Leadership Awareness with Horses (Level I & II)
This special instruction which is part of our advanced volunteer staff training is designed to educate horse handlers in the various aspects of leadership through equine relationships. These structured interactions with horses expand our awareness of ourselves and our environment, opening us up to greater possibilities, leading to more positive choices, and a happier more fulfilling life.
Participants in this 4-hour volunteer staff training will learn the basics of animal communication and herd behavior (classroom – 45 minutes) to allow a safe working relationship with horses. Then they go outside for some interactive exercises with each other and observe a round pen demonstration (75 minutes). After a ½ hour lunch break, they learn about haltering and leading techniques that promote trust, collaboration and communication with the horse (in the arena with horses – 90 minutes).
During this process participants will learn the importance of their own thoughts and how it affects their body language and energetic communication. The way humans communicate with horses is either welcomed or rejected based on how we are being. If we want to be successful with a horse, we need to be aware of what the horse is seeing in us. The horse becomes an active mirror for our behavior (both positive and negative). By reading the horses’ reactions it helps us become conscious of our unconscious behaviors and to quickly develop skills that support positive outcomes.
(Wear ranch clothes with sturdy shoes and long pants. Bring a bagged lunch and water)
John Longhill’s instruction and the Leadership Awareness with Horses program empower youth and adults to take responsibility for their lives by understanding the importance of pursuing a life aligned with happiness and passion. John’s compassion, skills, and “lessons learned experiences” help guide individuals to a world where personal fulfillment is the focus, while maintaining a sense of service and peace in their lives. John brings over 40 years of practical experience as an educator, riding instructor, ranch manager, horse trainer, farrier and life coach in helping clients understand the value of horses in our lives.
Minimum age: 8 years old
Program Prices:
- Level I - 4 hours - $100
- Level II - 6 hours - includes riding - $125
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Leadership Awareness Testimonials
Kaileen G., 12
"I liked the mini horses the best because they were easy and small and cute and nice! When communicating it is important to think and feel the right things, so the words you say sound good! I learned to define leadership for me, and how to lead a horse. I now know how to horse-sit a horse. I will now know how in the future. I really like the camp a lot and had a lot of fun!"
Brissa, 8
"I liked walking the big horses because it was so much fun. Communication is about saying nice things and being kind to the horses. You need to look where you are going, and hold the horse right, so it does not run off. It is very important to be nice to people and animals. It is important to be kind and love the horses because being afraid is not good for them and it makes them afraid. This will help me to be more kind to everyone. I feel happy about today. Thank you – I love you guys!"
Shawna G., 29, Instructor
Summit Mountain Mentors 7.14.17
"Everything we did was fun for the kids today. I think it was so powerful to see themselves as leaders. I think the kids learned the importance of confidence and kindness in communication and the importance of body language and knowing where you are going when being a leader. Horses can sense what you are feeling and also when I am distracted. This is so true for people as well. This was a great day! Thank you so much for this opportunity!"
Alex Rae C., 24, Instructor
Summit Mountain Mentors 7.14.17
"I think the kids loved being able to lead the horses once they felt confident. They learned how important loving communication is. They also learned how their body communicates as well. They learned they each have the power to be a positive leader. I learned to trust the kids more. They are so strong physically and mentally. It was amazing to watch the kid face their fears and overcome them. I realized that animals can read you! The energy that you send out, you receive back. This was amazing! The staff and volunteers were so patient and supportive. I loved watching all the interaction that took place with the animals as well as with humans. Thank you so much for inviting Mt. Mentors to participate in this camp. Our kids were nervous on the way out but your staff made them very comfortable. Getting the kids to feel comfortable and confident in themselves and their skills was beautiful to watch. We had an absolutely wonderful time!"
Lily
“It was amazing being with all the horses because they were all gentle and nice. I loved all the horses! I learned to be bold and calm with the horses so you don’t scare them. Leadership is about being commanding, but not super commanding, because otherwise you will scare them. A horse will respect you if you are the leader. In life, you sometimes need to be bold and take a chance. With horses you need to love them as much as you can and then you can do more with them. It also helps to do this with new people who maybe need to be loved. This place is amazing, I learned so much! I have been to many horse camps and this is by far the best one ever! All the horses are really amazing and the minis included. This ranch is amazing with all the great people horses and even chickens and ducks. This was an amazing experience!”
Malissa B., 23 Instructor
Keystone Science School Camp 8.1-2.17 Feedback
“I always enjoy learning and practicing positive energy to connect with animals, others and myself. I really loved riding Zephyr today. I realized how powerful happy and calm energy is when riding a horse. It was also a reminder on how to effectively communicate with others through energy. When you think and walk like a leader it makes others treat you like one. It all starts in your mind. I will apply these leadership lessons in my job. I will also bring the understanding of my energy into my relationships. You are a stronger person and leader when you are happy and it all begins with your thoughts. Every time I come here, I walk away with more self-awareness and confidence. Thank you for another wonderful two days! I have nothing but good things to say and the kids LOVED IT! Thank you!”
Marlie S., 23
Keystone Science School Camp 8.1-2.17 Feedback
"I was not expecting this to be a personal spiritual experience but it definitely was! I feel like I learned just as much about myself as I did about horses! Grooming my horse was a special connection. I felt like she was truly comfortable when I was brushing her. I learned that body language and mental presence while incorporating my energy is more important than words in communication. In leadership you need to get to know the animal/person you will be leading before you can be an effective leader. Energy is a huge part of communication and effective leadership. I realized that thoughts of happiness and love help to increase feelings of connectedness. I will focus more on thoughts of happiness and love to improve my connectedness with others. I feel great about today”