Our books
Horsepower
What is the difference between leaders who keep pushing… and leaders who create movement? And what if the key to greater impact with less energy wasn’t IQ, but EQ?
By learning to look at yourself through the eyes of horses, you become more aware of your unique talents, the potential that still remains untapped, and why you so often find yourself operating in your own shadow.
In a world that is becoming faster, more complex and more human, traditional models are no longer sufficient. The HorsePower® model offers a clear framework to understand human behavior, team dynamics and organizational impact.
- SELF – how to develop greater resilience and inner capacity without unnecessary struggle.
- THE OTHER – how to communicate, both verbally and non-verbally, from your natural strengths.
- THE HERD – how team dynamics can truly elevate collective performance.
- THE ORGANIZATION – how to create lasting impact as a leader, without losing yourself.
In Paardenkracht, Ilse Melotte explores how the natural wisdom of horses can help us become better leaders and more balanced human beings. The book introduces a methodology focused on social-emotional intelligence and teaches you to reconnect with your own body and the energy of others. It is a plea for a new kind of leadership — no longer based on power, but on service, inclusion and connection.
BOOK LAUNCH – MAY 28, ’26
Pre-Order now: Reserve your signed copy of this vibrant book, including a personal note from the author. Free shipping!
- Price: €23.99 incl. VAT
- Publisher: Borgerhoff & Lamberigts
Horses know better
During our lifetime, we all experience pain; no one is spared. However, the way we handle it can vary greatly. In Horses Know Better, author Ilse Melotte explains how these animals can help us map out our own identity and guide us toward a fulfilling life.
Over the centuries, these majestic animals have developed survival strategies from which humans can also draw great wisdom. They provide us with insights that make us stronger within our human herd systems, both at home and at work. Together with the horses – at a walk, trot, or gallop – we embark on new, better paths.
Order Now:
- Price: €25.99 incl. VAT
- Publisher: Borgerhoff & Lamberigts
What to Expect:
- Ancient Wisdom: Learn how horses communicate and function within their herd and discover how these natural dynamics provide valuable lessons for our daily lives.
- Personal Growth: Find out how the wisdom of horses can contribute to your own personal development and leadership.
- Practical Exercises: Experience concrete tips and exercises to strengthen your connection with yourself and others by applying the lessons learned from the horses.
- Unique Photography: All the images in this beautifully illustrated book were taken at Hof van 't Rommersum, the silent farm, and feature the horses of Horse Act, the true authors of this book.
Our Mission? Growing and learning with horses. Horse Act guides teams and individuals towards more balance, connection, and better performance.
42 Inspiration Cards - Paarden weten beter
Let yourself be inspired every day by the gentle yet powerful wisdom of horses. The 42 Horses Know Better inspiration cards contain short, impactful messages and images that invite self-reflection, awareness and personal growth.
Instantly available for only €5,99 as a high-resolution PDF — perfect for viewing on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, or for printing at home.
Perfect for daily inspiration, coaching or guidance sessions andoments of rest and reflection. After registering, you’ll receive the download link directly in your inbox.

The Italian Oak
Professor Gabriele Conti has been deeply immersed in psychiatric research since the death of his wife. Emergency doctor Monica Carlini is slowly burning out from a life spent in the service of others. After a burnout, Englishwoman Lisa Roberts opens her own dating agency in Milan. Three individuals, one quest.
Fate brings them together on a trek along the Via Francigena, an ancient pilgrimage route through Italy. Under a majestic oak tree in Lucca, something extraordinary happens...
The Italian Oak is an informative novel about love, meaning, and the invisible world around us.
“This book suggests that sooner or later, everyone has to cope with their fears and face personal limits in order to resolve them and ultimately meet their essence. In addition, the author’s opinion is that love may be both the goal and the instrument to deeply transform individuals and their lives, providing authentic joy.”
Professor of Psychiatry Donatella Marazziti, University of Pisa.
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. ”
Frieda uit Geel
"The Horse Power Scan was a truly eye-opening experience. Without needing many words, the horses showed me how I really show up — in life and in my work. What energy I radiate, how I use (or block) my inner strength, and where I still hold myself back. The session took place in the peaceful surroundings of the Horse Act retreat, in a natural, safe environment where you immediately feel: I can just be myself here. Ilse and her team guide the process with care and without judgment — but it’s the horses who do the real work: pure, intuitive, and honest. You immediately sense what’s aligned — and what’s not. I discovered that I often try too hard, while it’s actually my softness that allows for true connection. That insight hit me deeply, not because someone told me, but because I felt it — through the horse’s response to my presence. The combination of the typetest results, the live interaction with the horse, and the debriefing afterwards makes this a very transformative journey. No fluff, just clear and meaningful feedback you can actually use — both in your professional and personal life... the Horse Power Scan is an absolute must."
Sarah – Manager from Diest
“The power of horses has given me more insight into my own strength, which was hidden under many layers of thinking, instead of feeling. It also helped me gain more confidence in dealing with these big gentle giants. And with it more confidence in life and everything that presents itself. Working with horses in this way, in such a beautiful place, is extremely valuable and unique!”
Sarah
Kimberly
“Wow, wow, wow! That report… I have no words. This isn’t just a snapshot — this is truly who I am! A real reality check, reading so clearly how I’m actually wired, things I’m not always consciously aware of. The session itself was already so beautiful, but this just completes it all. I can’t even explain how this makes me feel — but it’s all positive! I honestly found this a magical experience! 🫶🏼
As I said before, it’s a pity there aren’t more people like you in this world, because someone like you makes everything so much more beautiful. 🫶🏼 Because of you, I’ve already dared to take steps I never would have before. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Bart from Tessenderlo
Marijke
“Dear Ilse,
Coaching means going into depth. But it's so nice to give each other feedback in the middle of the horses. Forget everything for a moment and pay attention to yourself. And pay attention to pain points, to allow them to surface and release without too much pain. Indeed in a place in the here and now. Realizing that we are all perfectly fine. We can be there. Thank you. I return home with a warm feeling and a broad smile. Grateful and full of love. Love Marijke”
Nancy
“The digital questionnaire was actually my preparation for an encounter with one of the horses at Horse Act. I answered it as truthfully and deeply as possible — the more information I provided, the more accurate the analysis could be, I thought. Triggered by the questions, I then scheduled a live session with one of the horses at Hof van ’t Rommersum. It turned out to be a beautiful complement to the initial questionnaire — and also a confronting one. Ilse Melotte had carefully selected the horse for me based on my preparation, choosing the one that would mirror exactly where my growth potential lay and where I wasn’t yet fully using my strengths. It’s a wonderful form of guidance, connection, development, discovery, confrontation, and renewal. Experiencing a session with Lander, the anchor stallion, under Ilse’s professional guidance was a privilege. Highly recommended for anyone who embraces connection and personal growth.” – Nancy
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”
Bouwbedrijf
As a construction company, we’re used to working with hard materials, tight deadlines, and clear structures. But during our team event at Horse Act, we discovered something completely different: the gentle power of connection. Under the guidance of Ilse and her horses, we experienced how our communication, energy, and collaboration were quite literally reflected in the behavior of a horse. No masks, no hierarchy — just real interaction. It was both confronting and enlightening.
What struck us most? That true connection isn’t about control, but about trust and alignment. That realization was an eye-opener — not only for us as a team but also as leaders. The session with Lander, the wise leader of the herd, showed us how subtle leadership can be when it comes from a place of calm and respect. It’s an experience that will stay with us for a long time — on our worksites and in our meetings alike.
A unique and powerful day that brought us closer together as a team — and to ourselves. Highly recommended.
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.”






