A recent study by the University of Kentucky and The Horse Institute revealed that interacting with horses can help people develop key leadership traits including self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management.
Positive influences of working with horses
The before-and-after survey results showed there was an increase in the EQ scores of the intervention group that actively engaged with horses in all four competency areas when compared to the control group.
This pilot study is one of the first of its kind to explore how guided interaction with horses can develop emotional intelligence quotient (EQ) in humans. According to the report, more than 75 percent of Fortune 500 companies rely on emotional intelligence tests, training, and certification pioneered by TalentSmart.
The term, "Emotional Intelligence" was coined by author Daniel Goleman. His book was named one of the 25 "Most Influential Business Management Books" by TIME Magazine, The Financial Times, and the Wall Street Journal.
The University of Kentucky pilot study included a control group of 10 nurses, and an intervention group of 11 nurses. Nurses in the intervention group participated in a one-day workshop consisting of a facilitated process with horses. No prior experience with horses was necessary to participate. The control group did not experience the one-day workshop with horses.
Both groups took the online TalentSmart® EQ Appraisal: The ME Edition before the workshop and again six months after the first assessment was taken.
The before-and-after survey results showed there was an increase in the EQ scores of the intervention group that actively engaged with horses in all four competency areas when compared to the control group.
Additionally, qualitative responses from the nurses in the workshop attributed changes in their bedside manner to lessons learned from interacting with the horses.
According to Marie- Claude Stockl, co-founder of The Horse Institute and a research consultant for the University of Kentucky pilot study, "This research project validates that a variety of exercises performed on the ground with horses help people develop positive teamwork and leadership skills."