The transformative experience of Equus Coaching: Here’s what to expect
Equus coaching is a truly transformational experience. Working with a horse gives you immediate, unbiased feedback on how you’re showing up as a leader, plus a safe space to experiment and try something different.
However, I recognise that for many people, signing up for this type of experience involves a giant leap of faith. You don’t know what to expect and you might worry about your ability to perform what’s being asked of you.
That’s why I’m thrilled to share this conversation with Aoife Ní Mhóráin, a Director of Product Design who has experienced Equus coaching with me firsthand. My hope is that Aoife’s story helps remove some of the mystery about Equus coaching and provides the gentle nudge you might need to give it a try.
This interview was conducted by my blog editor, Melissa Suzuno.
Can you share a little bit about your professional background?
Aoife: I’m a director of product design with experience in agency and consulting through Flow interactive (where I met Martina) and as an independent, mostly supporting government. My roles in-house have been with data-led organisations in the domains of market research and derivatives.
The government work has also been data-led as it’s mostly a transformation piece. I use workplace coaching and transformation to bring capability and practice into the framing required to be a mature data environment.
How did you find out about Equus coaching and decide to participate?
Aoife: Martina and I like to discuss the challenges we’re facing in our work and different approaches to overcoming them. When she mentioned that she was starting to offer Equus coaching, I was game to give it a go!
I’ve always been interested in exploring new ways to learn things. Challenges with influencing stakeholders with a fixed mindset led me to seek advice from Martina and she suggested I try this approach. I really didn’t know what to expect, other than a day out, in the open air, away from the structure of the city and working life. The interaction with the animals and fresh air was something that was very appealing to me.
What were you hoping to achieve from Equus coaching?
Aoife: We both spent some time exploring this topic and what we settled on was strengthening my skills when influencing those that work on my team. Specifically, we decided to explore my approach to leading through inspiration with confidence. Until then, my traditional upbringing and emphasis on logic and logistics was not always delivering the outcomes I hoped for.
How would you describe the actual Equus coaching experience?
Aoife: It was, honestly, quite weird to be in a stables, grooming the horse and being asked open reflective questions about our topic. The switch in context was disarming yet refreshing, helping me to see the topic from an open mindset.
The purpose of the horse was totally unknown to me at the time, but on reflection he served two purposes:
Acted as a psychological distraction for my ego as I was partially focused on cleaning and arranging him in the way I was instructed to. The context and horse allows for a shift of mindset to openness.
My empathy for him grew as I spent time with him attending to his needs. I learned who he was and what he was capable of. My reflection afterwards is that horses are such intelligent, powerful animals, the way you ‘control’ them is through consensual authority. The only way to gain that status is through trust. The initial work in the stable and then the experience in the training paddock were a metaphor for leadership and how to inspire action. Telling him what to do was totally pointless. He looked at me blankly. Had I not gained his trust, he would have merely walked away. By the end of the experience I had him running around the training circle, in the direction that I wanted, at the pace I wanted. That was very hard to achieve and a physical shift occurred in my body to enable it. Positive, confidence and enthusiasm were needed, along with clear direction. This I feel in my body now, whereas before, I was intellectualising it and missing the point.
What has changed for you since participating in the coaching? How has it helped you reach your desired goals/outcomes?
Aoife: I have a deep, unconscious understanding of what people need to feel motivated towards a goal that is set by me and an organisation. The challenge of authenticity is reframed from ‘be who I am’ to make peace with what you need to do and bring others through it with integrity. Listening, getting to know people, and being clear about what is needed are practices that can easily be discussed on an intellectual level, but feeling them on a visceral level is what is needed to ensure success.
What would you say to anyone who was considering participating in Equus coaching but was feeling hesitant to do so?
Aoife: I think the reality is that it is quite indescribably impactful. For most people it will be well outside of their comfort zone. Few get the chance to work with such glorious animals. Martina’s open and gentle coaching style will work with you at your pace to ensure your comfort.
I’d also add that the impact is visceral. It’s indescribable on a logical level, which is what written communication is. If you’re blocked in an area, and have tried conventional coaching, this is definitely worth a go. It will help you shift your perspective. It also made me very happy. Who doesn’t love spending time in the countryside with such a beautiful creature?
Ready to take the next step to learn more about Equus coaching or book a session? Get in touch here.
