What horses can teach us about leadership

I recently attended a fascinating webinar titled "BE THE HORSE YOU WANT TO SEE," with Chris Irwin (1) as the main speaker. Chris, a renowned expert in horse training and equine-assisted services, delved into the intricate dynamics of horse behavior and how it mirrors essential leadership qualities like trust and empathy.

For several years, I have been volunteering at Equal Ark (2), a non-profit organization in Singapore that offers animal-assisted experiential and educational programs. These programs are designed to empower vulnerable individuals by partnering with animals, especially horses. This unique approach fosters social-emotional development, teaching us valuable lessons in impulsivity management, self-awareness, boundary navigation, self-esteem, and confidence.

Equine-assisted learning brings these lessons to life due to the way horses are wired. Horses communicate primarily through body language, and understanding this language is crucial for building trust and empathy. Chris emphasized that it's not just what we do with a horse that matters but how we use our bodies and convey our energy. The effectiveness and enjoyment of horse training, regardless of the horse's breed or age, depend entirely on the trainer's body language.

During the webinar, Chris shared insightful examples of how human body language impacts horses. For instance, approaching a horse directly from the front generates push energy, causing discomfort and irritation. In contrast, approaching from the side with an outstretched hand creates a calming drawing energy. This subtle yet significant difference underscores the importance of being mindful of the energy we convey when interacting with horses.

My experience with Equal Ark further highlights the power of equine-assisted learning. I once engaged Equal Ark for a team-building exercise with my leadership team, which significantly improved the strained interpersonal relationships caused by personality differences. The exercise demonstrated how horses' sensitivity to body language and energy can reveal much about our behavior and leadership style.

Whether we're catching a horse in the paddock or stall, leading, grooming, tacking up, or mounting, our body language is in constant communication with the horse. It's essential for horses to sense that they are better off with us than alone. A skilled rider who can interpret a horse's energy and emotions, and apply the appropriate pressure at the right moments, can elevate the horse's experience from simply following commands to moving harmoniously, like a graceful dance.

When horses sense that we care enough to be present and responsive, knowing when and how to interact, they perceive us as empathetic shepherds who prioritize their well-being. This trust and empathy can then be translated into our leadership practices.

A quote from a Forbes article (3) encapsulates this beautifully: "When participants are with the horses, traditional power structures dissipate. The horses don't care about your title, where you are from, how much money you make, how many letters are after your name, or what kind of car you drive. They care about how you show up as a leader and whether you will build connections with them to create safety for the herd. Ego has no place in keeping the herd safe; ego is a predatory leadership behavior."

Through equine-assisted learning, we gain profound insights into trust and empathy, crucial skills that can transform our leadership approach. The more we understand and respect the language of horses, the stronger our partnership becomes, both with these magnificent creatures and in our professional lives.

References

(1) https://chrisirwin.com/

(2)https://www.equal.org.sg/

(3) https://www.forbes.com/sites/shaheenajanjuhajivrajeurope/2024/03/29/unleashing-the-power-of-horses-for-leadership/

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