One of the things that has made the biggest difference in our connection and relationship with the horses we partner with for Equine Assisted Coaching sessions is learning how they sense, feel, process experiences, and interact with the world—from their perspective, not ours. This is why, at The Freedom Way®, we emphasize developing this type of relationship and show our students how to do it.
The bond between coach and horse is more than a partnership—it's a relationship built on mutual respect, understanding, and a deep appreciation for the unique ways our equine partners physically experience the world. Because we are two distinct species, it goes without saying we each have different physical abilities. Understanding and working directly with these differences deepens our relationship with them as well as heightens the coaching experience for our client, providing more meaningful and transformative sessions.
One important aspect of developing this deeper relationship with your horse is understanding their brain and senses work different than ours. For instance, it's easy to think they way we see is how they see. Not so! Horses, with their eyes positioned on the sides of their heads, have a horizontal range of vision that spans approximately 340 degrees. This incredible field of view allows them to detect movement and potential threats from almost every direction—a vital trait for a prey animal. However, what many might not realize is that while their horizontal vision is expansive, their vertical range is much more limited.
Seeing Through the Eyes of Your Horse
Imagine this: You put on a hat with a 5-6 inch brim that sits just above your eyebrows. Then, you hold a piece of cardboard horizontally at the level of your nose, extending outward like a tabletop. Suddenly, your view above and below the horizon is obstructed. You can see clearly across a wide plane, but anything too high or too low falls into a blind spot. This is a rough approximation of how your horse sees the world, as explained by Janet Jones, PhD, in her insightful book Horse Brain, Human Brain.
The horse's vision is uniquely adapted for survival in the wild. The rectangular shape of their pupils helps them avoid the sun's glare, but it also creates these vertical blind spots. While you might easily spot a bird flying overhead or a small animal darting below, your horse may not. Instead, these unseen elements can become startling surprises—sudden movements or sounds that appear without warning in their limited vertical view.
The Impact on Equine Assisted Coaching
So, what changes when we understand our equine partners from their perspective? Quite a lot, actually. When we understand how horses see and interact with the world, we begin to appreciate the moments when they react to stimuli we might not even notice. The quick startle when a child runs into the barn, the sudden tension when a bird takes flight—these are not just random reactions but responses rooted in the horse's unique perception of its environment.
Embracing these differences allows us to be more attuned to our horse's needs during coaching sessions. We can position ourselves and our clients in ways that minimize potential surprises for the horse, creating a safer and more comfortable space for both the horse and the client. By understanding their sensory world, we can better anticipate their reactions and work in harmony with them, rather than in frustration or confusion.
Building a Deeper Connection
When we take the time to learn how the horse thinks, acts, and responds, we cultivate a deeper understanding that honors the horse's true nature, allowing them to thrive as horses—rather than reducing them to mere tools in the process of coaching or projecting human traits onto them. This genuine connection empowers us to come together as a team, respecting each other's unique strengths and perspectives. In doing so, we create a beautiful space where healing, growth, and transformation can occur for our clients. By embracing the horse's authenticity, we unlock the full potential of Equine Assisted Coaching, where horse and human work in harmony to facilitate profound, life-changing experiences.
At The Freedom Way®, we deeply value building relationships with our horses and believe that understanding and honoring the unique ways horses perceive the world is fundamental to creating effective and compassionate coaching partnerships. In our Equine Assisted Coach training, the focus is on building a relationship that respects and values the horse. Understanding how they view and interact with the world is not just a nice-to-have—it’s of the utmost importance. Which is why we dedicate a significant amount of time and attention to teaching our student coaches about this crucial aspect of coaching. This comprehensive approach helps our coaches develop a deep, empathetic connection with their equine partners, setting the stage for truly transformative coaching sessions. When we embrace the uniqueness of our equine partners, we open the door to a richer, more transformative coaching experience, creating a space where both horse and human can thrive together.
Interested in building this kind of relationship with horses to help others transform their lives? Then click on over to our Level 1 Program to learn more!
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