Frequently Asked Questions
​Where are you located?
Our home base is in New York. We work with equine facilities in the US and around the world that are well suited for Equine Assisted Learning. The facilities we lease have indoor arenas, and take excellent care of their horses.
What about lodging and catering?
We will work closely with you to deliver a great experience all around, including recommendations for lodging near the horse farm, and farm-to-table meals.
Is this equine therapy?
No. At The Horse Institute, our mission is to offer unparalleled corporate leadership expertise and years of experience working with horses in a dynamic new teaching method -- one that engages participants in a more impactful, insightful and memorable way than the same old corporate training. We call our approach "Leadership Development Through Fresh Eyes."
Where can I learn more about Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)?
Visit the the Equine Experiential Education Association (E3A) website at https://www.e3assoc.org
Why do you partner with horses, not dogs or other animals?
Horses are particularly adept at exposing realities and insights around human behavior in the areas of leadership, team functioning and effective communication for several reasons. As prey animals, horses are highly attuned to human intentions, energy and focus. They are masters at sensing "incongruence" -- when our internal thoughts and feelings do not match our outward behavior.
Because horses are herd animals, team dynamics and engagement are second nature to them. As non-verbal beings who live in the moment, horses respond in a way that is pure and direct -- innocently holding a mirror up to the strengths and gaps we often don't see in ourselves.
Finally, we find that the special nature and size of horses has a way of opening people up and drawing them in, which makes the The Horse Institute coaching experience that much more impactful and memorable.
What if I have never worked with horses?
No problem! The Horse Institute's equine faculty is chosen specifically for their ideal temperament and willingness to engage. Each workshop begins with a tutorial on safety around horses and how to communicate with horses. You'll be surprised at how quickly you start to build a relationship with these gentle giants!
What if I already have experience with horses?
Surprisingly enough, program participants who are familiar with horses are often the most surprised and delighted by engaging with horses this way. This engagement is not about riding or training horses. Rather, through The Horse Institute's equine assisted coaching, you gain insights about yourself -- strengths and areas of opportunity -- through the horses, other participants and the program facilitators. Even for experienced horse people, this is a "fresh eyes" experience!
Do I need to be fit or athletic to participate?
No. There is no horseback riding involved and any level of fitness is fine. If you can walk a half mile, you are fit enough to participate. If you have special needs, or prefer not to walk, you can still be an active team participant. Anyone can engage with and learn from horses in the programs designed by The Horse Institute.
Is it safe?
Safety always comes first at The Horse Institute. We carefully select horses for our equine faculty based on their ideal temperament and "people" skills. Our facility is maintained to rigorous safety standards. Each program begins with a tutorial on safety around horses, then constant monitoring and feedback is provided by qualified facilitators throughout the equine activities. We are proud of our safety record, and we make every effort to ensure that your equine assisted learning experience at The Horse Institute is as safe as it is inspiring!
What should I wear?
Your classroom is a covered arena (soft footing) and your teachers are horses, so wear casual clothes that are comfortable, allow movement and can get dirty; simple is best. Layers generally work best to accommodate weather shifts. Closed-toe shoes with socks are mandatory -- no sandals, no exceptions.
What if I have allergies?
If you have known allergies, please consult with your healthcare professional for recommendations. We keep a clean environment, however it is a working farm with horses, dogs and cats, surrounded by unbounded nature.