Going beyond words with horses.
So much of our daily world is made up of words. Often before our feet even hit the floor in the morning we are immersed in our verbal world. Words are everywhere; spoken, written, and in the stories we tell ourselves. It is easy to become overwhelmed by these stories and ideas.
Studies have shown that the majority of our communication is nonverbal. It is our first language. As we grow up, we gradually learn to replace non-verbal with verbal language. We need verbal language. But we also need our original nonverbal language. Our words help us plan, dream, and visualize. But they can also get in our way sometimes. It has been said that humans are the only species that lie to each other. It is easy to tell the socially convenient lie to fit in, to keep our job, to make someone feel good. We say “yes” when we want to say “no,” “I’m fine” when we are sad, “come in” when we want to say “go away,” or vice versa. Gradually we may begin to believe words at the expense of our other nonverbal information.
With horses we can begin to remember… what truth feels like, what leadership feels like, what connection feels like, what creativity and intention feel like.
Horses always tell the truth about what they are experiencing and about how they experience us. As prey animals, they are extremely sensitive to their environment and can feel and smell our heart rate, our cortisol levels, our adrenaline, etc. They watch to see how we present ourselves and if it fits with what their senses are telling them. Their behavior will show us when our insides and our outsides match, and when they don’t. Horses will give us gentle, immediate, and most importantly, non-judgmental feedback. This feedback allows us to play and experiment with different responses and possibilities in the moment. It becomes a felt experience and not just a thought. You remember the power and joy of being you in the moment. It is enough.
All exercises are on the ground and no prior horse experience is necessary.
More Information on Equus Coaching
Additional information on equus coaching can be found on my mentor Koelle Simpson’s site and in this article from O Magazine.
Pricing
Costs vary depending on size of group and location. Contact me for more information.
What People Are Saying
“I am amazed at how much I learned about myself and my relationships from working with Leslie and the horses. I gained insight into my unproductive patterns as well as ideas on how I might change them.” ~Kathy
“…the horses provided a wonderful, safe mirror helping me to see what I can miss in the moment. I was able to put my finger on that ‘quiet strength’ that comes with waiting and taking my time. Rather than setting off emotions triggered by judgment, the response of the horse felt safe and clear.” ~Hallie
“I didn’t know what to expect. I entered the pen thinking that Patch would magically know what to do. Nothing happened. It forced me out of my comfort zone. I had to take the lead and communicate what I wanted him to do with energy and intention. That’s when he began to move.” ~Matt
“I didn’t know that I just froze when someone initiated before I could. I discovered this working with a horse in the round pen. Today, I step up and offer my opinion or make my wants known. I also am able to set boundaries with my friends that make me feel more confident.” ~Michael – 14
“The equine work was something altogether unexpected and wonderful. I had no idea that working with the horse would be like looking in a mirror…I always felt safe and guided. I highly recommend this wherever you are in your journey of self-discovery.” ~Jenny
“My experience with horses was amazing. At first I was nervous and unsure of what to expect. The way horses use nonverbal communication allowed me to learn more about how to get through situations in a way I was most comfortable with . I got to learn about how I work. It’s an experience anyone, of any age, can benefit from.” ~Natalie – 16
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