Horses in Coaching for Self Awareness, Leadership, communication and more

Through the eyes of a horse... there is no judgement, no "should", no "have to", no question about your worthiness. They don't care what you wear, what you "do", or who does your hair. They simply accept who you are in the moment and ask that you do the same.

Humans have long honored the horse as a powerful, spirited creature. Some have seen horses as mystical archetypes and magical souls; all have been inspired by their grace and beauty, captivated by their freedom and spirit, and intoxicated by their speed and power.

They have always offered us partnership, whether hunting, working the land for food, expanding the size of our world, or carrying us into battle. However, our treatment of these marvelous animals has been checkered at best. Now, as our species travels down a path of healing ourselves and our planet, the horse is here, once again, offering their heart in partnership and collaboration.

When you build a relationship with a horse, you will:

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increase self awareness

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improve communication with others

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create a window into yourself as others see you

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recognize and manage team dynamics and structures

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recognize leadership characteristics and how to apply them

They are acutely aware in each moment of the world around them. Their sensitivity, curiosity, and intuition ensure they are able to perceive warning signs from the emotions of those around them. Those characteristics also make them masters in the art of communication and relationship.

Horses thrive in highly organized and complex herds, and their survival depends on being part of that unit - there is definitely safety in numbers when your predators are wolves and cougar. Because the safety of the herd is so important, they have developed a remarkable ability to intuit the emotional states of their herd members, as well as the predators that hunt them.

Their organizational structures are very similar to our own, which is why they are able to so effectively mirror, not only our emotions, intentions and level of inspiration, but also our hierarchies. Within the herd, each horse finds it place based on skills and personality. Their team dynamics and leadership skills are honed so effectively that the roles are completely dynamic; they are always challenging to ensure the right horses are in the right positions.

Modern humans value linear and logical thought patterns and train ourselves to ignore our innate wisdom. This disconnect from our authentic selves leaves us to handicapped to make decisions based solely on our thoughts, rather than a connection to what is real and true for us. Because of this, we often feel overwhelmed with life and powerless to change it.

Horses make decisions utilizing their innate wisdom. It is because of our drastically different perspectives that humans can learn so effectively from interacting with horses. Human perspectives are all provided from within the same linear model. Horses provide feedback from a model that is in stark contrast to our own, creating a unique learning opportunity. They will tell us when we are acting with integrity, respect and inspiration.

The dynamics that emerge between you and horses mirror the dynamics in human relationships. Clients practice interacting within those complex dynamics with the advantage of honest, real-time feedback. Human facilitators observe and act as translators to help you make meaning of the experience. You are able to explore new skills, determine which ones are useful, and then practice those skills to effectively integrate them into your life.

We now have the privilege to partner and collaborate with these remarkable creatures; to honor them for helping us to see the world through different eyes and to deepen our understanding of ourselves. We have the profound opportunity to expand our comprehension beyond our linear lens and to learn to walk in the world with greater balance; horses can help us find harmony with them, and therefore, with ourselves.

Redtail Farm

Envision Expand Explore

Maple Valley, Washington