Unbridled Leadership: How Horses Taught Me About Empowerment, Leadership, and Communication

At the pinnacle of my teaching career, just as I was about to celebrate the culmination of what I thought were the best years of my life, I encountered a jolting low—a self-perceived failure. Fate has a curious way of placing us in adverse positions, but little did I know that this setback would be the catalyst for a remarkable rebirth.

It all began when I stumbled upon an advertisement that beckoned me towards an exciting career with horses. The tagline was simple yet profound: "Make your dreams come true." I took the leap, following my dreams to enhance leadership, communication empowerment among people. Looking back, it was undoubtedly one of the most worthy decisions I've ever made.

The Power of Rebirth

For me, this journey was about combining two of my greatest passions: people and horses. I believe that I have always possessed a talent for teaching, coaching, and facilitating growth in others. Over my lifetime, I have been in many roles supporting others as an instructor, camp counselor, coach, personal trainer, mentor, teacher, and now facilitator. It seems it has been my life's mission to support people in their learning journeys, buoyed by a boundless capacity for empathy and compassion. I discovered long ago that I was a natural cheerleader, always rooting for others to succeed, relishing those incredible "a-ha" moments when individuals experience profound empowerment.

I vividly remember my daughters teasing me for cheering on every participant at school track meets, seemingly impartial in my support. Yet, it was this same spirit that I brought to my work, whether it was watching a child flourish at summer camp, a student acing a challenging science project, or witnessing transformations here at Unbridled Leadership.

Horses as Teachers

One hashtag, #horsesasteachers, encapsulates the magic that unfolds when two beings, human and equine, connect on a profound level. My role is not to control or limit, but to facilitate the opportunity for growth. Through Equine Assisted Learning (EAL), I guide clients through fun, problem-solving obstacle courses that naturally enhance communication, trust, and leadership skills.

These lessons transcend the arena, seeping into our daily lives:

Trust: In ourselves, in others, and within our families and friendships.

Communication: Improved connections with loved ones, enhanced communication at work or school.

Leadership: Horses provide honest feedback, teaching us to lead with intention and positive energy.

Learn with Horses: EAL Offerings

EAL isn't just about breaking free from constraints; it's about forging authentic human-horse connections rooted in trust and communication. It's about recognizing that true empowerment and leadership arise when we learn from these majestic creatures.

A Work in Progress

As I transitioned from the world of teaching to entrepreneurship, I realized that this new path was also a journey of personal growth and evolution. It's essential to acknowledge that I, too, am a work in progress. Leaving behind a career I loved and stepping into the unknown was not without its challenges, but every hurdle has been worth it.

Embracing Unbridled Leadership full-time has been a profound decision, and I've learned that the journey towards empowerment, leadership, and effective communication is an ongoing process—one that I wholeheartedly embrace.

My journey from the depths of perceived failure to the heights of empowerment was made possible through the wisdom of horses. They've shown me that, sometimes, the most profound transformations happen when we let go and allow ourselves to learn from the unbridled, untamed beauty of the world around us.