the HALT learning method
HALT - Horse Act Learning & Training
HALT starts from the following 4 principles of effective learning:
- Attention in the NOW | The horses take care of that like no other. They give us experiences in the Here and Now that we will never forget.
- Space for learning | Learning takes time, everyone has their own rhythm. Our system needs processing time to integrate new insights.
- Anchoring new insights | Mental learning moments alternate with moments of experience with the horses. Feeling is necessary to permanently anchor new insights in our system. Knowledge becomes 'knowing'.
- Commitment based on free will | Personal growth and awareness require that all our sensory gates open. Learning processes only start based on our own will.
So HALT! This also means effectively coming to a standstill. The horses help us with this and draw our attention 100% to the Here and Now, the only place where there can be real silence.
Lifelong learning from horses
Our learning model starts from the horse-man relationship, the connecting interaction between man and horse. It is a relationship based on trust, in which there is no room for dominance and insecurity. The foundations of this philosophy are: Respect and Trust, the building blocks of Leadership in horses.
The herd is an age-old and authentic system, shaped by evolution, that works perfectly. It is the essence of horse language. Respect ensures that we do not overstep the boundaries of others. Trust ensures that we dare to come out of our comfort zone and show our vulnerability. And those dynamics are exactly the same in humans and horses within their systems.
By anchoring this horse wisdom in our mind and body, we develop a unique and extremely valuable talent: Personal Leadership. It is an energetic compass that helps us in all facets of our lives: at home and in the workplace. It is the ability to energetically walk that thin line between 'give' and 'take', whereby our energy is optimally deployed to achieve our goals. It means being able to stand in your strength, always feeling the flow. Horses are our teachers here.
HALT is a process
The (neur)logical levels of Bateson and Dilts show us in a simple way what the HALT process looks like for companies, teams or individuals.
The logical levels are: environment, behavior, capabilities, beliefs, values, identity and mission. These levels indicate different degrees from which we can think, feel, know and speak. The lower levels contain concrete matters and thoughts. The higher levels are more complex, abstract and provide insights and solutions. HALT follows Bateson's and Dilts' logical levels, from low to high:
1. Environment => Behavior => Skills
We start at the level of the context, which concerns concrete things that you can observe. One level higher we find behavior. This is the only level that is measurable and, together with the environmental level, it is the only level that is visible. Then we come to the level of skills, talents, qualities and emotions. Here we touch a person on a deeper level. Exploration of our possibilities, limitations and skills are contained in the ebook: The Silent Language, what people can learn from horses about Leadership, Authenticity and energy management.
2. Beliefs and Values
A step further we get to the level, where real changes are taking place. Beens and values are our motives and provide our energy to get moving. When you are at this level, you are motivating. Repowerment, consent and motivation provide us with an answer to the question: Why? Horse Act wrote the ebook: "Horsepower, which people can learn from horses about energy control and optimization".
3. Identity
The identity level is one of the most powerful domains to move people to something. Working at identity level is inspiring. As we go deeper into this level, we experience that true identity emerges, when words stop, beyond the self-concept. Silence can help with this. When you give words to an Identity, it becomes a conviction again. This is what our ebook speaks off: "Identity is what people can learn from horses about Freedom and Tolerance".
4. The mission of the mission
Here we arrived at the highest neurological level: Mission - Connection - Soul. Whoever works at this level is working around Purpose . Here you will discover what a person contributes to the world. The universe is so much bigger than our individual identity. Everyone is part of it and at the same time we are all a reflection of this greater whole.
“HORSES GIVE US A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT VIEW ON LEADERSHIP. THEY SHOW US A FORM THAT IS CONNECTING AND COMPASSIONATE. WE CALL IT UNIVERSAL." - Horse Act
Naomi - daughter from Bornem
"I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the wonderful horse workshop you organized for my mother's birthday. It was a truly fantastic experience for her and she thoroughly enjoyed it.
The fact that the workshop not only included riding, but also taking the horse from the pasture and brushing it made it really special. My mother loved having such direct interaction with the horses and feeling more connected to these beautiful animals.”
Katrin
“ I wanted to let you know how wonderful the workshop was and what beautiful reflections I received. Due to my enthusiasm it may not have been so clearly noticeable, but I am at a turning point in my life and starting yoga classes is a start of that. This comes with the necessary moments of doubt and uncertainty. I realize that I may not have stated this clearly, but at least your horses have responded to this 😊. I am very grateful that with all the information I see more pieces of the puzzle and can move a little further on my way..."
Eline from Wellen
Sigrid - architect Dendermonde
was very much on my mind before, all the time actually. But during the sessions I was quietly invited to witness that horsepower, to embrace it… Fear gives way to confidence. How beautiful how the exercises with the horses are a great metaphor for what is happening deep within me. The area is the ideal setting. Very natural and you immediately feel at home, not judged and without expectations. Everything is OK. Rommersum, they are the right people in the right place ”.
Helena - sister from Zellik
"I compliment you on your friendly approach. It was very easy to communicate with you and discuss everything regarding the workshop. You were always willing to answer questions and meet our wishes. The flexibility and openness you showed , made the whole organization smooth and pleasant.
Thank you again for creating such an unforgettable experience. You gave my sister a birthday gift that she will cherish forever. I will definitely recommend you to friends and family who are interested in similar workshops."
Heidi, Caitlin and Meaghan
“Dear Els and Ilse,
Thanks for the 3 cool back to basics days. It was a great awakening between the horses, birds and swallows. Dissined with a nice breakfast and fresh eggs. We found it a very nice and educational workshop with Ilse and we will definitely try to continue. Good luck to you. Greetings, Heidi, Caitlin and Meaghan”
Iris
“My horse was getting too old to compete anymore. Until I attended the groundwork workshop. Really cool, I didn't know there could be so much interaction between her and me. The horses of Rommersum are sweethearts. It was a very interesting course. ”
Ingrid from Herent
“ My motivation at work was completely gone. I have a tendency to make myself small. The workshop made me better understand the importance of good communication. I now feel stronger and I dare to speak my mind. Yes, this also improves the bond with colleagues. It was a nice day. Thanks Rommersum, Ingrid. ”
Koen - entrepreneur Kempen
Annick - lawyer Brussels
“I have already followed various coaching programs, but that was not horse coaching. With Ilse I was really surprised by her approach. Everything has been very well thought out from start to finish. The beautiful surroundings are an oasis of peace, back to basics! For me, who lives in the center of Brussels, this is truly an incredible relief. I will definitely come back.”