Horses have always been one of my greatest teachers—not just in movement and presence but also in leadership. As a certified TeachingHorse facilitator, I travel nationally, working with executives and teams to help them navigate change, strengthen communication, and embrace a more adaptive, shared approach to leadership.

At the core of this work is the Diamond Model of Shared Leadership—a framework inspired by the way horses operate within a herd. Unlike traditional top-down management, horses don’t lead through dominance—they lead through clarity, connection, and responsiveness to the environment. Leadership is based on capabilities including attention, direction, energy, and congruence, allowing the herd to adapt and thrive in uncertainty.

Lessons from the Herd: What Executives Learn from Horses

In my workshops, executives step into the arena—not to ride, but to experience leadership in real-time. Horses respond to energy, intention, and authenticity. If a leader lacks clarity, the horse won’t follow. If a team isn’t aligned, the horse mirrors the disconnect. And when someone steps into true, embodied leadership, the horse moves with them effortlessly.

Through these experiences, leaders learn to:
✅ Move through uncertainty instead of resisting it
✅ Trust shared leadership and adaptability over rigid control
✅ Communicate with clarity and presence
✅ Recognize the power of energy and nonverbal influence

This work isn’t theoretical—it’s felt. When leaders leave the arena, they take these lessons back into their boardrooms, teams, and organizations, equipped to lead with confidence, flexibility, and trust.

The Future of Leadership is Already in Motion

The old models of power-over leadership are breaking down. We’re moving into a time where agility, shared leadership, and emotional intelligence are no longer optional—they’re essential. And horses, as they have for thousands of years, continue to show us the way.

THE DIAMOND MODEL OF SHARED LEADERSHIP, A TRADEMARK OF TEACHINGHORSE

ATTENTION 

What needs your attention as a leader? Notice what is happening with yourself, others, and the environment.

DIRECTION

Setting clear direction as a leader by choosing a point of focus, a vision, and guidance on critical next steps.

ENERGY

Setting a pace that matches reality, without over or under-reacting to changes in the environment.

CONGRUENCE

Aligning your inner and outer expression with the best interests of your team in mind.