How it works

Horses are in relationship with us according to how we are "being" not how we'd like to be, believe we are or would have others see us.

That relationship it is not filtered by politeness, wishing to please or political correctness. When a horse gives you feedback it is instant, honest and direct.

Because the learning that takes place is non-verbal and experiential it transcends the limitations of our intellectual understanding and calls us to become our own best leader.
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Embodied leadership is experiencing what it feels like to be in authentic relationship with ourselves and others and sits at the heart of Equest and everything we do.

Learning on another level

Embodied Leadership requires a certain type of learning.

Learning that is understood on an intellectual level and experienced at a felt emotional level.
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It is cognitive, emotional and somatic. It cannot be taught. But it can be learned.

For the first time I truly understood the power of emotions and how, if I am not afraid of them, I can use them to enhance my leadership rather than detract from it. Equest has developed a fantastic learning experience.
Robin Birkett, GM Learning & Development, MAN UK Ltd

What to expect

Our programmes are delivered by at least two facilitators. An expert in human and organisational development and an expert in natural horsemanship.

Safety

• Before working with our horses you'll be briefed on the basic do's and don'ts. All of our horses are hand picked and used to working in a natural environment.

What you'll be asked to do

• It is not the task which is important, it is the horses and the way in which they respond to you and you to them that reveals insights into individual and team leadership styles and behaviour patterns.
• Activities are generally set out by the facilitators although as clients get more experienced at the work they might design their own horse centred tasks or games.
• The leadership and team development which emerges from these simple tasks can be transformative.

What we won't ask you to do

• Whatever your level of experience, a donkey on Blackpool beach aged seven, or show jumping at county level, you won't be asked to ride a horse.
• What we do is not about riding skills but leadership and team development. About organisational and culture change. It's about learning to lead without the stick or the carrot.

The most important learning for me was that I can be my natural self and be a great leader. I trust myself, and therefore others, more as a result. 
​Senior Operations Manager, Engineering industry