The role of horses in mediation
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With my passion for horses, combined with my faith in mediation as a means of resolving conflicts, I (Monique Spee) sometimes use horses in my mediation processes, working with an experienced and certified horse trainer. Horses mirror the conscious and unconscious signals we give off and do not react to rational thought processes. When they observe the horse, and feel its energy, the mediation parties gain an insight into the situation which may already have occurred to them on a subconscious level. This creates space and freedom to look at the situation differently, and deal with it differently. It also clears the way for a solution to the conflict.
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To reiterate, mediation is not just about the parties’ underlying interests, but also about the underlying obstacles (feelings or beliefs, annoyances, old wounds) which, on the face of it, make a conflict seem insurmountable to the parties, and lead them to consider going to court.
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Horses mirror the conscious and unconscious signals we give off and do not react to rational thought processes. If, for instance, during mediation between an employer and employee in a labour dispute, one party 'thinks’ that he or she would like a supervisory role but, deep down, feels uneasy about taking on this role, the horse will respond to the unease, or fear, by displaying fear or agitation. This is interpreted by the horse trainer/mediator to give the parties an insight into the cause of the situation, and bring to light the origin of the feeling of unease. The parties can then take concrete steps in the direction they are pursuing and that feels right to them, armed with an understanding of, and an insight into each other’s underlying interests, feelings, and obstacles or blocks that had previously prevented the parties from finding a solution.
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During this horse mediation session, the horse also shows us where and/or around whom the greatest amount of 'energy’ is concentrated, without passing any positive or negative judgement. The horse trainer/mediator facilitates the whole process, without too much dialogue. When they observe the horse, and feel its energy, the mediation parties gain an insight into the situation which may already have occurred to them on a subconscious level. This creates space and freedom to look at and deal with the situation differently, clearing the way for a solution to the conflict.
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Mediation with the help of horses is a highly effective way of getting to the root of a problem, as horses reveal the situation and the attitudes of the parties in an impartial way. This often serves as confirmation to the people involved of what they ‘knew’ all along. Whilst most people find this an uncomfortable experience, it is also extremely effective.