I had the unique opportunity to learn something amazing about leadership, myself and teamwork and I feel compelled to share.
A few months ago our team was asked about two leadership development opportunities. The first was in a normal classroom setting where we would explore finding purpose as both individuals and a team. The second was portrayed as a leadership development program utilizing equine guided coaching. After much discussion the team felt the experience with horses was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It might have been one of the best decisions we have ever made.
About 3 1/2 hours north of San Francisco off of Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Hwy) is a quaint little area called Point Arena, California. There sits over 500 acres known as Casari Ranch. The property itself is sprawling and will practically take your breath away as you start up the nearly mile long drive to the house. Greeted by chickens, sheep, dogs, llamas, ducks and other animals natural to the land I knew it was going to be an adventurous day.
Our team of 7 was welcomed by Ariana Strozzi and her family into their home where our day started with breakfast. They fixed egg frittata with fresh eggs, fruit and sourdough bread with homemade jelly.
Following breakfast we spent some time in an area above the garage dubbed ‘the classroom’ as a group thinking and talking about our greater For the Sake Of What – what was our story, our vision, our challenges and our purpose. We talked about what we hoped to get out of the day and Ariana set some ground rules (don’t feed the dogs or the cats). She added a little definition and context around somatics – mind, body and spirit working together as one to embody the presence of an individual or team.
And then it was time for our first test as a group. She asked us to walk, in silence, to the arena where 5 horses were waiting for us. Of course there were multiple ways to get there but we somehow came to a deadens and had to climb through the fence. I was wondering if this was a sign of what was to come. We went out to the arena and took some time getting to know the space. The area had a large round Arena with 2 circular attachments, one on each side. The horses were in the farthest circle from where we walked up. They looked over at us but then went back to interacting with each other. After a few minutes we walked over (outside the fencing) towards them to see if they wanted to get to know us. There was definitely a dominant mare who made it clear when it was ok to engage us. At times she would use her whole body to shield the other four horses from making contact. They were curious about us, liked the attention and allowed us to touch them to gain familiarity. I stood back slightly – I like to observe first to see the reaction and then approach depending on a mutual silent agreement. We then spent some time as a team working through different challenges trying to get the horses attention and encourage them to do things we asked. They may have been curious about us but no enough to do anything we asked. Either way, I’m not going to focus on that aspect as it was a core group activity and I can’t speak for everyone. After a little exasperation or frustration it was decided we would break for lunch.
Mmmm lunch. When you are visiting a ranch they feed you from the land with local, sourced, sometimes home grown deliciousness. For lunch we enjoyed a freshly chopped salad and Tomato soup.
In the afternoon we did an exercise where each person had to lay out their individual intention for leadership without being tactical and then had to own that committment and lead a horse named Ruby around and Arena. Have you ever tried to lead a horse who doesn’t really have an interest in going anywhere with you? It is not as easy as it looks. I have never been around horses much. In fact, before that moment, I was actually quite nervous and a bit scared of horses. I mean, they are seriously huge, beautiful, mindful animals but intimidating. As I walked up to Ruby and took the reigns I started to state a declaration, a purpose, something I was planning to work on in my own leadership. Ruby started moving around, I put my hand on her neck to settle her but I was uneasy, uncomfortable. She was too. She knew I had not idea what I was doing though she stood close to me, almost giving me her energy to feel strong. After I stumbled my way through a declaration, removing the tactical pieces, which I tend to lean towards, I was to lead Ruby around the arena. So I stood beside her and started walking. She didn’t budge. She didn’t even shift her weight. I walked back to her looked her in the eyes put my shoulders back, made my declaration again and started to move forward. Again, nothing. She was practically laughing at me, her eyes staring deep in my soul. My vulnerability showing. I walked back to her again. This time I thought about what I was saying, thinking through each word and the meaning behind it. I took a step back, relaxed my jaw, slacked on the reigns, looked forward and moved first with my gut. Ruby started walking with me. Her head beside my shoulder. We got about 30 feet and I felt a little unsure about how quickly to start turning. The self doubt quickly seeped in and Ruby stopped. Firmly rooted in the ground. Then she took a big shit. I couldn’t help but laugh. Then I stood beside her, told her where we were going took a deep breath, put my shoulders back and started to move forward again. She walked with me. I kept my eyes ahead making decisions and I told Ruby that I was glad she was with me, jealous of her ocean view, and teased her for not coming to play in the morning. By time I finished the circle I felt as if I could have walked her around again and again.
I felt connected. I believed in myself. I tried to store and savor the moment where I was laughing and leading Ruby. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced. She didn’t have to walk with me, had no reason to follow me but she did. It was empowering.
I have a love of nature but this experience was different. This was connecting to the land and the animals in a way that was purposeful. Harnessing the energy around you. I believe in somatics and the connection between mind, body and spirit but this was an all encompassing opportunity to see it working together.
The experience also encouraged me to think about how I lead my team and how I show up everyday. I know they won’t follow me if I don’t give them a compelling story but first, I have to build the story and believe the story in my soul.
I am balanced in order to ensure I meet my family and work commitments.
Other tidbits about the area:
Best place to stay with a view: Sea Cliff Motel
Best Coffee: Trinks
Best View/Tour: Point Arena Lighthouse – ask for Mark – he is in the know on restaurants & things to do. If you’re super polite he might even take a picture for you with the lighthouse in it.
Best Dinner: St Orres – Look for Rosemary, she may have a few Schnauzers with her and ask for Lupe’s Basil Martini. If you’re lucky she might even sing with you!
Best Bakery on the ride back to San Francisco: Tomales Bakery – seriously, you can smell the goodness from across the street.