Why train with horses?
Horses have the exceptional capability of sensing inconsistencies in communication, and will react to them immediately, honestly and without bias. Horses don’t have strategic or political goals. They also provide a neutral mirror to people’s inner attitudes. Horses require clear leadership based on trust. They will only voluntarily join someone if he or she is behaving authentically, going his or her own way. Horses are not impressed by acquired titles, hierarchies or positions in a company. The only thing that matters is the natural authority and authenticity of the leader.
Horses provide direct and honest feedback regarding the effect course participants have on others (mirroring) in typical (leadership) situations. They help participants discover possible barriers and unused potential. This feedback provides a valuable base for participants’ own personal growth, for achieving an authentic lifestyle and becoming an authentic leader.
Horses help us to broaden our perspective and to see our personalities holistically.
Participants will be surprised at how much they can learn from horses, and how leading horses is not unlike leading people, having much in common with effective leadership in general.
What makes horses so special?
Horses are clearly much larger and heavier than humans. They tend to get along well with humans, but never allow themselves to be manipulated by force.
Watching how horses react can be a mind-opening experience, and consequently, working together with these animals often leaves a lasting impression on participants. Lessons learned can then be transferred to participants’ professional and personal lives.
Horses live in the here and now. They don’t carry grudges. They always give us a second chance!
“Try forcing 500 kilograms of animal to do something!”