Why work with horses and what do they add to the training?
Horses are big, strong animals. Working with any large animal is a challenge in itself, but horses are special because as prey animals they are continually aware of their surroundings and companions – they react to emotions and subtle signals.
When horses work together with clients in the activities they respond not only to their voices and actions, but also to all of their non-verbal cues. During the exercises, horses react to each client’s approach and through their feedback it is evident immediately whether an individual or team’s plan and communication strategy is working. Clients have to be constantly creative as they work together in order achieve their task objectives. The team’s performance is analysed and any key insights are applied back to their specific work environment.
During this process, the horse’s reaction to the clients clearly illustrates the impact that they have on others in their environment. This unique and dynamic relationship continually creates learning situations and opportunities for analysis and professional development.
How does it work?
Horses are very emotionally intelligent animals and assess and react to all of our verbal/non verbal communication in a completely honest way. Every movement/decision/thought is reflected in the horse’s behaviour towards us which effectively illustrates the impact that we have on others in our environment. As the client works through the programme the horse’s reaction mirrors their own actions. Therefore, the Lead Rope team is able to observe, analyse and relate all of these dynamic findings to the client as part of the training process. The learning is through the experience of the training session and then subsequently reinforced in the post-session debrief and analysis.
Why opt for EAD training rather than traditional classroom-based training?
Learning through the EAD experience supported by analysis brings:
- Improved transfer of learning to work venue.
- Relatively risk-free environments to try new behaviours.
- Ability to manipulate several variables at once.
- Opportunity for immediate feedback.
- Great potential for bespoke learning because teaching can be based upon individual’s needs.
Therefore, at Lead Rope we believe that our experiential training is more effective than traditional classroom-based methods – if you learn through experience, you remember.
How can you help me/my team?
At Lead Rope we specialise in a personal approach and can customise our programmes to meet each client’s specific goals. We are happy to confidentially discuss any needs of a team or individual client and can then ensure that we work on these targeted areas during the sessions.
Who are the Lead Rope Team?
Mioto Dunnington
Nicole Simpson
Angus Dunnington
Sam Simpson
Where are you located?
We are located in rural Dumfries and Galloway, just off the M74. We are easy to reach both by road and rail. For further location details and maps please look at the Contact section of the website. We are happy to help you arrange transport and accommodation.
What do your clients think of the service?
“Nicole and Mioto’s business provides companies with a unique way to invest in their staff and provide them with career developing skills”
Nicola Smith, Business Advisor, Business Gateway.
“We were very impressed by the professional delivery of Lead Rope’s Leadership Course – all of the delegates thoroughly enjoyed it and developed their leadership and team building skills during the day.”
Solway Vet Group.
What if I’ve never worked with horses?
We’ll brief you about safety around horses as soon as you begin the training and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you’ll begin to communicate with such large animals. There is no right or wrong when completing the exercises involving horses – it’s just about the experience and accomplishing tasks in each individual’s unique way.
What if I’ve had experience of working with horses?
Given that our experiential training is not about horsemanship or riding, by working with our training team you’ll begin to gain insights about yourself by working with the horses in a totally new way. Our sessions provide the opportunity for horse lovers to work with and observe the horses in a completely different learning environment from traditional horse activities.
Are all of the exercises non-ridden?
Yes. The training is not about horsemanship skills or riding, the focus is on the participants and the horses are merely ‘tools’ that help with the training process.
What is the dress code and do I need to be fit?
Remember that you are dressing to work with horses! We recommend comfortable, sensible outdoor clothing, layered up according to the weather – something that you don’t mind getting dirty. Waterproofs should be packed if necessary (although the majority of the training will take place in an indoor arena). Sensible footwear is a must; choose shoes/boots that you would wear for an outdoor walk e.g. wellies or old trainers. If you can walk around an arena then you are fit enough for this course!
What about the weather?
The majority of the training will take place in an indoor arena. However, please look at the weather forecast and ensure that you have adequate clothing to cope with the conditions.
Who handles the catering?
We will provide locally sourced refreshments and lunch. If you have any special dietary requirements then please notify us in advance so that we can be sure your needs are accommodated.
What about accommodation?
We have special arrangements with some of the local hotels. Please contact us if you wish to book accommodation nearby and we can help you make the booking.
Any other questions?
If your question has not been answered above then please don’t hesitate to contact us directly and we’ll be happy to help.
