Touched by a Horse, Inc.’s Post

Horses & Gestalt Coaching Become Present & the Horse Will Take Notice As a coach works with a client and assists them in connecting with their inner wounds, the equine coaching partner will pick up on that energy, often lowering their heads in recognition or physically touching the client with their nose. They offer one of the most beautiful gifts of an accomplished coach which is being present with someone’s pain. Revealing What the Client is Avoiding Horses are also keenly aware of how we consciously or unconsciously may seek to interrupt or avoid our truth. In an Equine Gestalt coaching session, if the client escapes into intellectualizing their problems or not speaking what is authentically true for them, the horse will lose interest and walk away. The Gift of Self-compassion The Gestalt coach can use this guidance provided by their horse partner to help the client better understand where they are stuck and may be hiding from themselves. Paying attention to how we seek to avoid, or interrupt contact is important in working with Gestalt for self-healing. Focus on the Present Moment In the Equine Gestalt Coaching Program, we work with our horse partners to expand the client’s awareness of where their resistances lie now. Experiential awareness is key to the process. We don’t focus on the past, we look at how a client’s life is functioning today. _____________ If you’re ready to learn more about having a career with horses, check out our programs on our website at touchedbyahorse.com.

"Expressing myself verbally doesn’t come naturally so I was intrigued to discover the world of equine coaching and the benefits it could bring. No talking required! Being quite an anxious person it was comforting and reassuring to be greeted by Caryl, in a beautiful location, and her calming compassionate nature set me at ease while we discussed what I wanted to gain from the experience. "Caryl outlined the connection the horses develop with us followed by a grounding exercise to make us feel present and in the moment before introducing the horses. Wilf and Mooney were very casual and seemingly not interested in me or my anxiety and within 10 minutes I was gently stroking Wilf and asking him questions out loud (I forgot no talking required…) I’m a practical solution focused person always looking for answers and to refocus that mentality doesn’t come naturally. Caryl posed a few questions of me, and gently encouraged me to be less practical and more mindful in the present moment. That reminder to be in the moment allowed me the freedom to relax and be at ease with the horses, where I then experienced a real deep sense of calm. "It’s that calm I struggle with in everyday life and what I was looking to find from the session. Since then I’ve taken time to mindfully reflect on my time with Wilf and Mooney, channelling that inner calm I experienced in the field. It’s something I’ve discussed with my line manager as part of my personal development and he now refers to me walking on stage with my horse to aid calm and reduce my anxiety levels. One day I might see if I can persuade Mooney to come join me for a presentation! "Overall I found the experience rather profound and it’s given me the opportunity to push beyond my own perceived limitations." Kirsty Frior, Senior Research Portfolio Manager UKRI Interested to learn how Equine Led Coaching can help you? Contact Caryl@change-dynamics.co.uk to find out more.

Equine Led Coaching: The Client perspective – it’s all about awareness. As a coach, just like my clients, I’m committed to my ongoing development. I also receive coaching and my recent experience of an equine coaching session I had with my herd Rocky and Nally and facilitated by Alison, an Equine Coach, provided the opportunity for the following insights: 💡 Slowing down, being in nature allowed me to see, hear and feel things I miss in the everyday bustle, and that small things do matter. 💡 The space and openness gave me licence to roam, physically and emotionally, exploring boundaries, blocks and enablers. This expanse gave me a different perspective. 💡 The horses tracked me throughout and even though they were out of my awareness at times, we remained connected. I remembered that even when we’re inwardly focused, we’re always part of something bigger. 💡 The presence of the horses enabled me to let go of something that had been weighing on me, a deep sadness. I was sat on the ground, Rocky came across and gently nuzzled my head and softly blew out a few breaths. I felt a shift, a release and a flow of new energy. He returned to his grazing and I have stepped forward with a new sense of purpose and energy. 🦋 My one word after the session was metamorphosis, I felt changed by the experience. If you're interested to find out more about Equine Led Coaching, visit our website: www.change-dynamics.co.uk #equineledcoaching #coaching #selfdevelopment #personaldevelopment

Self-care and personal growth are cornerstones of The Freedom Way® Equine Assisted Coach training programs, and our thoughts play a crucial role in our work with clients. As I read this powerful analogy from James Clear this morning, it really resonated: "When you drink water from a cup, it becomes part of you. When water falls on you like rain, it evaporates a few minutes later. Similarly, thoughts can be consumed or dismissed. Is this thought nourishing? Is this feeling something you should drink? Or is it more like getting caught in the rain? You'll always feel the rain, but you don't have to drink the rain. You can let the thought pass, and in a few moments, the sun will return. You don't have to claim everything you feel." When you're coaching with horses, they have a unique ability to sense which thoughts you've absorbed and which you've let pass. 🌦️ Whether in the arena or in life, remember that not every thought needs to be consumed. Choose the ones that nourish your growth and let the rest fade away. Becoming an Equine Assisted Coach is much more than learning to guide others. First we have to do the work ourselves. Interested in what sets The Freedom Way® apart from other programs. Jump on over to our website and learn more: https://lnkd.in/esNgWMdm #SelfCare #PersonalGrowth #EquineAssistedCoaching #FreedomWayEquineCoaching #HealingwithHorses

