Equine-Assisted Learning is an innovative and effective approach to personal and professional development. Because it uses horses as partners in the learning process. It is a unique and powerful tool that can help people and groups of all ages and backgrounds learn new skills, develop self-awareness, and build stronger relationships.
Here are some of the key benefits of Equine Assisted Learning:
Improved communication skills: Horses are incredibly attuned to your non-verbal communication. This means when you are working with horses they can help anyone become more aware of their own body language. Being aware of your own body language and tone will improve your ability to communicate effectively with others.
Increased self-awareness: Horses are honest mirrors of our emotions and intentions. So when you are working with them can help you become more aware of your own emotional state and develop greater emotional intelligence. A better understanding of yourself therefore will help you understand others.
Enhanced leadership and teamwork skills: Horses are social animals that rely on strong leadership and teamwork to survive. So when you are working with a horse you need to be their leader. When you are working with them they will show you how. It then becomes easier to understand how you develop your own leadership and teamwork skills.
Reduced stress and anxiety: There is a lot of evidence about how spending time with horses has a calming effect on the human nervous system, which in turn can help you reduce stress and anxiety.
Fun and engaging: Equine Assisted Learning is a fun and engaging way to learn new skills. It is a great way to develop personal and professional insights. It’s a unique and memorable experience that can help you build confidence and self-esteem.
Experiential Learning: Equine Assisted Learning is a practical way to engage in problem-solving skills that stick with you for life.
In summary, Equine Assisted Learning is a powerful and effective approach to personal and professional development. In other words, it is a program that can help individuals and groups of all ages and backgrounds learn new skills, develop self-awareness, and build stronger relationships. If you’re interested in improving your communication skills, possibly developing your leadership abilities, or even reducing stress and anxiety, Equine Assisted Learning may be the perfect solution for you.
Horses for leaders or equine-assisted learning for leadership is a form of experiential learning that involves working with horses to develop a range of leadership skills. Equine-assisted learning can help leaders in so many ways.
Communication
When you are a leader you need to be able to influence others and how and what you communicate matters. When you are leader you need to be able to show up and show people you care. So your communication is essential. Horses can show you how to develop your non-verbal communication. Horses are highly attuned to non-verbal communication, which means that they can pick up on even subtle cues from you. This makes them excellent partners for developing skills in non-verbal communication, such as body language and emotional regulation. This is a skill you cannot learn without practice and practical experience.
Trust and Respect
Trust and respect are the key ingredients in any relationship. Even in a team. Because horses are social animals they rely on trust and respect to function effectively in a herd. They show you in real-time effective ways to develop trust and respect. If you are authentic in your dealings with them they will show you trust and respect. Developing a trusting and respectful relationship with a horse can help leaders understand the importance of building similar relationships with their team members.
Emotional Intelligence
Because horses are sensitive and highly attuned to emotions they can show us how to be emotionally intelligent. They can help leaders develop emotional intelligence by providing immediate feedback on how their emotions are affecting their interactions with the horse. Horses will react to your emotions and allow you the opportunity to practice your calm-assertive leadership skills that can influence others.
Problem-Solving
The core principals of equine-assisted learning are problem-solving. Working with horses can present a range of challenges that require creative problem-solving skills. Leaders who participate in equine-assisted learning can develop their ability to think outside the box and find innovative solutions to complex problems.
Overall, equine-assisted learning can be a powerful tool for leaders because it provides a unique and immersive learning experience that can help them develop a range of important skills in a relatively short amount of time.
Ever felt dog tired and just needed a little something to pick you up and make you feel better? Most people buy a new dress, maybe a new lipstick. Well, my retail therapy was buying a horse. After years of not owning a horse with nowhere to put one, I decided that the only thing going to make me feel better was buying a horse. I look back now and I am grateful to my ever-forgiving and patient husband who tried to be the rational voice. He was solid until I showed him a picture of a horse called “Ben” (my husband’s name) whilst emotionally explaining that this would make me so happy. He reluctantly agreed that I could call and find out if he was still available.
Well as it turns out he was gone but by then my husband had agreed to the idea and in my usual fashion, I was all in. I hunted around for a “cheap horse” because we couldn’t afford an expensive one. I found just the one and he sounded perfect. A gorgeous chestnut gelding off-the-track thoroughbred would be great for beginners. I immediately packed everyone up in the car to go and just look at him right away.
Initial warnings
In hindsight, I should have known that there would be an issue with this beautiful horse. The person I bought him from only rode him for a short time and she wasn’t comfortable cantering him. He was already caught and saddle up when we went to look at him, there were so many red flags but, I was hooked. He was the first horse I went to see in person and I just had to have him.
Now I have bought a horse but, I have no way to transport him, no place to put him, no vet checks, no saddle, not a brush, not even a lead rope. I had nothing but the idea that I wanted a horse. Well, I solved all those problems quick smart and bought him home to an agistment property that I didn’t even visit. My cheap horse is now getting quite expensive and I haven’t even done anything with him yet.
