How a Day with Horses Transformed Our Leadership: A Unique EQiLead Workshop Experience

Vicki Macdermid is an expert in Equine Leadership and knows how many of us become overwhelmed by the need to get things done with limited resources. We can overlook the subtle dynamics that drive effective teamwork when we don’t take time out. 

In a recent EQiLead workshop, which uses interactions with horses as the primary teaching tool, Jessica V, Executive Assistant to a large multinational Managing Director, found it eye-opening. Vicki’s approach provides participants with a fascinating window into the power of presence, trust, and unspoken understanding. 

Jessica admits she was initially sceptical, thinking that horses might not have the same charm or connection with humans as dogs. Yet, EQiLead with its focus on horses as teachers, quickly dissolved her doubts. 

“I was surprised by how everyone interacted with the horses and, more importantly, with each other”. 

This day wasn’t just about equine interaction; it was about unlocking a deeper level of respect and understanding within the team.

Seeing Each Other in a New Light

One of the most compelling parts of the workshop was the opportunity to observe each team member’s personality in a new setting. 

“It was interesting to see Sarah in a more vulnerable, quiet state. Normally, she’s energetic and outgoing, but here, she was different. It made me feel more connected to her because I could relate to that side of her.” 

This shift allowed Jessica to see beyond the workplace roles and witness a more complete picture of her colleagues.

The activity underscored that when we see different aspects of each other, our professional relationships become richer and more relatable.

“I related to Sarah so much more in that moment than I think I ever have. It was interesting to see how these dynamics reveal themselves in unexpected ways.”

This insight aligns with a key component of team dynamics by helping everyone see beyond titles and roles to understand the human connections that are foundational to effective teamwork.

Presence, patience and authentic connection

Building Trust Through a Shared Experience

One of the standout exercises involved trust, as team members participated in a blindfolded activity with the horse. The exercise required participants to rely on one another fully, with some team members leading others who couldn’t see. Jessica was struck by how much trust Lynn placed in Andrew, saying, 

“It was like, wow, I’m seeing what they actually feel about each other underneath it all.”

The day brought out emotions and connections that typical team-building activities seldom reach. 

“We’ve done other activities before, but they were more about competition and fun. This was different—it was serious and gave everyone a moment to truly connect.”

By removing the competitive edge and replacing it with shared vulnerability, EQiLead creates a powerful context for real trust-building.

Gaining a New Perspective on Leadership

While Jessica chose not to enter the arena, she gained invaluable insights into how her colleagues perceive and interact with one another in her role as an observer. Watching from the sidelines, she observed trust levels, personal dynamics, and even unconscious biases. 

“Seeing them in this different scenario was eye-opening. A lot of what I saw is usually unconscious—they might not even realise how much they trust someone until they’re in a situation like this.”

As an observer, Jessica also found that her presence was crucial even though she wasn’t directly in the arena with the horse. 

“I was just there, a silent support, and they knew I was available if they needed anything.”

 In this role, she realised that observing without actively participating still made her a key part of the exercise. In fact, this mirrors what it’s like to support a team in the workplace, where being present and available is often as impactful as active involvement.

A Unique Environment for Team Connection

The contrast with typical corporate team-building activities couldn’t have been clearer. Unlike rock climbing or problem-solving games, which often lead to laughter and competition, the EQiLead program created a space of stillness and reflection. 

“In other team activities, we’re laughing and joking, but here, we were serious. We could just take a moment to observe and respect each other. It was incredibly valuable,”

This calm, intentional environment allowed team members to notice not only their own responses but also each other’s strengths, vulnerabilities, and authenticity. Horses, being highly sensitive to human emotions, helped create a mirror in which team members could see themselves and each other more clearly. 

This setting encouraged a level of reflection that rarely happens within office walls.

What the Horses Taught Us About Respect

One of the unexpected lessons for Jessica was realizing how the team approached the horse with respect, taking time to connect rather than command. 

“They weren’t coming in with an attitude of ‘I’m the boss.’ Instead, they were building trust and respect first.”

This insight carried over into how they view their own authority and leadership within the team.

 “Sometimes, we just assume others will respect us because of our title. But this exercise taught us that respect is something you build, not something that’s guaranteed.” 

By observing how her colleagues interacted with the horse, Jessica realised the importance of meeting people as they are, building trust naturally rather than enforcing authority.

Creating Change in the Workplace

Reflecting on the day, Jessica sees the potential for these lessons to transform the workplace. While she expressed uncertainty about her influence, she also recognized the powerful impact of this shared experience. 

“Even if I don’t directly lead team initiatives, just being present and available can make a difference,” 

Jessica also plans to explore new ways of contributing, inspired by the way the horse’s presence changed team dynamics without any titles, roles, or authority.

This workshop showed that leadership can emerge from simple presence and authenticity. 

Jessica hopes to integrate these lessons into her own role, subtly influencing team culture by embodying the values of patience, respect, and support that the horses naturally brought out in everyone that day.

Final Reflections

The EQiLead workshop was more than just a day out of the office—it was an opportunity for Jessica and her colleagues to break free from conventional roles and explore their connections in a fresh and powerful way. 

Jessica’s reflections remind us that true leadership isn’t just about giving orders or having authority; it’s about creating a space where respect, trust, and understanding can flourish.

As Jessica summed up, 

“This experience was a reminder that we’re all human, and sometimes, it’s good to step back and see each other that way.”

 For anyone looking to transform their leadership approach, the EQiLead program offers a unique, hands-on path to deeper connections and a more authentic way to lead.

A fresh perspective on leadership