This last month I tested a theory that I teach. The horses’ way is to be in a herd. It is only in a herd that they thrive. They watch over each other when sleeping, find food, protect the herd from predators, and bond through grooming and play. A solo horse cannot live like this. Instead it is constantly in survival mode.

As a single, strong willed, female entrepreneur of many years I could relate more to the solo horse than being in a herd. This year my life expanded onto a 17-acre ranch with six horses, programs in Europe and producing the Horse as Teacher book series. Immediately after moving onto the ranch it became evident that I would not make it through without some serious help.

Help came and went through the summer. A few heavy wrenches were thrown into the summer events that required even more time from me. When the Level Three program came up for September I knew I wanted to do the week completely differently than I had before.

I sat down and looked at all that I had scheduled to teach. Then I thought of everyone who could help me teach, regardless if I enjoyed teaching those sections or not. I pulled in four different teachers/supporters to help me:

Reggie Hausler, Ph.D. an Epona Advanced Instructor from Texas via New York City came in as a co-facilitator and supported me in a way I have never experienced in my life. Not only is she completely honest and authentic she is professional in every manner. Laughter became very integrated during the teaching day and always during our evenings. She will remain a teacher in the EFLC Apprenticeship Program.

Kate dela Grange came up from Boulder to teach to segments. Her presence and ability to lead people deeply into their own energetic awareness and presence is much like how the horses work with humans. She will continue on also.

Chris Manox a local fellow from Michigan trains colts and horses. He came for an afternoon and taught some key experiences and processes for understanding movement with a horse in the road pen. His matter of fact approach backed with earnest encouragement and positive attitude carried every person, regardless of their past horse experience, to new insights about horses or how to work with clients. Chris will come back to teach some more.

Jessie Baker an extreme athlete, word event planner and probably one of the most amazing people I know stepped into ranch manager position. She was here on every level that the horses or we needed her. Her open attitude and ability to not take things personal but to always look for the solution made the behind the scenes events run without a glitch. I wish I could keep her here forever, however she has her sights on some other exciting things for her life. I feel blessed every single day she remains here.

Each one of these fantastic teachers taught me to see what they could teach best and the importance of putting them to work doing their ‘art’. They also taught me that in doing that I received more support and the students walked away with a higher quality of experience. I learned that in order for the business to grow I must empower each member of my team to do what he or she does best.

The students for Level Three shined brilliantly as they stepped into teacher position with their clients for one-day workshops. I hold deep gratitude for each of them to have found their place on the path with horses.

Congratulations to:

Michael McKibban
Cathy Ray
Angel Alexia
Cecilia Engquist www.coachingexcellence.org
Chris de Brouwer

Every person present helped me to understand the power of the herd. I feel deep gratitude and connection for all of those who have supported me and the program for now I know, from the inside out of my being, that nothing is worth doing by myself, it is the process of being with others that gives richness.

(copyright 2009 Kathy Pike)

 

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