BERKSHIRE HORSEWORKS LAUNCHES “TEAM EFFECTIVENESS” PROGRAM


IN AN EFFORT to further support the mental health needs of those in the community, Berkshire HorseWorks is reaching out to local organizations to sign up by February 28th for a half or full day team building workshop. In turn, BHW will donate Equine Assisted Psychotherapy sessions to identifi ed at risk youth and/or their families free of charge, stated Hayley Sumner, Founder and Executive Director of the three year old nonprofi t.


If you could only bring a horse into your board room. What if a horse could help improve communication, help screen your next hire, mediate a crisis or even land a client in a cost- effective way? For those with a bit of foresight, the growing trend for corporate team building has four legs.


Berkshire HorseWorks has launched its “Team Effectiveness” program which utilizes EAGALA Model Equine Assisted Team building to assist organizations in staff development. Enhanced communication, increased cohesion both intra and inter offi ce, cultivation of confl ict resolution and customer satisfaction tools, and the identifi cation of roles within the workplace are key elements for corporate, government, sports, executive, and administrative entities. Equine Assisted Team building is exciting, enlightening, and learnings are retained. Goals of the program are to increase employee engagement, navigate cultural differences, increase productivity, develop consistency of brand identity, and increase creativity. This modality is strength- based and solution focused. Equine Assisted Team building translates what is learned in the board room into an experiential setting where the interaction with horses provides an opportunity for metaphorical learning. The Model is practiced in over 50 countries, by 4500 certifi ed professionals


“In this current climate it is critical to check in with associates and coworkers and offer them outlets to explore motivation, fears and strengths. Working with horses in a living, breathing environment helps bring clarity to the proclivities that operate under the surface. Understanding these nuances and designing programming which parlays them into strengths helps with morale and cohesion. It is effective, fun, and thought-provoking, “stated Sumner.


Clients have included Bain Capital, Fox Sports, Berkshire Functional Fitness Covestro, the Seekonk Tree Company, Hillcrest Educational Center, John Dewey Academy and the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Department, among others


“I attended a recent team building session and had no idea what to expect. After just an hour and a half I came away with valuable information First and foremost, I don’t listen very well. I hear but don’t focus on what is being said. Where I didn’t comprehend the initial instructions others did. So as a team, being able to combine all of our individual strengths to solve the task was powerful and more effi cient. I highly recommend taking a session,” said Peter Sweet, Jr., Owner Seekonk Tree Farm


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Horses are innately sensitive and open. Interaction with them serves as a mirror of emotions and behavior, thus helping individuals, couples, and groups discover positive solutions to real-life challenges. Participants are empowered by the lessons learned in the arena and then translate that energy, attitude, and behavior when they return to the workplace, the family or school. Equine assisted team building works and companies are catching on.


When Bain Capital was looking to integrate new managers into their team, they turned to Berkshire HorseWorks. Managing Director and former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick said they had left with, “Lots of food for thought.”


“The HorseWorks experience awoke me to the realization that I am so intimidated by instructions issued by an “authority fi gure” that I will blindly follow those instructions to the letter, as if I were still the “good little girl” who never challenged the expected response. To have reacted this way fl ew directly in the face of who I am today. As a result, I am determined to diminish my tendency to demur without signifi cant, informed thought and, instead, act on my proven ability to intelligently question and act beyond the expected, even at the risk of being “wrong”, shared Carol Robins, Former Director of Volunteer Resources, Lighthouse International.


“All who attended thought the sessions were benefi cial. I know, for me personally, the time was insightful and will help me as a manager.” - Tim Ryan, Covestro


Equine Assisted Team building: • Cultivates empathy within the workplace • Navigates multicultural differences • Improves client services • Augments tolerance and respect among coworkers


• Develops focus and goal-based thinking • Increases productivity, balance, and concentration


• Inspires non-traditional problem-solving techniques • Fosters confi dence and highlights personal strengths


• Improves communication skills working cooperatively


• Encourages individuality while accommodating collective goals • Stimulates mindfulness and clarity • Refi nes one’s ethical code and moral fi ber Screens potential candidates for employment


• Screens potential candidates for employment


Thank you for facilitating a potent Women’s Team Building Session... Such a creative shared healing experience. I’m hooked!” Patricia King-Davies, Metaphysical Practitioner at Canyon Ranch.


Berkshire HorseWorksTM, a 501(C)3 nonprofi t corporation, is part of the international EAGALA network offering experiential and highly effective Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) around the world. Unlike therapeutic riding where a client is mounted on a horse, EAGALA Model EAP and EAL sessions take place on the ground, and are facilitated by both a Licensed Mental Health Professional and a qualifi ed Equine Specialist. Horse therapy or EAP can be used as both an adjunct or alternative to talk therapy. Horses often break through the barriers that in more traditional modes can stall people. EAGALA Certifi ed professionals work with a broad spectrum of behavioral/mental health issues and learning goals including ADHD, autism, depression, addiction, eating disorders, couples therapy, stress management, recidivism, teamwork, sexual abuse, leadership skills and trauma-related disorders. Donated sessions to the families and youth will focus on these treatment goals as needed.


Berkshire HorseWorks is located on a 27 acre compound in Richmond, MA comprising the Berkshire Equestrian Center, hiking trails, outdoor paddocks, historic barns, state of the art jumping facilities, the Inn at Richmond, and a wellness center, Berkshire HorseWorks offers 90 minute sessions, half day and full day workshops, and customized multi-day retreats, with additional activities in the surrounding area. EAGALA is a nonprofi t organization developed in 1999 to address the need for resources, education and professionalism in the fi elds of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning. The association has set the standard for professional excellence in how horses and humans work together to improve the quality of life and mental health of individuals, families and groups worldwide. For more information on EAGALA visit www.eagala.org. Berkshire HorseWorks provides the tools to cope, challenge, communicate, heal, lead, empathize andthriveintoday’scompetitiveworld. Sessionsarebyappointmentonly. Email info@ Berkshirehorseworks.com to book your Equine Assisted Team building session and help a local youth or family or call 310 488 9777.


Berkshires’ Best Buys, Business & Beyond • February 7-20, 2017


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