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“As innovative leadership development practitioners at Suntory, we are always looking for new and unique ways to impact leaders through learning simulations and experiences. We were kindly introduced to Jackie Smith through a very global community of connected EAL experts, and from the very first conversation with Jackie, we knew we’d struck learning gold! Jackie brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the structure, design and facilitation of the Equine Assisted Learning process. Our day with Jackie and her team was the fourth day in a 5 day leadership program for senior global leaders from across our company. Jackie carefully designed an Equine Assisted Leadership Development program that would enhance and build on the content of our program – authentic leadership, emotional intelligent and creating follow-ship in others – and the experience was incredibly impactful, emotional and ultimately one that pressed participants to put their learning into action.”

“A big thank you for yesterday’s Equine Assisted Learning session with the NSW Health Senior Executive Development Program participants.

The session achieved everything we had hoped for and so much more. The participants left buzzing, mystified and gratified from the experience with you all (human and horse!) – the richness and depth of the individual and collective learning, the gentleness and grace with which you facilitated and challenged the groups, the depth and knowledge of your craft to provide seamless links to both our program content and their workplace contexts and, of course, the wisdom of our horse partners to show up to exactly what each participant needed.

We are all deeply grateful for our partnership and the joy it has been to work with you from the outset. Looking forward to many more magical experiences in the future.”

“The ‘Wisdom of the Horse’ program was the first workshop attended by our future leaders cohort as part of our new Leadership Pathways Program. This is a cross functional team of 11 leaders and this workshop ensured an effective level playing field for all participants regardless of their title. The nature-based setting provided the ideal environment for individuals to fully immerse themselves in the experience, and to connect and learn from each other as a team. They each enjoyed engaging with the horses, experimenting with different leadership techniques, and drawing their learnings back to their own personal leadership style. The wellbeing elements of the workshop were also well received by the group.  Jackie was able to tailor the session to our business by incorporating our Company Values and Leadership Behaviours into the activities and learning outcomes, which added valuable context and ongoing relevance for our learners. The equine assisted leadership workshop provided our leaders with a truly unique, powerful, and immersive experience, with learnings they will be able to draw on throughout their careers. Thanks to Jackie for an engaging and inspirational start to our leadership program, and to Jackie’s team for their wonderful support, expertise, and insight. ”

“I’ve done a few team building things in the past with different teams and there seems to always be a level of disconnectedness or trust with the actual process so they will hang back or not actually contribute as much as they are supposed to be contributing.

This equine assisted learning process we did today with our entire team, I am sure that it has something to do with the horses and the facilitators being just a natural environment, not all built for play, that everyone was comfortable to start with. Once we realise we are interacting with the natural environment rather than blocks, toys and notepads etc, everyone is involved, everyone is putting themselves forward and trying to be part of it and so we got a lot out of it. Really really enjoyed it. ”

““Last week the team took 2 days out in the beautiful Hunter Valley to connect and develop our strategy for the year ahead. We were challenged to observe and interact with horses as a way of understanding how we as a team communicate and engage with each other. We were able to learn and reflect on how our energy, body language, thoughts and intentions impact and influence everyone around us. We walked away from the day feeling connected as a team, energised and incredibly grateful for the meaningful learning experience with the horses. If you’re looking for an insightful team experience I would highly recommend Jackie’s unique approach.””

““Brilliant. Having experienced the learning first hand I came away with a stronger understanding of leadership without voice and constantly adapting to the environment around you. The effect on was inspirational. (Yes I managed the whole time without my mobile phone as well!)... highly recommend this to anyone considering effective outcome driven leadership development.””

““Jackie is an extremely skilled facilitator who is able to combine an empathy, intellectual depth and willingness to go with both the tough stuff and the humour of the moment.  This enables her to facilitate in a way that creates the context for change of the heart and mind.””

““An incredible opportunity to unlock a new and previously undiscovered side of yourself. Highly recommended.” ”

““ I had an incredibly profound experience in re-awakening my connection with life and people by truly being present working with horses and with Jackie. The power of being aware of your presence and reading the cues of a horse mirrored my longing to connect and to tune my awareness of the cues of others. As a coach and facilitator I have arrived and evolving - as a human I am connecting and be-ing. Thank you doesn’t seem enough.” ”

““ I found working with the horses a real eye opener and they drew out of me a need to take life easier and “not stress the small stuff. I would highly recommend the experience to all Leaders to bring them back to what is important in what they are doing.” ”

““The Women’s Wellbeing Horse Wisdom Retreat was a much-needed opportunity to escape from the demands of everyday life. From the moment I arrived, I was enveloped by the tranquillity and beauty of the surrounds which provided the perfect back drop and both complemented and enhanced the weekend’s activities. Jackie and Anne were incredibly warm and welcoming, and made me feel instantly at home. ‘Glamping’ was a lot of fun! The program was challenging, thought provoking and rewarding in equal measures – an opportunity to reflect on stress triggers and develop skills that can be applied in ‘the real world’. As a horse lover, the interaction with the equine herd and getting to know the unique personalities and dynamics within it was a highlight.
I would highly recommend a Women’s Wellbeing Retreat for anyone interested in taking time out for themselves, stepping outside their comfort zone and better understanding their place in the world.” ”

““I really loved the uniqueness of the experience facilitated by Jackie with the horses (for someone that has had very little contact with horses). The session was really interesting, powerful and grounding and I became more self aware, as well as learning about horses. The equine technique or way is a really beautiful, gentle and powerful  way to work with others and gain self awareness and I found it fascinating and would like to do more. Jackie is a beautiful, gentle and reassuring facilitator and I felt completely held and supported by her the whole time, despite having some anxiety with some of the horses. The session flowed gracefully and naturally and I felt totally confident in Jackie’s care. Her experience in this work and with horse was apparent. I would thoroughly recommend working with Jackie and horses to anyone wishing to do some healing, gain self awareness or become grounded or connected in a beautiful and powerful way involving horses. Truly unique experience, thanks Jackie.””

““I did really enjoy the day, during my career in retail operations in the UK  I have seen and been on many management development courses but this way of learning about understanding ourselves through equine assistance has surely got to be the best way of upskilling employees and individuals.” ”

““I thoroughly enjoyed the Women’s Retreat. I left feeling connected, grounded and in love with life. Jackie and Ann are fantastic facilitators, full of wisdom, positive support and teaching skills. They are excellent communicators which meant they always knew how we were feeling and what we wanted to do at any time. It was wonderful to work with the horses and feel that connection with them. Having the whole weekend meant there was time to develop a relationship with a horse which was so meaningful and brought insight, new depth and a feeling of specialness to the experience. I highly recommend the Retreat and am looking forward to coming back next year!” ”