Practical and Positive Strategies for Navigating Personal and Professional Relationships
Relationship Savvy is a two-part workshop series based on research about what drives healthy human/human relationships and ways to cultivate them.
We'll also explore the causes of painful experiences (we feel hurt or diminished) and share actionable strategies for better outcomes when relationships get complicated in our horse world.
Where applicable, we'll draw parallels to human/horse relationships.
The Relationship Savvy Workshops are not a "how-to" manual. Relationships are complex and personal.
They are more of a personal experience of the heart designed to share ideas you can choose from to strengthen currently thriving human relationships (and indirectly your horse/human relationships) - and - learn from, heal, or let go of hurt feelings about painful relationships.
You'll be confident you've done all you can to foster trust, see things from another's viewpoint as best you can, and communicate your thoughts about what you want and need—in the spirit of well-being for everyone involved.
A Message from Barbra Schulte
As much as we love horses and our fabulous horse community, relationships and communications with others can get stressful, causing us to withdraw, become discouraged, not have our needs met, or communicate in less-than-productive ways.
None of these solve the rough patches, and sometimes, along the way, feelings can get hurt, or relationships are damaged.
But as we seek to understand ourselves and why relationships bloom or wither, we can choose what to do or say (or not) so we experience the best outcomes possible - outcomes that promote mutual well-being, meet our needs, and reduce the possibility of burning bridges or hurting feelings.
The Two 'Working' Workshops
with Extended Q&A Sessions
Recordings will be Available Indefinitely on a Dedicated Website if the
Live Event Times Don't Work for You.
Explore the nature of meaningful relationships, connection, authenticity, staying true to yourself, and why relationships can be so painful when they hit rough spots.
Discover meaningful relationship guideposts - and - the warning signs of potential hazards.
Discover how to check in with yourself, be mindful, and develop strategies for big and small relationship hurdles in the horse world.
Explore ways to strengthen already meaningful and fulfilling relationships both personally and professionally.
WORKSHOP ONE: Now Replaying
What Enriches Relationships - And What Doesn't
During our horse lives, we'll have many relationships. Some will be close and long-lasting, while others will focus on a specific outcome (like mentors and trainers) or be short-term.
We can keep learning how to cultivate satisfying relationships as we reflect on what we can control and what we can't - understand where our true 'power' lies - and - learn research-based relationship principles - as well as what words and actions diminish relationships.
With these understandings, we can make wise choices to strengthen our relationships and find solutions when situations become uneasy.
In this first session, we'll explore why relationships and connection matter. The reward of meaningful ones is high, while the pain of rocky ones can be devastating.
It's easy to get off track when we react, communicate poorly, or tell ourselves stories that diminish ourselves or others. Then, we might withdraw, get angry, or be defensive.
But as we discover research-based concepts that build relationships, such as checking in with our beliefs or ways of communicating (for example), we can consciously choose ways of thinking and being that foster openness and well-being within ourselves and others.
In This First Workshop, You Will:
- Gain clarity around the concepts of 'relationship' and 'connection' and why it can be so painful when a relationship falls on rocky times.
- Explore where your true 'power' lies - that sense of well-being and freedom to pursue your dreams without fear of judgment or feeling diminished.
- Understand the critical difference between belonging and fitting in.
- Learn how viewing people and situations for what we can control and what we can't can influence our perspectives.
- Discover five of the most important characteristics of thriving relationships.
- Reflect on the varying roles of people in your horse life.
- Learn a variety of actions and behaviors that cause relationships to falter and often result in painful outcomes.
WORKSHOP TWO: TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM, CST
This session will be recorded and available within 24-36 hours.
It will be posted on the RS website indefinitely.
Navigating the Ups and Downs of Relationships
Relationships in our horse world can get complicated - and challenging.
We can feel vulnerable because we care deeply for our horses; we want to connect with them and want to 'do well' when we ride — not to mention the challenge of everything horsey we need to learn. There's a lot!
We also love connecting with others and being part of something bigger than ourselves. It's fun and fulfilling and one of our strongest desires as humans.
