Questions about horse-assisted coaching
The questions most often asked about horse-assisted coaching at a força: experience with horses, what to wear, locations, cancellations and how the work goes. You don't need to know anything about horses. The less you know, the more remarkable the experience often is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find your question here? Book a free, no-obligation introductory call through my online calendar at the bottom of this page.
Do I need experience with horses?
Not at all!
The less you know about horses, the more remarkable the experience can be, because you step into the arena curious and without preconceptions about what you are (supposed to be) doing.
I'll teach you what you need to know about horses and about the development of the brain and nervous system, so that you learn for yourself how to build emotionally healthy relationships.
Where do the sessions take place?
a força has several locations.
The office is at Goudenregenstraat 170 – unit 3 in The Hague.
There are two stables:
- Poeldijkseweg 47 in The Hague
- Vlietweg 82 in Leiden
Depending on how easily you can reach each location, we can schedule the sessions with the horses at whichever suits you best.
What should I wear?
In the winter months the coaching sessions can be quite cold, because you stand or sit still a lot and, although the arena is covered, it feels like being outdoors. So do remember to bring a warm coat or jumper, and perhaps a good scarf.
Or, at temperatures below 5 degrees, put on thermals, a ski suit and moon boots. Neither the horses nor I mind what you look like. As long as you're warmly dressed. Waterproof shoes or (wellington) boots, preferably with a sturdy sole, are also comfortable. Several layers of clothing are always a good idea too.
In summer it can be very warm in the sun, so don't forget to put on sunscreen and bring a cap and/or sunglasses.
We work outdoors in the paddock or in the indoor arena, and with horses. Choose footwear that is allowed to get dirty and can take a knock, and always take the weather into account and dress accordingly.
Will we ride the horse?
No, all the work is done beside the horse.
If you're interested in riding lessons, we can put you in touch with excellent instructors from our network.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you can't make an appointment, you can cancel it through the online calendar. For a cancellation less than 48 hours in advance, or for a no-show, I charge the full fee.
What is equine-assisted coaching and facilitation?
Equine-assisted coaching and facilitation offers a unique way of exploring growth, because horses are willing to enter into connection — and equally willing to resist it when they don't feel safe.
They are made with a brain-and-body response system that works for their survival. As herd animals they rely on their senses and on each other for protection and for meeting their needs.
By entering into an experience with a horse, we can explore what we bring into a relationship and what we can take from it. As a result we learn about ourselves and the needs of others in a fresh, new way.
What is the philosophy behind a força's coaching?
a força uses the principles of Natural Lifemanship in its horse-assisted coaching and facilitation sessions, which are built on the concepts of healthy attachment and building attuned, connected relationships. The principles applied within the horse–human relationship apply equally to our human-to-human relationships.
Neuroscientific research shows that our brains can change through new and healthy experiences. In our sessions we explore cultivating new patterns of thinking (neural pathways) in order to move towards healing, growth and transformation.
The way to change old patterns that no longer serve us is to practise something new. The learning process is achieved in our sessions, using principles that we then put into practice in all our relationships. The aim is to learn how to have connected and attuned relationships, which supports healthy development, contributes to healing at any age and improves wellbeing.
What is trauma-informed coaching?
Although most people believe that trauma has to be a major life event, anything that makes you experience fear of harm can result in a traumatic experience and can affect the way you see yourself, other people and God (if faith is part of your life), and your place in this world. All of the following events can, for example, be categorised as trauma:
- intrauterine and birth trauma
- abuse and neglect
- domestic violence
- grief and loss
- a car accident
- floods and fires
- natural disaster
- divorce
- family separation
- combat
- arrest/deportation
- detention/imprisonment
- homelessness
- poverty
- community violence and civil unrest
- sudden changes in relationships
- sudden and unexpected moves
Curious?
Click the calendar icon to schedule a free, no-obligation introductory conversation with me quickly and easily.
You're welcome to come to the office, or we can meet by phone or video call.
