When the Horse Won’t Move: A Lesson in Leadership Energy and Presence

Coralina in Cotacachi, Ecuador

Last month, I found myself standing on a hillside in Cotacachi, Ecuador, participating in a workshop that combined Noetic Science, intuitive communication, and heart–brain synchronization alongside a herd of horses.

In the exercise, I was tasked with guiding a horse named Coralina to step into a simple hoop on the ground. It sounded easy enough. But like most things that reveal our inner state, it wasn’t.

At first, Coralina stepped one hoof into the hoop and stopped. No matter how much I coaxed, persuaded, or encouraged, she wouldn’t move her other hoof forward. I tried relaxing my stance, softening my voice, even stepping back to give her space. Still, nothing.

Finally, I decided to stop trying. We went for a short walk instead. And as we walked side by side, something shifted. I stopped focusing on what I wanted her to do and simply focused on how I was being. My energy became grounded, calm, and connected. When we returned, Coralina stepped both front legs into the hoop as if she’d been waiting for that very moment.

That small act felt enormous. It was a mirror.

Leadership Energy and Presence

As leaders, we often approach people and problems with a subtle “push” energy—trying to make something happen through effort, persuasion, or force of will. But leadership isn’t about control; it’s about connection.

Like horses, humans are exquisitely sensitive to the emotional energy around them. Teams can feel when we’re anxious, frustrated, or disconnected, no matter how carefully we choose our words. And when our energy is off, alignment becomes nearly impossible.

You can bring a team to the table, but you can’t make them engage.

Real influence comes from energetic coherence—when our thoughts, emotions, and intentions are in sync.

When we lead from that place, others sense it immediately. They trust us. They follow our lead not because they have to, but because it feels safe and aligned to do so.

The Takeaway

Coralina reminded me that leadership isn’t about getting others to move. It’s about mastering our own state first.

Before we step into a room, deliver feedback, or make a big decision, we can ask ourselves:

• Am I grounded, or am I forcing?

• Am I leading from pressure, or from presence?

• Is my energy inviting collaboration, or resistance?

When we regulate our own inner state, we create the conditions for alignment where movement happens naturally, not through pressure, but through partnership.

Sometimes, the most effective way to lead isn’t to push harder. It’s to pause, reconnect, and walk side by side.

Dolce Consulting: Clarity for Leaders. Alignment for Teams. Growth for Tech.

Rebecca Johnson | Dolce Consulting

Organization Development Consultant, Executive & Career Coach

www.dolceconsulting.com