EALC (equine assisted learning & coaching) is the field of personal growth and development with the horse as co-coach. The work is done on the ground and/or in the saddle, and is something anyone can participate in, not just those interested in horses. The work is expedient, efficient, and effective and much ground can be covered as you unlock your potentials and possibilities.

The What

Horses don’t lie. They are mirrors to what really lies inside YOU. You cannot escape the energy that is you, which in turn is reflected by the horse. You can’t run. You can’t hide. No excuses accepted.  Just straight up honesty from the horse to you. 

What the horse energetically feels from you and/or what he sees in you, is how you are showing up in a given moment. Again, the operative word is in a given moment, which means there is room for change. The beauty of this, is that change can begin to happen in the first session. Once a client steps into a place of awareness the work takes off. It’s 3D in nature in that you are able to see yourself for who you are as reflected back to you by the horse. The tricky part is stepping into a place of ownership and taking responsibility for your actions and how you are showing up. Not always an easy thing to do because the ego gets in the way; but a necessary part of personal growth and development. Again horses don’t lie. As a client begins to experience positive or desired responses from the horse, change starts to happen. Results are clear and evident as mirrored back to you by way of the horse.

Accountability, confidence, communication, partnership, mindfulness, stress reduction, being present, integrity, letting go, connections, fear, team work, skill building, leadership, are just some of the benefits of EALC work.

A simple example: I had to go to an important meeting. I was clean and dressed, but still had some horses to bring in. Aggravated with myself for not doing it sooner; certain that I would get splattered with mud; frustrated that I would be late; I marched out into the pasture with halter in hand. I pride myself on being able to catch any horse at any time in an open pasture, but on this particular day, not a one of them would come near me and scooted off just as I drew close. I knew instantly that I had to adjust my energy and change how I was showing up. As I quickly centered myself, quieted my stress, I was able to proceed forward and gather the necessary horses. I also took note that perhaps I should go into my meeting with this new energy verses my earlier energy! Lesson learned! Although this is a simple example of an EALC moment, consider the bigger picture as you begin to take an honest look at yourself with the help of the horse.

Key Skills: Stress Reduction; Being Present: Centered: Focused

The How

As the client interacts with the horse, I help breakdown the information being presented. At this point the client has a choice to make. Are they a person with a fixed mindset finding it difficult to accept their reflection as presented by the horse; or are they someone with a growth mindset willing to look at new possibilities within themselves.

Case in point: A client who is a people pleaser, struggles with creating boundaries. In turn she allows people to take advantage of her. It is far easier for her to just give in than to stand up for herself.  When I first met her, it didn’t take long to witness this by the manner in which she allowed the horse to walk all over her … literally. When I asked her why she let the horse push her around, her response was, “It’s what he does.” In this case her personal space and power are tossed away as the horse enters and takes over. This was a Big AHA moment and one she had never considered until she saw it for herself.

Sometimes it is easier to accept the truths about ourselves when we have the horse as the co-coach. As the client projects, the horse reflects, and the human coach helps the client clarify and create an action plan moving forward. In that this was a case of soft boundaries, the client was able to run with that concept and really consider her role in creating better boundaries.

Key skills: Communication; Respect; Boundaries; Empowerment; Confidence

The Why

Because YOU can grow, evolve, and change. Because it is expedient, efficient, and effective.

I have worked with horses for 30 years and I can say that I am in daily “coaching sessions” with myself every time I step into the paddock or arena with the horses. The learning is endless, and sometimes difficult. Shedding the old skin of thoughts, behavior, and projections can be hard. But putting on the new skin opens you up to your potential, possibilities and a better internal life. And isn’t that what we are here to do - learn, grow, and evolve within ourselves. I think so!

The Who

 If you are ready to move forward in your life to create positive change, this is for you. If you are looking for something that is expedient in nature and results oriented EALC is a great place to start. Being willing and coachable is key to positive results. Many people aren’t because the word “but” is always a part of the dialog. Yet for those of you who are willing to look in the mirror and take responsibility for yourself this is a GREAT place to start.

Sessions are open to groups, individuals, businesses, teens, kids, special interest, and more. We can be creative in designing a program to suit your needs.