Human teachers were replaced by horses when women from across the North West took part in a leadership and development course with a difference.
Harness Change, based in Haverthwaite, hosted 10 delegates as part of Harness Confidence, a Cumbria Chamber of Commerce event.
It aimed to help businesswomen develop their confidence and leadership skills.
Zara Myers, director of Harness Change, and coach and business development specialist, said: “It is incredible to see how people adapt their behaviours as individuals and as part of a team, when they are working with the horses.
“The sessions we deliver are far removed from standard leadership and development courses; by harnessing the horses natural reaction to want to form a bond with the herd leader, we are able to give our delegates a real insight into how their intentions and behaviours affect those they work with.”
Prada and Pepper, were their equine teachers and each delegate was asked to work with the horse and could choose how and what they wanted to do. Through this, the delegate could see their habitual behaviours, how they approach situations and their usual way of working with others.
Zara said: “It may seem like a simple task, but a horse will not walk alongside a person who doesn’t command their respect. The exercise is all about making sure the person has set their intentions, is confident and assured. Only at that point will the horse agree to go with them.
“This exercise works well because each person’s individual anxieties are brought to the forefront and then we address it. We talk about how those issues affect the working environment, and we help them to overcome that.
“Once they have overcome their obstacle, the horse will move with them, and in the long term they have different strategies to take into work. Perhaps a new sense of confidence, or a new approach to conflict.”
Evie Rogers, net zero advisor at Carbon Metrics, based in Kirkby Lonsdale, said: “I attended the Harness Confidence session as I was looking to build my confidence in terms of project delivery and gain a deeper insight into the way I work and strategise. I also thought it would be a great networking opportunity.
“Truthfully, I had no idea what to expect but the session was brilliant. I met women with similar interests and who have experienced similar feelings at work like self-doubt and a lack of confidence.
“I definitely got a greater understanding of how I work, and how I can use my introverted way of thinking to my advantage.
There is now a Women in Business horse riding group and networking session which takes part on the first Friday of every month at Bigland Hall Equine, which can be booked online..
The event took place at the Cumbria Rural Academy in Haverthwaite.
