How Horses Unleash Team Growth Through Powerful, Real-Time Feedback

Lessons from the OK Corral Activity

Have you ever wondered what your team’s strengths—and opportunities for growth—might look like when viewed through the eyes of a horse?

In many team settings, the ability to adapt based on feedback is critical to success. This is true whether you’re working on a high-stakes project at the office, coordinating a community event, or even training for a sport. However, not all feedback comes in obvious forms, and sometimes, the best feedback is silent. One unique place to learn about feedback and adaptability? With horses.

Why Horses? The Power of Non-Verbal Feedback

Horses are naturally attuned to human body language and emotions. They’re incredibly sensitive to our intentions and energy, often responding in ways that reveal much about how we present ourselves—even if we’re unaware! Because they don’t respond to words or office hierarchies, horses provide clear, non-judgmental feedback to help us tune into our actions and adapt more effectively.

The “OK Corral” Activity: Learning Through Real-Time Feedback

One activity that highlights this feedback process is called “OK Corral”, a.k.a “Horse in a Box*.” In this exercise, team members work together to guide a horse into a defined space without direct control—no halters, no ropes, just pure teamwork, nonverbal communication, and adaptability.

Imagine the scene: your team stands around, trying to coax a horse into a box. Some teammates might take an assertive approach, trying to “lead” or “drive” the horse with body language, while others hang back, watching and assessing. The horse, meanwhile, responds differently depending on the team’s approach. At times, it may wander in the opposite direction, pause in confusion, or—if you’re patient and intentional—step into the box as hoped. Every action from the team creates a reaction from the horse, forming a unique “feedback loop” where adaptability is key.

Key Takeaways About Feedback in Teams

So, what can horses and activities like “OK Corral” teach us about feedback and adaptability in teams? Here are three lessons:

Adaptability is Key
Teams that observe and adjust based on feedback—whether it’s the horse’s movement, body language, or a teammate’s cues—tend to succeed more quickly. The same is true in the workplace: paying attention to subtle signals and adjusting to what’s needed can be the difference between a reactive and proactive team.
- Real-World Application: Consider a project team that realizes partway through their work that a key resource is missing. Teams that adapt, find alternative solutions, and adjust their plans can keep moving forward, while less adaptable teams might struggle or fall behind.
Patience and Intentionality Matter
Horses respond to calm, clear intent. Teams that approach the horse with patience and purpose, rather than rushing or forcing, often see more cooperative behavior from the horse. This reminds us that in any setting, thoughtful action can often accomplish more than forceful efforts.
- Real-World Application: Consider a customer service team handling a challenging client. A calm, patient approach is more likely to yield positive results than rushing or applying pressure. The ability to approach situations with intention can transform outcomes, both in the arena and in the office.
Non-Verbal Cues Are Powerful
Understanding and responding to nonverbal cues strengthens team communication and trust in any environment. Watching the horse’s reactions teaches teams to be mindful of body language, tone, and unspoken messages—skills that translate seamlessly into real-world settings.
- Real-World Application: Imagine a team meeting where certain members consistently interrupt or dominate the conversation. Observing and respecting body language or non-verbal signals can help teams foster better communication and ensure all voices are heard.

How Will This Benefit Your Team?

While we don’t all work with horses every day, the lessons learned from equine-assisted learning activities apply everywhere. Adaptability is crucial in fast-paced or high-stress environments. Understanding and responding to feedback—both verbal and nonverbal—can elevate a team from simply working together to thriving as a cohesive, adaptable unit.

So, take a moment to reflect on your team:

How effectively do we use and read non-verbal communication?
How adaptable is our team when facing new feedback or changes?
Do we approach challenges with patience and clear intentions?

Consider an Equine-Assisted Learning Session

If you’re ready to experience the power of real-time feedback, consider an equine-assisted learning session. Working alongside horses might just be the fresh perspective your team needs to strengthen its adaptability and cohesion. After all, the best lessons are sometimes the ones that speak without words.

Reach out today to schedule your next team development experience. No experience with horses is required!

OpenAI. (2024). Assistance in article development using ChatGPT. Retrieved from OpenAI.com

*The OK Corral activity has been modified from the Horse in a Box (EAL Academy) activity based on Frank Ernst’s (1971) OK Corral Transactional Analysis Model:

Ernst, F. H., Jr. (1971). The OK Corral: The grid for what’s happening. Transactional Analysis Journal, 1(4), 231-240