Professional development with a difference

Whiterock Peak offers a unique and innovative approach to skills development based on the concept of experiential learning, but with the major difference in that horses are the teachers.  Our workshops are based on the researched and proven success of The Academy of Equine Assisted Learning’s Building Block ™ curriculum.

Research Based

Current research has found experiential (learning through experience) to be the most effective form of learning. Added to an engaging environment, it has been shown this allows for maximum retention of learning.

To read about research in relation to the Building Block™ program, click here.

Why do we work with horses?

Horses are a prey animal and consequently are acutely aware of their surroundings at all times. They react to external stimuli in a very recognisable way and give immediate and honest feedback to the stimulus they receive. This provides a unique window into our own behaviour.

The horse is also a herd animal and seeks leadership as a survival strategy. They rely completely on their herd (or team) and expect and respect leadership and team roles and dynamics.

They are able to differentiate between confusion or frustration and a calm, assertive nature, and will clearly let us know if they are interested, bored or confused.

How does working with horses benefit your team?

By their intuitive nature and innate sensitivity, horses can provide a window into a person’s personality. As a prey animal, they are sensitive to the stimulus of each participant. They react through body language and participants must adjust their emotions and behaviours to work successfully with the horses.

Horses make the activity engaging, fun, challenging, and truly memorable. The interactivity of working with the horses allows participants to take away the experiences of their learning and apply it to real-world situations.

In addition, the sheer size of a horse adds a presence and dimension to the group that cannot be delivered in an office or classroom environment.

The horse does the teaching; facilitators are there to offer an explanation and provide guidance as participants work through the solution.

What can a horse teach you that a human can’t?

• Horses consistently model assertiveness.

• They can’t lie, hold a grudge or overthink your motives.

• Their feedback is honest and instant.

• Horses help to instil empathy and kindness because they rely on clear communication .

• Natural herd behaviours require trust, respect and teamwork from all members of the team.

• Horses automatically respond to confusion and frustration as these feelings can put the herd at risk.

• They lead through assuredness — not force.

• Horses have distinct personalities and through this, they all have different methods of teaching.