Frequently Asked Questions
How does it work?
The Horse Institute offers an innovative approach that combines accepted coaching tools with on-the-ground exercises with horses. Learning from horses for professional and personal development is a powerful approach because it yields expedient, sustainable results by improving communication, team development and innovation.
How do you “transform workplace performance”?
The Horse Institute’s mission is to help its clients transform their performance and manage change in the workplace. We take a unique approach to training: our model is to Assess, Coach, Enhance (ACE) for maximum effectiveness. Our ACE™ model gives corporate clients a powerful solution for issues that impact day-to-day business.
How can you help me/my team?
The Horse Institute customizes programs to meet each client’s goals. Some key areas where we can help include Communication, Team Development, Innovation and Change.
Where are you located?
We currently have locations in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston, Raleigh-Durham, NC. We have access to other locations in the United States and around the world. Please contact us for a location near you, or call us at 518-398-6300.
How about lodging?
Overnight accommodations are available near all of our facilities. Contact us and we’ll be happy to help you with area hotels or bed & breakfast.
Is it safe?
Safety always comes first. While horses can be a hazard, we take precautions during the training to make the experience safe and fun for everyone. In addition to our qualified trainers and equine specialists,we ensure your safety and comfort by constant monitoring and feedback throughout the session. In addition, our horses carefully selected for their “people skills” and we have safe, well appointed facilities.
Why do we need horses and what do they add to the training?
Horses allow us to build experiential, task-oriented activities into the training. The process puts the participant in new and unknown situations rather than talking or reading about them. See Why Horses for more information.
In addition, horses respond to differences in problem solving, thus encouraging innovation. Horses quickly let you know if your plan and communication are effective as you progress through the exercises. When you are successful with a horse exercise, our facilitators help you make a direct link back to your and your team’s strength(s) and apply them to your work environment.
Do I need to be fit or athletic to do this program?
There is no riding involved and any level of fitness is fine. If you can walk a half mile, you are fit enough to participate in the horse activities. If you have special needs and prefer not to walk, you can still be an active team participant. Anyone can enjoy learning from horses in this environment.
How long are the sessions with the horses?
Each activity with the horses lasts up to 30 minutes and is followed by a group discussion facilitated by trainers.
What if I have never worked with horses?
You learn about safety around horses as soon as you begin the training and you’ll be surprised how quickly you learn to communicate with large animals. Horses are confidence builders: there is no right or wrong with the activities involving horses. It’s just about the experience and accomplishing tasks in each person’s own way.What if I have experience with horses?
Interestingly, people who love horses enjoy the workshop because it gives them a chance to observe and learn from horses in a different environment. Our experiential training is not about horsemanship or riding; rather, you gain insights about yourself from horses, other participants and our trainers—you get 360 feedback in real time!
What’s the dress code?
Remember that you are dressing to work with horses. Wear clothes that can get dirty and closed toe shoes with socks—no sandals, no exception.
What about weather?
Programs are held year-round. In the Northeast, winter temperatures hover around or below freezing; summers are warm. You will spend time in a covered but unheated arena. Dress appropriately for the weather. It is best to layer clothing during all seasons.
Who handles catering?
Food served at The Horse Institute’s trainings conforms to the highest standards, with generous catered luncheons and snacks. We offer balanced choices of healthy, market fresh menus featuring specialty foods of the region.
Where can I learn about equine assisted learning?
Visit the national organizations that certify our corporate trainers, including Equine Experiential Education Association (E3A), The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association(EAGALA) and Greg Kersten's O.K. Corral Series.