Equine coaching offers a refreshing way to manage stress and find balance in your professional life. Stop stressing your life away—you don't deserve that. You deserve peace, too. When was the last time you intentionally went into nature to be with animals? By working with horses, you'll gain valuable insights into your personal and #professional challenges, allowing you to approach your work with renewed focus and energy. Equine coaching promotes mindfulness and presence, helping you stay grounded and centered even during the busiest times. Experience the transformative power of equine coaching to boost your focus, improve your well-being, and achieve your professional goals. Work with me here: https://lnkd.in/eXQQPcsv

"As part of my personal coaching programme, I had been focusing on how I show up authentically and with confidence, in both my personal and business life. Caryl suggested we work on an aspect of this in her equine coaching practice. In all honesty I was apprehensive, working and being around horses is not natural for me - I find horses awe inspiring and slightly intimidating – however, I am up for trying new experiences and I’m so glad I did. “It’s hard to describe just how amazing the experience was - I felt a huge sense of safety (Caryl’s guidance around the horses and also the horses themselves) like I had stepped into the presence of old wisdom, and they already had me sussed out! They knew me and what I needed. The connection I felt as I spoke and worked with them was so natural all my fears subsided, and I could show up as me. I learned a huge amount (with Caryl’s guidance) about myself and what’s holding me back - I cannot recommend this experience highly enough. It’s so different, unexpected but life changing and will stay with me for a long time.” Penny Young Org Development and Change Leader. If you’re interested in finding out more about how Equine Led Coaching could help you or your organisation with coaching and development, contact Caryl@change-dynamics.co.uk or visit our website: www.change-dynamics.co.uk 

Debunking Myths About the Equine Assisted Coaching Business Over the coming days, we'll bust common myths about the Equine Assisted Coaching industry. 🚫🚫"It's Just Horsing Around" Myth! 🚫🚫 💯‼️Equine assisted coaching is a profound practice that goes way beyond "horsing around." It involves deep connections, transformative experiences, and impactful personal development. Research and study into "how" and "why" equine assisted modalities are so transformative are ongoing. The HeartMath Institute and Ann Baldwin, Ph.D., among others, have done and continue to do great research in this area. Embrace the truth about equine assisted coaching - a fulfilling and impactful career. Ready to dive into the world of equine-assisted coaching? learn more at https://lnkd.in/gj4MrFHX #EquineCoaching #FreedomWayCoaching #EquineAssistedTraining #CoachingJourney #equineassistedtherapy #coachingwithhorses #freedomwayequinecoaching #equinefacilitatedlearning #equineassistedlearning

Equine coaching offers a unique opportunity to ground ourselves in the present moment, allowing us to explore our responses to challenges and play with new solutions. It provides a safe space for personal growth and problem-solving. #EquineCoaching #PersonalDevelopment

Coaching with horses is a profound and life-changing journey.🐴 These incredible animals sense your emotions and respond to what’s going on inside you, offering exactly the kind of support you need in each moment. Whether their reaction is bold and energetic — snorting, pawing, or running — or quiet and gentle—smelling, standing close, or nudging you — it’s a powerful act of connection. Imagine a 1,000–2,000-pound animal choosing to be with you, standing in your presence with trust and vulnerability. It’s a beautiful moment of shared courage and understanding. When you step into this space, you open yourself up to deep personal growth. Horses don’t just show up; they guide you to insights that help you break through fears and discover a future filled with authenticity and purpose. Ready to experience this for yourself? Learn more about how equine coaching can transform your life at https://lnkd.in/giiJrWaC.

What is Sentience? And Why Does It Matter in Equine Assisted Coaching? Sentience is the capacity to experience feelings, sensations, and emotions. At The Freedom Way®, we firmly believe that horses are sentient beings, capable of deep emotional connections and nuanced communication. Recognizing horses as sentient transforms the equine assisted coaching industry. It shifts our approach from merely using horses as tools to respecting them as conscious partners in the healing and growth process. This profound respect and understanding deepen the client-horse relationship, leading to more authentic and impactful coaching sessions. In our Equine Assisted Coach Training Program, we emphasize the sentience of horses as a cornerstone of our philosophy. By appreciating their sentient nature, we foster empathy, compassion, and a greater sense of connection, enriching the coaching experience for both clients and coaches. Join us to explore the incredible potential of equine sentience and revolutionize your approach to coaching! Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/gj4MrFHX #EquineAssistedCoaching #Sentience #FreedomWayEquineAssistedCoaching #EquineAssistedTherapy #EquineFacilitatedLearning #CoachingWithHorses