Our Approach
Horses are highly sensitive, natural communicators.
They have an intuitive sense of herd dynamics, a combination of language and hierarchy which, as prey animals, is ingrained into their genetics as an essential structure for safety and well-being.
Horses and Arenas for Change
Horses and humans have a centuries-long history of working together; a collaboration often valued for the relational aspects of connection, communication and trust. In the last thirty years, more specific approaches to partnering with horses have been developed to help people therapeutically, experientially and metaphorically. Their innate sensitivities and expression naturally engage people deeply — wordlessly inviting them to explore ideas, themes and patterns with fresh perspective and meaningful metaphors.
The Red Horse team has been certified facilitators and leaders in this field since 2001. In 2020, Ulla and Fred joined a team of experienced facilitators and educators to create Arenas for Change (ARCH), a worldwide gathering place for learning and community for mental health, organizational development, and personal growth through horses and animals. We are honored to serve this community as leaders and facilitators, while our programs at Sundance Center and Red Horse will also shape our best practices according to the framework of ARCH’s professional designations.
People participating in individual sessions and organizational workshops are invited to explore their objectives in a uniquely shared space. There is no horse experience required, and both horses and humans have choices in terms of how close or how far they are to one another and how the experience unfolds. What people observe, feel and reflect on during this guided interaction is where the story and the strength of this work unfolds. Horses’ innate ability to bring us all into the moment creates an indescribable relevance and metaphorical strength to the discoveries uncovered and explored during these remarkable experiences. These powerful insights are the catalyst for people taking action towards intentional and positive change in their lives and organizations.
The work rests on a few simple things: horses that are free to respond honestly, a pace that leaves room to notice what is happening, and a setting that is outdoors and unhurried. Nothing is performed and nothing is required.
Draft copy — Red Horse to review or replace.
Where to next
This work reaches people through two services.