Team-building exercises are often designed to teach us the importance of communication, collaboration, and trust. But sometimes, the most powerful lessons come from the most unexpected sources. For me, that source came in the form of horses, truly majestic animals that, with its quiet presence, taught me more about teamwork and leadership than many other seminars or breakout sessions I have attended in the past.
It all started on a crisp, Texas afternoon when our team participated in an outdoor team-building exercise involving horses. How could spending time with horses help us become better colleagues? But as the afternoon unfolded, it became clear that these animals had profound lessons to offer, ones that resonated deeply with me.
Our task was simple: balance our energy to work with a horse to build trust and communicate effectively. The horses, of course, were wild cards. Unlike traditional team-building exercises, where participants engage with each other directly, this experience required us to understand non-verbal cues, both from the horse and from ourselves. It quickly became apparent that the horse wasn’t interested in following instructions simply because they were given. Instead, the horse needed to feel comfortable, respected, and heard before it would engage. Each of us had to understand the requests we made before we could engage with each of the horses.
The first emotional realization came when I approached the horse. Despite the training team’s guidance, the first horse I interacted with did eventually warm to me. At first, the horse turned its head away, standing its ground, almost as if saying, “Prove that you’re worth my trust.” This moment was a mirror of my own feelings at work sometimes— when I felt disconnected or untrusted in a team, or when I, unknowingly, projected a lack of openness or confidence. It became clear that to lead this horse— or even interact with it— I had to put aside my ego, show genuine interest, and be patient.
As I worked with the horse, I began to realize that trust in teamwork isn’t just about getting people to listen to you or follow orders. It’s about creating a safe space where all parties feel heard and valued. This is often the environment we attempt to create when facilitating a workshop. Getting participants to engage and learn in a safe space felt similar to the beginning of my time in the arena with the horse. The horse's actions spoke volumes. When I moved too quickly or appeared tense, the horse would retreat or not respond to any requests to interact, just as a colleague might shut down if they felt rushed or undermined. But when I was calm, gentle, and consistent, the horse responded with curiosity, moving closer and allowing me to guide an interaction where we were able to connect. Each connection was certainly different, but all were guided by the same principles, mutual trust, respect and understanding which all allowed for clear communication.
Another emotional breakthrough came when we were asked to lead the horse through a walk around the arena. It seemed straightforward—until I realized that my success depended not just on my actions but on my ability to communicate my intentions clearly to the horse. This was where the lesson in leadership truly hit home. Leadership isn’t about making all the decisions yourself or taking charge in every situation. It’s about knowing when to step back, read the room (or in this case, the horse), and give others the space to contribute to the connection and the relationship. The best leaders guide their teams with confidence and empathy, providing direction without overstepping.
By the end of the exercise, I had formed a bond with two of the horses that felt almost magical. But more importantly, I walked away with a renewed understanding of what it means to work together as a team. Trust, patience, clear communication, and empathy were the true lessons taught by an animal with no agenda but to connect. As I reflected on the day, I realized that the most important teamwork and facilitation skills don’t come from written rules or training manuals. They come from experiences that challenge us to look inward and grow alongside others, even when they don’t speak our language.
In the end, the horses taught me something valuable: that building trust and creating meaningful connections in a team takes time, authenticity, and a willingness to be vulnerable. Sometimes, the most unexpected teachers are the ones who have the biggest impact.