Leadership EQ

To Lead with Empathy

is to Lead with Courage

Here at Equine EQ we won’t tell you that we live in a fast paced, constantly changing world.

We won’t tell you that new technological advancements, economic fluctuations and global challenges impact businesses and make people feel uncertain and stressed.

We won’t tell you that pizza nights, work drinks and team building parties are appreciated, but that people really need to feel seen, heard and understood in order to give their best.

We won’t tell you people need to feel like they are a valued part of the team.

WE won’t tell you, because YOU already know all of this! We know you’ve read the books, listened to the podcasts and attended other leadership course that have given you all the information you need.

So, here is what we WILL do;

We WILL let you experience what it feels like to lead with empathy!

With the guidance of our amazing team of horses we facilitate an environment where you can figure out who you are as a leader, what kind of leader you want to become and what you actually need in order to get there.

You have all the resources you need to be the best leader inside of you; All you need is a little push to access those resources.

AND THAT is what makes our programs so unique. We won’t tell you how to be a leader, You will show yourself how to be the leader you want to be. We just facilitate you accessing that part of you.

Do you dare to be the leader you want to be?

Who Can Benefit?

  • Business Leaders

    CEO’s, executives, managers, and team leaders seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities and create more empathetic, effective teams.

  • Teams

    Groups looking to build trust, improve collaboration, and cultivate a cohesive working environment.

  • Professionals

    Individuals aiming to improve their communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills.

  • Aspiring Leaders

    Emerging leaders who want to develop essential leadership qualities and prepare for future roles.

“Susan helped me in a way that I didn’t even know was possible. I feel energized to move forward with my business with a deeper understanding and sense of myself.  It truly is transformational.”

-Wren Abott, Business owner

If you’ve come this far you probably already know what the benefits of this program are. But just in case you don’t, here are some benefits participants get out of our programs.

Developing Emotional Intelligence and Empathy

Our horses and coaches are amazing at helping you become more aware of your internal world and how this impacts your emotional intelligence. When you know yourself, it is easier to regulate your own emotions, which in turn makes it easier to lead with empathy. Ultimately leading to creating a safe environment for your staff, which in turn increases the culture at your company, which ultimately leads a work environment where everyone thrives.

Reinforcing Ethical and Authentic Leadership

You are here because you value integrity and ethical leadership. Our horse and human coaches will help you reinforce how to apply these principles in practice. Because when you lead with authenticity you have the ability to create a transparent and trustworthy workplace culture.

Enhancing Leadership Presence and Communication

Presence and communication is more then standing in a power-pose and clearly articulating what you are saying. In order to communicate well, you first need to listen, and not just to the words but to the whole person. What we mean with that is that listening also includes picking up on non-verbal cues such as body language, energy shifts, facial expressions. Our horses are amazing at guiding you to become more aware of your own non-verbal cues, and to increase your ability to pick up on other’s non-verbal cues.

Improving Decision-Making and Conflict Resolution Skills

As a human being you will have the desire to fix things quickly, yet as a leader you often deal with complex issues that take time. Our horses will teach you how to make decision and resolve conflicts with patience, kindness and clarity. This is a critical skill for managers facing complex challenges.

Building Resilience and Stress Management

Our programs help you identify where your personal pain-points are. By correctly identifying them, you will be able to create personilised strategies for handling stress, preventing burnout, and maintaining balance. You will also learn to recognise signs of stress in others, even if they wont directly tell you. These tools will help you and your teams deal with high-pressure environments easier.

“people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

-Maya Angelou

Our Services

At Equine EQ, we focus on what you or your team need most.

We offer a range of signature workshops, but we specialise in tailored leadership experiences, designed to fully adapt to your team’s or personal needs. Whether you’re looking for structured programs or a customised approach, our equine-assisted learning methods help leaders and teams develop emotional intelligence, improve communication, and enhance overall leadership effectiveness.

our signature Leadership EQ Workshops

Our signature workshops are a great way to increase empathic leadership in your company, whilst also improving team culture through a shared experience. These workshops are set up to help you experience what it is like to lead with empathy, how to lead authentically, improve your self awareness and will encourage you ability to connect with others.

Our signature workshops include:

  • Leadership EQ Essentials (1-Day Workshop)
    This foundation workshop focuses on building core emotional intelligence competencies essential for leadership. Through equine-assisted activities, participants will develop skills in communication, empathy, and self-awareness.

  • Advanced Leadership EQ (1-Day Workshop)
    Designed for those who have completed Leadership EQ Essentials, this workshop deepens participants' emotional intelligence and leadership capabilities. It focuses on tackling more complex leadership challenges and enhancing team dynamics.

  • The Power of Pause (Half or Full-Day Workshop)
    A reflective workshop that encourages leaders to embrace mindfulness and presence. It enhances decision-making and leadership effectiveness by encouraging leaders to slow down and connect with their surroundings.

Combine All Four for a Comprehensive Leadership Experience

For a full leadership journey, all three workshops can be combined into a multi-day experience. This comprehensive program offers a deep dive into leadership development, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and teambuilding.

For those looking for a short and fun experience to enhance team dynamics we also offer

Teambuilding with Horses (2-Hour Activity)
A dynamic, fun, and interactive session focused on improving team collaboration, communication, and trust. Perfect for teams seeking a unique teambuilding experience, this half-day activity uses equine-assisted learning to reveal insights about team dynamics and individual roles, helping to foster stronger relationships within the group.

Tailored Leadership Experiences

For teams or leaders with specific needs, we offer tailored leadership experiences that are fully customisable. These experiences are designed to address unique challenges or goals, ensuring a personalised approach to leadership development.

Our tailored options include:

  • Bespoke Leadership Workshops
    Customised workshops that adapt the principles of emotional intelligence and equine-assisted learning to your organisation's specific needs. Whether you're looking to improve team dynamics, communication, or problem-solving, we work with you to create a leadership program that meets your objectives.

  • 1-on-1 Leadership Coaching
    For leaders who prefer a more personal approach, our private coaching sessions focus on your unique leadership style and goals. Through one-on-one equine-assisted sessions, you’ll receive tailored feedback and guidance to enhance emotional intelligence and leadership performance.

With our bespoke options, you have the flexibility to create a leadership experience that’s perfectly suited to your needs, whether it’s for individual growth or team development.

Location & Flexibility:

Coaching sessions are generally conducted at our Wellington location in Ohariu Valley.

International & Luxury Options:

Elevate your leadership journey with local or international retreats tailored to your organisation’s needs. Whether in the serene New Zealand countryside or an exotic overseas location, we create bespoke experiences with custom pricing based on location, duration, and desired luxury level.

Ready to Transform Your Leadership EQ?

Discover the power of equine-assisted Leadership EQ development and unlock your full potential.