What in the world is horse-assisted coaching, anyway?

You've probably heard of life coaches, executive coaches, not to mention sports coaches. But "horse-assisted coaching"? That often raises an eyebrow or two. Most people immediately picture someone on horseback, perhaps learning to ride while discussing their career goals. We get it! It sounds a bit unconventional.

So, let's clear up the biggest misconception right away: horse-assisted coaching doesn't involve any riding. Our sessions happen entirely on the ground. You'll be moving and interacting with the horses side-by-side, never on their back.

At aequanimis, we focus on the power and potential of a balanced mind, and we help people achieve it with the assistance of equines – our incredible horses.

So, if not riding, then what is it?

Think of horse-assisted coaching as a unique, hands-on approach to personal, leadership, and team development. Instead of sitting in a conference room or an office, you're interacting directly with a horse, guided by an experienced facilitator.

These aren't just any horses, either. They're our partners, and they play a crucial role as living, breathing mirrors for your non-verbal communication and internal state. Here's the magic: horses are prey animals, which means their survival depends on being incredibly sensitive to their environment and the subtle cues of others around them. They don't lie, they don't judge, and they can't hide how they feel. What you see is what you get.

Because horses are so transparent and responsive, they provide instant, honest feedback on your energy, body language, and intentions. They react objectively to how you lead, how you communicate, and even how you approach challenges. This unfiltered feedback offers profound insights into yourself that you simply can't get from a traditional coaching session.

But isn't it just play?

It's a fair question, given the unique setting! While our sessions are incredibly engaging and often surprising, they are far from "just play." Every interaction with the horse is a carefully designed exercise with a specific learning objective in mind.

We structure our sessions to provide a clear path from discovery to practical application. You'll engage in tasks with the horses, receive immediate feedback on your actions and their impact, and then discuss these observations with your facilitator. This reflection process helps you connect the insights from the horse's reactions to your real-world challenges and goals. It's a dynamic, experiential learning process that is both insightful and deeply practical.

Why does it work?

In a world filled with distractions and abstract concepts, horse-assisted coaching brings things back to basics. It allows you to:

• Experience mindfulness firsthand: Being present and aware is essential when interacting with a large animal.

• See your impact: Witnessing a horse's immediate reaction to your actions helps you understand the impression you make on others.

• Learn without judgment: Horses don't care about your job title or your past mistakes; they only respond to what's happening in the moment. This creates a safe and powerful learning environment.

• Gain practical skills: The insights you gain are immediately applicable to your daily life, whether it's improving communication in the workplace or building self-confidence in personal relationships.

Whether you're looking for an unforgettable team-building event, a fresh approach to leadership coaching, or simply want to focus on your own personality development, horse-assisted coaching offers a surprisingly practical and deeply impactful experience. It's about self-awareness, communication, and leadership, all illuminated by the profound wisdom of horses.