At times we have been tempted to call these programs "herd-building", rather than "team-building". Horses live in herds, where leadership and individual roles in the herd are more flexible and dynamic than you might imagine. However, when there is a critical situation - a predator approaches the herd, for example - the herd responds as one - as a team.

In the wild, the "team" in a herd of horses is the family unit; usually one stallion with a small group of mares, and foals. Normally, people think of the stallion as the leader of the group, but in fact leadership has multiple aspects. There is usually a "lead mare", who will take charge and lead the group to water, for example. When some outside force threatens the group, the stallion may take charge.

In our programs, we offer you opportunities to experience a leadership role with a horse; also to join with a horse in working as a team, a single unit. The widely different personalities of the horses in our herd become a metaphor for the different personalities who make up your teams. The experience of working with or relating to these different horse personalities will help you develop the skills to deal with a variety of human personalities.

To create and schedule a Team-Building experience for your organization, contact Karen Head or Mark Langner. Email info@equinection.org or call 828-682-9157.

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