Welcome To Leadership & Horses™ Australia

Welcome to Leadership & Horses™ Australia, the home of innovative and unique leadership and team development programs where horses are our co-trainers.  We call it Equine Guided Leadership Development (EGLD).  This type of training is well established in the USA and Europe, and is gaining momentum in other parts of the world.  We are one of the first to bring this type of training to Australia.

What we offer

• Powerful and innovative equine (horse) guided programs
• Custom programs for organisations and groups
• Partnerships with other professionals who want to offer equine guided education to their clients but do not have the horse experience or horses to do so
• Leadership development and team development programs for corporations and individuals
• An opportunity and a venue to run your own conference, supplemented with some powerful and educational  activities

Why horses?

Horses are individuals with their own personalities. They can be difficult, stubborn, playful or helpful. What works with one may not work with another. In other words they are just like our colleagues and family members.

One of the great gifts horses offer is that they mirror back to us what our human body language is telling them - an important lesson since about 90% of communication between humans is non-verbal - i.e. our body language. We may not always be very good at noticing this in ourselves and others but horses are acutely perceptive. They are also very quick to notice the power of our intention - do we really mean what we say?

They are totally honest and have no hidden agenda. They will always react clearly to their perception of us - regardless of our status in the "human" herd. 

They give immediate feedback on our communication style, revealing our personal strengths and weaknesses as leaders and team members. More importantly, they show us exactly what we need to change in order to achieve our goals, improve performance, and effectively gain the co-operation and respect of others.

What happens within the programs also contains many powerful metaphors for learning in the workplace and in daily life and it is these experiences that make the learning so effective.

What are the benefits of Equine Guided Education?

• Enhanced communication skills
• Greater self-awareness leading to a better understanding of others
• Improved lateral thinking and problem solving ability
• More effective teamwork and leadership
• Unique experiences and learning that will be remembered long after the program

Why choose us?

• We have been running Equine Guided development programs since 2004, and are the only certified Equine Guided Educators in Australia/New Zealand. Certification was gained from one of the world's foremost leaders in this field, Ariana Strozzi of Strozzi Ranch in California USA (see our links page for her leadershipandhorses.com site)
• We are members of two international organisations for equine guided education - Equine Guided Education Association (EGEA) and the European Association for Horse Assisted Education (EAHAE). We regularly attend conferences with these organisations in both USA and Europe to update our skills, to network with others in this field, and to make sure a voice from Australia is heard
• We have a long and strong background on leadership practice and development, in people skills and in practical experience with horses.
• Our programs are run at our own very special and unique place - Yarrabin Holiday Ranch near Bathurst in central NSW, Australia. Yarrabin is close to Sydney, yet far enough away to escape all distractions, and you have the whole facility and staff dedicated to you and your team.
• Over 30 horses, all well loved and cared for, are available to assist us in our programs. Our horses live very much as possible in a natural horse environment - in the open and in a mob, and never boxed in a stable. They do a range of activities other than assisting with people development, from trail riding to cross country eventing to riding lessons for kids.
• Programs are tailored to meet your requirements, and can incorporate a range of activities both with the horses and within an indoor setting
• Most importantly, we and our horses love what we do, and we love having fun!

What clients have said:

"The whole experience was not only fun, but I learned much about myself, about leadership and about followership.  For me, the biggest lessons were to remain true to myself, to stay on the course of authenticity and alignment, and to be in the moment rather than over-intellectualise everything.  Graeme and Annie are great hosts and facilitators.  I can't wait to ‘hang' with the horses again!"  Kate Hayes, Allied Consultants

"Working with the Leadership & Horses Australia team was a very special learning experience.  Before doing the sessions, I couldn't imagine that horses had personalities or that each should be communicated with and handled in a different way in order to get the best from them, just like people. I certainly had no expectation that I would be able to communicate with a horse and that it would respond. There is no pretence with horses. I've rarely been as clearly rebuffed as by Hope turning her head away when I approached her! Making the breakthrough was amazing and taught me that I have the ability to do what is needed, when it's needed.  To do this with a horse travelling freely at speed shrinks many of my work challenges!"  Andrew Cocks, Non Executive Management, Sydney

"This has been the one single thing that has had the most profound impact on my life."   Sonia Harrison, mother and entrepreneur

"The horses ‘saw' me instantly for who I really was. The feedback from them happened so quickly. Who the horses are and how they move from a place of authenticity inspired me. My experience elevated my sense of humanity and desire to be in partnership."  Kate Rogers, Australian Army Officer

"With Gerry, my horse ‘teacher', I learned how to be centred, calm and grounded. My experience with the horses helped me remember how to lead with confidence and energy. I am deeply grateful."  Trish Forsyth, School Principal

‘'You know, I was so touched by the experience that I find it too hard to explain to someone who has not participated. This is a truly special program that really uncovered the true ‘me.'  It was incredibly gentle in its delivery and absolutely thunderous with its impact."  Chris Siegert, The Borrowers Friend