EQUINE ASSISTED COACHING

“A clear mirror to what was happening and how new outcomes could be achieved” So, what is different when you add therapy horses and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) specialists into the coaching mix? What do you gain, that you can’t achieve in an hour of conventional coaching? In 2019 I went along as a client, to find out for myself if the reality matched the rhetoric, and what the difference actually was - I was blown away by my experience!The horse’s reaction made what I was doing, and the impact it was having on me, so obvious. The experience was visceral. I can recall it vividly, and I relate back to it regularly, giving myself the permission they gave me to relax and step back – Reflecting on the session, and why it had the impact it did, I realised that for once I had allowed my analytical mind to rest. Being totally immersed in the experience enabled me to access deeper insights, without my mind blocking these with old stories and expectations. It was quite a shock to be faced with the reality that my usual behaviours and coping mechanisms didn’t actually get me the results I wanted! Even more so to realise that by actually thinking less and being more in tune with how I felt, produced great results! The horses had provided a clear mirror to what was happening and how new outcomes could be achieved. When I find myself trying really hard, putting myself under pressure to do my very best, I am reminded of the feeling in the session. I can physically feel the sensations I experienced that day, and can quickly act on this and change my behaviour. By behaving differently, I am able to get better results, quicker.

“Barriers were blown away and empathy for each other and our cause seemed to thrive.” It felt like a day of awakening. Listening (with all your senses) to how empathetic another species is towards you is totally mind blowing. Things in my head slotted into place, I understood far more deeply what is important, what isn't and how to ultimately let go of all the junk in my head, and focus on the small amount of stuff that's actually important. It sounds bonkers, but it happened. I blame the horses (and the alpaca). Sharing this experience with my team, seeing how open they were and how they all experienced their own unique journey on the day was amazing and very enlightening. I loved that although we all got something slightly different out of our experience with the horses, we found each other, shared what was happening and the sum of our experiences seemed to build an overall stronger connection and team bond. Barriers were blown away and empathy for each other and our cause seemed to thrive. I feel like we understand each other far better as individuals, our own individual needs and strengths (faaaar beyond skill sets etc). I think I would say that horses and other herd animals are intrinsically connected at a much deeper level. You can't really understand the concept of empathy, unless you understand herd dynamics. So by observing and being accepted by a herd, you get a glimpse into what empathy is, how to support others and ultimately harness the power of a group / team to become far stronger than the sum of the individual parts of that group / team. It’s hard to explain, and it needs the audience to have a base sense of openness to listen. I loved every minute. The centre is perfect, it's humble, it's safe, you served delicious food, you listened intently, you broke barriers, it was clear how much care and curation goes into what you do. And you all take such great care of the animals in your trust. I have done plenty of therapy myself in various guises, but nothing has ever come close to unpicking some of the stuff I have going on. Thank you!

"As a result, I am more able to stay in my flow state" My experience at Track Clinic allowed me to shed light on my enquiry about flow, how to find it, when do you know you're in flow and when not and what enables and disrupts it. I really liked the introduction and the care taken with the set up, enabling me to settle and connect to what I wanted to explore. Also this created a sense of community for the duration of the workshop. As a result, I am already being more active in a flow state and spotting more quickly what's supporting me to stay in flow. t’s tricky to describe! I’d say…You have to try it. Be open to explore, let go of what you know. The herd enables you to choose different ways to explore whatever it is you're bringing. You can take it at your own pace and you're fully supported by expert facilitators. Nina creates a very safe environment, enabling a group of disparate people to come together and share personal and challenging issues in a confidential and supportive space. No mean feat. Thank you

"The experience allowed me to reflect on the importance of a safe nervous system" how that helps someone else in a dysregulated state, and how we need that for ourselves too. Being with the herd helped me shift my perspectives around themes of control / power / respect / advantage taking (societal expectations and judgements). Sometimes being a caregiver means to hold and absorb whatever that person throws at you and not react or tell them to moderate or express differently. And that’s ok, it doesn’t mean your boundaries have to shift. Only you know if your boundaries or sense of ‘respect’ has been compromised however it might look from the outside. I felt a sense of urgency around needing to find inner peace and stability to be able to show up in a more grounded way for myself and loved ones. Also, it was a reminder of the importance to ‘just be’ sometimes and not over think or verbalise, trust that this is just as valid and also in itself helps process stuff. Time with horses has a regulating effect because of differently operating nervous systems. The herd mind. Their reactions can help you consider themes within yourself, and sharing with others after can help integrate this. Biscuits, tea, space, eco loo, fire all lovely welcoming touches that contribute to feeling of safety and retreat.

“I gained clarity on what is important, higher self-acceptance and inspiration to take action” “It sounded far fetched to the logical mind, but on an intuitive level it made sense. I was able to draw out some important insights that have stayed with me since. I have returned for more sessions, and every time I have been left with greater clarity on what is important to me, leading to higher self-acceptance and inspiration to take action”

“Such a powerful experience and a very intuitive way of getting to know yourself better” I attended Track Clinic as part of a team building exercise, and I’m so surprised with how much I got from it, personally and professionally. Above all, an overwhelming feeling of connection and being completely understood by the horses and my colleagues. It is really hard to explain or put it into words how incredible and restorative this day was for me, and I truly believe everyone would benifit from spending a day with such incredible creatures. I really benefited from the team building exercises and the one-to-one moments with the horses. When I finally let myself go, and felt completely in touch with nature and with the horses I got a perception of their healing power and restoring abilities and couldn’t be more grateful to them and to Nina and her team. Everything from the location to the horses to how the entire day was planned and curated felt very purposeful. Would love to come back. To whom doesn't know it I would say they should try it, even if just once, as it’s such a powerful experience and a very intuitive way of getting to know yourself better.

“A wonderful investment in you" A wonderful afternoon of self reflection and a chance to focus on what matters in a calm, reflective setting. Spending time understanding from Nina the herd and how they interact. Learning from them to slow down and have faith in nature. It showed me how I could have slower, calmer thoughts - with less rushing around & feeling stressed. Like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. A wonderful investment in you. Thank you to Nina and team for an amazing experience. I felt the herd really leant in to the needs of one of our group who was feeling vulnerable.

“A really grounding and transformative experience. Surprising what comes up!” I came away with increased self awareness. A sense of peace and connectedness. I felt happy!!! I loved the interaction with the herd and the group discussion afterwards. It was fascinating to share my own thoughts as well as hear what everyone else took from the sessions and how much this varied. As a result, I definitely have more confidence. I feel stronger. Mentally. It made me trust myself more because all of it is your own interpretation of what happened and I loved that. You really do have to intuit what it was about. Very soul searching. I am far more patient than I knew! I’d describe it as a really grounding, quiet and transformative experience. Very surprising what comes up. Lovely warm and safe atmosphere. You really have to experience it to understand fully.