I should have realised again that there would be problems when the farrier comes out to the property to do his shoes he says to me “he still has race shoes on, he is not long off the track!” and “this is your beginner horse?” Ohh no… But what would he know, I had just bought the horse of my dreams. This was a dream come true and no one was going to dampen my spirits.
More issues
Well, “H” as he became to be known, had a couple of issues. He would buck every time you asked for a canter, he wouldn’t get on a horse float, he pulled away when being lunged and was terrified of so many things. At times he was simply dangerous to be around.
One of the many injuries
After numerous broken bones and hospital visits and so many falls from this horse. I knew I needed help. My dream was turning into a nightmare.
H plays Santa’s helper
I got two different horse trainers to teach him to load on a float. Because they could get him on once but that was it. I wanted to be able to take my fantastic horse out of the paddock. I wanted to compete and go to the riding club and enjoy time with him. I knew I needed help but I didn’t know what help I needed.
So this is how my journey with horses and emotional intelligence started. It started with a horse who I loved but couldn’t do anything with and thought someone else could fix him.
What I have discovered over the years is that to “fix a horse” I needed to fix myself. So the journey begins.
This was a question I was recently asked to me. My enthusiastic response was “it can work for anyone if you are willing”. Now I know that sounds like it is a throwaway line, but as I started to reflect on the life-changing outcomes that I have seen first-hand I genuinely believe this statement.
Having worked with people of different ages and stages of life, and very different walks of life. I believe it is true. Working with very senior executive leaders to young vulnerable teens, I have seen it work every time.
What is Equine Assisted Learning?
We make change happen by creating unique workshops based on spending time with our horses. Our horses can help you shift your perspective in a very short period of time. It works because it is so out of the box and experiential. The horse experience helps individuals think differently, feel differently, and act differently. . Equine Assisted Learning is a growing trend and one that is spreading like wildfire across the globe. There are many people who have been using this form of learning for years, but it has only recently received recognition in the mainstream media. I wanted to share some amazing outcomes that explain why I continue to learn and offer my time in doing this.
How the Journey Started For Me
I was so lucky I got to spend some time with an incredible horseman Greg Powell. He opened my eyes to what was possible. He had started a charity called Kalandan Foundation and was working with very vulnerable teenagers and made a documentary about it called Wild Horses Wild Kids. At the time I was working for a charity called Sir David Martin Foundation and as part of what we funded was the brumby program with Greg Powell. What I witnessed during this time changed me forever. I was awestruck, excited and so curious as to how traumatised teenagers were changing before my eyes. I really had no idea what was going on. It felt at the time like I was watching a magic show. I could see changes happening I just couldn’t figure out how or what was happening.
I was asking so many questions and watching with a newly found curiosity trying to figure out what was going on right in front of me. Well, with my curiosity sparked I went down a rabbit hole that has changed my whole world. I am a very different person now, from the one that started this journey.
So many things have been put in my path from that moment until now and too many serendipitous moments for me to ignore. I have met some of the most incredible horse people and leaders from whom I have taken so much of my learnings. I also have had horses that have challenged and pushed me to find better ways. I have also pursued the dream by getting qualified as an equine-assisted learning facilitator.
The Leadership Session That Changed Everything
I am engaged in a leadership group and we were sharing stories and issues. One of the people in the group asked “if I could run horse whispering sessions for leaders” no hesitation I said “Sure thing”. And moved on with the conversation and didn’t give it a second thought. Not thinking anything more about that conversation, a few weeks later I was asked when I would be available for 8 senior leaders to come out to my place to run that session we talked about. I could feel that nagging inner voice telling me that I can’t possibly do this, and then, the panicset in. What on earth had I said yes to? I couldn’t run a session for other senior leaders. What would they say? How could I show my face if it didn’t work?
Or could I?
Then I realised I wouldn’t know if I didn’t at least try. So I did and the rest is history.
There were so many incredible things that happened that day for me and for everyone there. It was a moment that made me believe I really can do this.
Outcomes
Having worked with now a number of vulnerable young people, women with anxiety and senior leaders I realise that this can work for anyone. Here are a few of my favourite life-altering moments.
A young man with anger management issues, Aspergers and a raft of other complex issues came to do a 4-week session. He learned from my horses that “people listen to me when I am being nice and not angry. I can get what I want from being nicer people” This was a major turning point for this young man who at the time was unable to live at home partly due to his anger management issues.
A young girl who was struggling with her mental health and significant relationships with her family had almost completely broken down. She learned from horses how to make friends and be open to the possibility of letting others into her life.
A senior leader who was authoritarian in his approach to those around him learned from my horses how using fear and intimidation as a motivational technique felt to those around him. This changed the way he started dealing with his family. He began to have a healthy relationship with his teenage daughter.
A senior leader who was too apologetic and trying to be friends with everyone learned how to be calm and assertive in his approach. Amazingly his large team of staff started listening to him and he began to get results from a team who were disengaged prior.
