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Heart Horse: Horse Assisted Coaching & Learning Coaching People with the Help of Horses Princess and Gwendolyn What is Horse Assisted Coaching and Learning? Horses are powerful, spiritual partners in our human dance of life. We have had symbiotic relationships with horses since the advent of animal husbandry. Horses, as opposed to other domesticated animals, actually sought out humans in their curiosity about two legged beings. We have worked across the ages, with the assistance of horses, building lives, extending our influence, and increasing our ability to affect our environment. We still refer to “horse power” as a

Horses respond to what is truly present in our hearts and minds, rather than what we may try to project, or “try to feel.” Horses can tell us if our thoughts and ideas are in line with what we truly believe and feel. This can help us open up hidden or invisible beliefs we may hold, that keep us from moving forward in our lives. Horses are exceedingly patient and forgiving. They can also confirm that what we are choosing is congruent with our higher truth.

Why are they so perceptive? Horses are prey animals. They instinctively respond to what will keep them safe. If we are not being true to ourselves, how can a horse trust us to be true to them? Horses feel through the complex human spectrum of behaviors we develop in our interactions with the world. And they reflect back to us what is really going on inside us, without judgment. They rely on the energy we put out, the energy of our thoughts, body language, tone of voice, and other cues. As Linda Kohanov describes in her book, the Tao of Equus:

“Horses are consummate facilitators in the work of human development. The size of such and animal alone inspires a heightened state of awareness. These intelligent, sensitive creatures respond to both positive and negative changes in the handler’s behavior, offering people constant feedback and timely rewards or consequences for their actions. Horses are social creatures who readily and honestly respond to the challenges inherent in forming and sustaining relationships. As animals that are preyed upon in nature, they have also retained a highly developed ability to sense changes in the stance and arousal levels of other herd members, an ability they easily transfer to interactions with human beings...A tremendous boost in self-esteem and confidence comes from learning how to establish boundaries and direct a thousand pound creature through mental focus, creative visualization and clarity of intent. These skills, which can be difficult to teach in a conventional classroom or counseling session, have far ranging applications linked to increased success in personal relationships, career
and parenting.”

What to expect:

For a horse coaching and learning session, you have the opportunity to interact with a horse doing “groundwork,” exercises like catching, leading, grooming, standing together with a horse in a round pen, longing or even just observing a horse or a group of horses in a field. Even if you are an experienced horse person, or have never had contact with a horse, the activities are designed to elicit who you are, not what your horse skills are. No previous experience is required.

There is no actual riding involved in horse sessions with Gwendolyn. The coach, Gwendolyn is always present with you and the horse(s). Gwendolyn has extensive training and experience in horse behavior and safety around horses, especially around what can come up in coaching and learning sessions.

Because a horse is a powerful, large animal, in a session, we are always watching for you, and the horse’s safety. Before any session there is a safety discussion and exploration. Sessions are designed so you and the horse have good boundaries and room for each of you to keep comfortable space and movement in case unexpected emotions and events come up for you. The property, the environment, the emotions, the horse’s temperament, the horse’s behavior in the moment, and the client’s emotions and behavior are constantly evaluated and monitored during the session to create the safest experience possible.

The client is advised that despite excellent training and great dispositions, horses are still instinctual beings and will respond to keep themselves safe, so in choosing a horse coaching and learning session, the client assumes responsibility for themselves, their conduct, their feelings and the client must agree to not hold the coach, horse owner or property owner liable for unexpected occurrences that could put the client’s safety in jeopardy.

Darby and Gwendolyn

For fees and current workshops go to our Services page.

For more information check our Links & Resources

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Sambhavna Visions :: 831-431-0211 :: Email Gwendolyn