Equine-assisted coaching is a journey of self-discovery. It is an experiential form of coaching, involving horses. It works to support the people’s well-being, in mind, body and spirit.

As a trained and certified coach (www.keulseweg.nl), I work with you and the horses on the basis of equality. I facilitate a process in which you gain insight into your thoughts, behaviours and feelings. During the sessions you can experiment and practice new insights and skills.

The methodology I use is based on Gestalt therapy with a focus on contact and awareness. Contact between the coachee, the horse and the coach is central and provides the context within which your story can unfold.

"Gestalt therapy is a form of psychotherapy. The goal is to help the client to understand and to accept themselves. To get more in touch with themselves and their environment." (Meijer &Werner, 2023)

A horse is an expert in reading body language and energy. As a herd animal and historically a prey animal, they are always alert and highly sensitive. Horses communicate by giving immediate feedback. They respond directly, neutrally and most importantly, they do not judge!

The horse-human relationship is powerful and healing. With the horses, we are invited and sometimes challenged, to experience, feel and reflect. Their reactions and interactions with people offer insight into our often unconscious or hidden feelings and behaviours.

Horses help us to focus and to be present with what we experience in the here and now, in body and in mind. They offer authentic contact, emotional safety and information about ourselves.

“Change happens when you become who you are, not when you try to be something you’re not!”

– Fritz Perls

Here we are outside in the field, under the old pear tree in the company of the horses. We feel the sun, or the wind or the rain, we hear the birds and we look out over the river "Oude Maasje" and the fields beyond. There is peace and time.

The first session starts with an intake. This way we get to know each other better and exchange some background information. I tell you a bit more about coaching with horses. Maybe you have some questions.

We look together to see if there is a coaching question, or perhaps a theme that you want to look at. What would you like to work on or gain more clarity about? This could be anything: Communication, relationships, assertiveness, creativity, problem-solving skills, leadership, responsibility, relaxation, cooperation, trust. A decision, a situation, a conflict or a feeling.

We usually start with a short grounding exercise. This way you come into the here and now and connect with your body and your mind. Then we walk to the horses and you meet them, in your own time and at your own pace. What is it like to be with the horses? Is there one of the horses that you would like to work with in this session?

You will be given a simple activity to do together with the horse. You will have all the space and time you need. There is no right or wrong. When you are done, we discuss together how it went. I'll share some observations and ask some questions. We have time for reflection. Sometimes it's helpful to practice something further or try something new.

At the end of the session there is time to say goodbye to the horse, tidy up and check what experiences and insights you are taking with you.

All activities take place with your feet on the ground, next to and not on the horse. We work outside, always wear closed, comfortable shoes or boots. Dress warmly if it is cold, in clothes that can get a bit dirty. In the summer, a cap or sunglasses are handy.

"Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will rule your life and you call it 'your fate'."

– Carl Gustav Jung.