LEADING WITH HORSES
LEADING WITH HORSES
LEADING WITH HORSES
Choose Your Coach...
What makes our herd Unique and Valuable?
Equine Assisted Coaching is about personal development. Leading with Horses has created a safe place for coaches, therapists, researchers, and individuals to explore their patterns. We believe horses are uniquely adapted to coach humans. As prey, animals have developed a sensitivity to their surroundings and as herd animals, they communicate through their actions. Subtle changes in our actions or behaviors can provoke responses that give us immediate feedback about ourselves. Horses let us see ourselves in ways we cannot.
As herd animals, they learn to depend on each other for survival and work cooperatively and instinctively. The hierarchy within the herd can change over time. Leadership is obtained through intelligence and the ability to protect or lead the herd, rather than brute force. This leadership dynamic has much to teach us about leading without dominance or intimidation.
Leading with Horses offers select members of their herd for use in coaching and therapy sessions. You can come as an individual, group, or team may come to work one-on-one with a specific horse in a round pen or arena, as well as observe the natural behaviors of the herd. This is not a riding program. The Coaches at Leading With Horses will work with Instructors and Therapists to customize a curriculum for their clients, or you can simply learn along-side your client.
KOENIG
German Warmblood, Gelding
Born 1991 - arrived at SCR 2005
Koenig is German-trained through Grand Prix (highest level of dressage competition), His name means “King”, and exerts wisdom and patience of a leader. He loves to perform tricks and to entertain a crowd. He can make the most insecure person feel comfortable and safe.
BUDDY BOY
AQHA (Quarter Horse), Gelding
Born 2006 - arrived at SCR 2016
He is not ridable because of an arthritic condition in his feet, however, with proper hoof care he is pain free and able to demonstrate his love and appreciation of people… and treats. Oh, Buddy really likes his treats! He is very interested in learning new things and enjoys the company of people more than horses.
BELLE
Thoroughbred, Mare
Born 2008 - arrived at SCR 2018
Belle of the ball, she is! This sweet girl never raced, but lived at the property she was born on until her family had to move to the city. She was so well cared for and loved her entire life – she has a beautiful way of connecting with people, and in particular, children.
MR. MAKAH
Thoroughbred, Gelding
Born 2000 - arrived at SCR 2016
This beautiful boy is well known in the Washington racing industry. He won or placed in 22 races and earned over $205,000. Makah has not been fully evaluated, however, we know that he has had excellent care and training. After retiring from racing he became a riding horse and although he is in good physical health, Makah just doesn’t want to be ridden any longer. He is also a horse who would rather hang out with people than other horses! I think he has found his perfect job.
DEPUTY
Thoroughbred Gelding
Born 2005 - arrived at SCR 2014
A new sheriff is in town! Deputy has extensive training both on the ground and under saddle. He reached a point of “burn out” after being a show horse. There was not enough partnership and reward. Now at the SCR, Deputy has learned that following instructions will be rewarded – yet still, he finds more satisfaction (and humor) in attempting to get out of work as often as possible or put forth as little effort as possible. It is almost as if he is entertaining himself.
CHICKASAW PARK
Thoroughbred, Gelding
Born 2002 - arrived at SCR 2013
Winner of the 2007 Chinook Pass Sprint at Emerald Downs. At 10 years old he held the record for most all-time wins in Washington racing. He was forced to retire due to age, but if it were up to him, he would have continued. Chickasaw loved his job. He is still trying to figure out “retirement”, but enjoys the company of people.