However, relationships can collide and become painful in some situations, such as when expectations weren't expressed, needs weren't met, communications were poor, results were disappointing, someone made an unkind statement, barn mate personalities didn't jive, or a mentor's teaching style sync with how we learn.
But we can stay true to ourselves, and things can improve as we discover what it takes to lay a firm foundation for positive interactions with others and wisely choose our responses when we feel uncomfortable. We can choose to express our needs clearly.
In this session, you'll have the opportunity to explore strategies and how you might apply them to your situation
In this Second Workshop, You Will:
- Clarify what you value in relationships.
- Develop self-awareness and sense the signs that you feel uncertain and uncomfortable.
- Discover how to set kind yet clear boundaries.
- Understand how to step back, observe yourself and others, consider needs, and mindfully choose your next steps.
- Learn five communication strategies that cultivate openness and understanding in yourself and others.
- Assess where you are today and plan what you'd like to do to gain a sense of well-being within yourself.
Who is Relationship Savvy for?
1. If you've been in the horse world for a while and want to be more at ease or grow your confidence in a personal or professional relationship and better understand how to approach situations that need resolving, big or small.
2. If you're new to horses, and you want to find mentors who can meet your needs where you are, make new friends, and enjoy a community of encouraging people.
3. If you're a professional, coach, or mentor, and you'd like to share your knowledge and experience with others even more effectively as you guide them, build their confidence, and influence their journey.
BONUSES INCLUDED
PDF Download
Three Strategies to Communicate Clearly and Confidently
- Three mindset reminders to bolster your confidence when you notice you're becoming reactive or withdrawing.
- Strategic ways to get grounded and quiet your mind when you notice yourself becoming unsettled.
- Three steps to help you choose your actions and words thoughtfully before communicating.
Our Circle of Trust Community
One of the most valuable and cherished experiences for those who take courses with me is that—if they like—they can become members of our circle of trust for a lifetime.
Membership in the Circle of Trust is all about community and having fun with other equine professionals in the horse world. We meet online approximately bi-monthly with another pro whom we trust to share their perspective on connection, horse health, and various other topics.
Relationship-Savvy Digital Reference Manual
It's a digital reference manual you can use at the drop of a hat to cultivate connection through relationships.
Instead of looking up your notes from the Workshops and sifting through them, everything will be in one place to serve as reminders and help you decide your next best steps.
There are two parts to the manual:
- Section One - Reminders and Strategies for Building and Enriching Positive Relationships - characteristics of healthy relationships, mindsets, and actionable strategies.
- Section Two - Strategies, Tools and Actions to Navigate Challenges with acquaintances, those closest to you and mentors if and when you feel uneasy.
Students' Perspectives...
"Barb, this resonates and is so true. I see how each person in my life is uniquely created with all kinds of different strengths and weaknesses. I can have horse friends who can be in the cheering section, and the trainer can teach me to ride. I appreciate the separation. Thanks for all your hard work, Barb! This is really helping me put the puzzle pieces together." - KM
~~~~~~~~~
"I just want to listen to this over and over. You have such a great way of saying words that inspire me!!!!" -DP
Please join us for
Relationship Savvy
Enroll Now!
Discover powerful concepts that strengthen current relationships - or -
help you confidently navigate challenging ones.
If, for any reason, within the next 30 days,
you are not completely satisfied with this program,
we will refund your money, no questions asked.
Barbra Schulte - Your Host
A singular desire drives Barbra - to help others grow their potential inside and outside of the arena.
She is a High-Performance Coach, cutting horse trainer, the author of six books, the publisher of video blogs and online programs, clinician, and speaker.
As a national cutting horse competitor, Barbra was the first woman to win two legs of cutting's triple crown. In 2000, she was awarded the National Female Equestrian of the Year Award by the AQHA and the Women's Sports Foundation.
In 2012, she was inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame. In 2020, she received the American Horse Publications Equine Industry Vision Award for her positive impact on the horse industry. In 2022, she received the Modine Smith Humanitarian Award from the National Cutting Horse Association.
Barb is the CEO of the Center for Equestrian Performance. She lives in Brenham, Texas, with her husband, Tom.
© 2024 All Rights Reserved - Barbra Schulte