its truths will bring confidence to the arena and in life.”

Al Dunning
AQHA, NRHA, NRCHA, and NCHA World Champion Trainer, Author, and Clinician

“Barbra Schulte’s insights into preparing mentally for the show ring were widely read in her original column series that ran in The American Quarter Horse Journal. Barbra’s background, training, and approach will prepare you for today’s competitive equine arena. Follow her advice and you’ll have a better experience with your horses – in and out of the show pen.”

Jim Bret Campbell
AQHA Senior Director of Publications

“To be the best competitor you can be requires two things. The first requirement is working consistently to keep your mind and energy positive. The second, and most important requirement, is working consistently to keep the priorities in your life straight. THE GIFT is a powerful tool to help you achieve both objectives.”

Sherry Cervi
Marana, AZ

“There are two important parts to riding … mental and physical. This book will give a rider the mental edge in the arena and beyond!”

Phil Rapp
NCHA All-Time Leading Rider

“THE GIFT” is sure to inspire and motivate. It is easy to read and reaches straight to the heart. Let it be your guide to higher achievement on a horse or in life. If you need an ‘Ah ha,’ this is an ‘Uh huh’.”

Craig Johnson
NRHA Trainer and Clinician