A young anxious woman who was struggling, with everyday life and finding everything difficult. After going through family counselling, psychologists, medication when I met her she had given up. Nothing had really worked. Well, I can say my horses performed again after a couple of sessions we had a different person showing up she is smiling and engaged and positive about her life. My horses helped her understand her boundaries and see she needed some persistence to get through.
An anxiety-filled woman who really struggled to overcome imposter syndrome, now leading a team of macho men in a male-dominated workshop. Horses gave her the confidence to be her authentic self and find power in that space.
Equine Assisted Learning Can Help You
These experiences and so many more have changed my life. I continue to see what is possible. The incredible healing that my horses can provide from deep-seated trauma is something I don’t fully understand how. I just know it does. I can see my horse go into a calm lowered energy space and how she starts to transform those around her. It is something that is really special to see and feel. The change in the people in her presence. They explain it as “I just feel better”. If you don’t know it is happening you would miss it. I have begun to recognise the look on her face it is a different space for her to hold.
There is no noise, there is no movement but I know when she is providing healing she is moving mountains deep within people.
So yes I do believe that regardless of what is happening for you in your life Equine Assisted Learning can help you.
I have been so inspired watching the olympics. My horse is not so thankful because now I believe I can ride so much better than I can. Poor pippi she is telling me I probably need some more coaching first.
But my inspiration comes from the stories behind the teams of the athletes.
Our current Olympic Equestrian team are providing so much inspiration. The equestrians are really conquering Tokyo Olympics and are providing so many firsts and triumphs. These riders and horses are showing us what is possible with the right intentions.
Age is not a Barrier
When you set goals, age is no barrier. I am so inspired by Andrew Hoy. Imagine reaching your goal at 62. Andrew Hoy is the oldest person to win a gold medal. I have watched him ride in my youth at the Olympics thinking I want to do that. He has competed in eight Olympic games, which is also an Australian Record.
“Our two children, Philippa and Oscar, they’re at home and the nanny’s looking after them. Philippa sent a message this morning. She turns four tomorrow and she sent a message saying, ‘Daddy well done, you rode really good yesterday and I want you to bring home another medal’. I can’t say I did it for Philippa because the passion comes from here (heart) with me.”
Woman and Men Are Equal.
Germany’s Julia Krajewski has entered the equestrian record books as the very first female athlete to win the Individual Olympic eventing gold medal. Its a sport were woman and men compete against each other equally! I cant think of another sport were we are not divided into gender.
The 32-year-old rider who is based in Warendorf, Germany has had a really tough year, beginning with the passing of her father and then having to retire her top horse Samurai du Thot after he had his eye removed because of a lingering infection. So she competed on a mare she calls Mandy.
“I really benefited form the trust I have in my horse. I tried to imagine I was at home under lights and I said, Mande, we are really going to rock it now. I was just so proud of my horse.
Being first female to win gold. I really didn’t know no female had never won gold because of all the great ladies in our sport. It’s about time and maybe quite fitting for the time we are in. Everything is possible. Everyone who has a dream or a passion should go for it. Nothing can hold you back if you have dream.“
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
A one eyed horse, Viscera, swiss ridden by an amazing riding Therese Viklund from (Sweden) competed at the Olympics eventing. I wouldn’t have thought possible this is an extraordinary feat. The course at Tokyo, was very challenging for top teams so to have a physical disability is simply incredible. Loosing an eye creates an issue with depth perception for horses. The trust in this team is something remarkable. Team work can overcome obstacles where physical limitations make it impossible as an individual.
It certainly hasn’t deterred Viscera, who “is so tough and believes so much in herself, I think, that she just can do anything,” Therese describes.
Therese says she was quite nervous for her first competitions back after the surgery, describing a big drop at Boekelo that some had warned her might be tough for a one-eyed horse’s depth perception. “But she just popped down like nothing and there haven’t been any problems at all,” Therese says. “She’s mentally always been really secure in herself and it must have been helping her.”
Trust
Olympic hero Laura Collett’s, British gold medal comes eight years after an accident that nearly killed her and permanently blinded her in one eye. I cant imagine what it would be like to jump those massive jumps with impaired vision. The trust you would need to have in your horse.
‘I have blurred vision in a quarter of the eye and the rest is blacked out.
‘With no recollection of my accident at all.
“Just to be here was more than a dream come true, and to be stood here, with a gold medal, I look back where I was eight years ago – I knew I was lucky to be alive, yet alone do the job I love.”
Everyone else was more worried about me getting on a horse for the first time than I was, but it was part of me getting better as it gave me something to look forward to.
“It’s a dream come true just to Be here. I feel like someone is going to pinch me and I’m going to wake up from the dream. To be able to be selected this year has been a fight, it’s been tough.
Imagine taking life lessons from our equestrian riders. But hard work, respect for any age, team work, and disability is no barrier. It is all so inclusive and I love it.
