FAQs

Q: How many people can be on a course at once?
A: We generally work with groups of about 12 people but can work with larger groups by adding additional horses and facilitators. We have worked with up to 40 people - giving them a memorable start to a two day conference.

Q: Is it more difficult if a person is apprehensive around horses?
A: No. We don't expect people to have any equestrian experience and overcoming anxiety can be valuable learning in itself. Most people are surprised by how much they can achieve!

Q: Why are horses so successful in this type of training as opposed to any other animal?
A: Being prey animals, horses make extensive use of body language to communicate. Noticing the smallest movement by another horse is herd can be the difference between life and death. This makes them experts at responding to our body langauge - and bringing this response to our attention. (All the neighing and whinnying from horses that is so often heard in Western Movies is really not typical at all!).

Q: Do the horses have to undergo any special training to be able to be involved in this type of training?
A: No - they simply respond to each individual they meet. The only prerequisite for the horses is that they are safe and comfortable around humans

Q: Given that delegates need no equestrian experience - is there a safety issue about inexperienced people being in such close proximity to large animals?
A: Safety is an issue that we take very seriously. We always have at least 2 facilitators - one whose primary focus is the people and the other whose primary focus is the horses. That way we can keep everyone safe. In addition, we use locations where physical safety standards are high - eg where there is a good surface on which to work. Both facilitators also have specialist first aid training for equestrian activities.

Q: What would you say to those that are sceptical about this technique?
A: Come and try it for yourself or talk to those who have attended our workshops