In our increasingly chaotic world, leadership is a skill that transcends the confines of the classroom. It often emerges in unexpected places—like the riding hall where I learned to communicate with Icelandic horses. My Iceland adventure was nothing short of magical. One friend described it perfectly: it was as if I was traveling around the country taking photos of screensavers. With Iceland being my first travel experience after deciding to start my blog, it felt natural for the inaugural post to come from this recent journey. Throughout my travels, many experiential leadership lessons presented themselves, but the most significant lesson came from spending a day with “Mr. Iceland” (yes, that’s what he goes by!) and his pack of Icelandic horses (PS: do not call them ponies!).
This is Mr. Iceland
Happy on the trail at the start
First round of training inside
The Unique Qualities of Icelandic Horses
I’ve ridden horses sporadically throughout my life, whenever the opportunity arose. I am in no way an expert. This was a ‘must-do’ experience, allowing me to engage with one of the unique horse breeds in existence. Icelandic horses stand out due to their compact size, friendly demeanor, adaptability to harsh environments, endurance, genetic purity, and cultural significance. The most notable distinction comes from their gaits: while most horse breeds typically have three primary gaits—walk, trot, and canter—Icelandic horses possess five gaits. They are the only horses in the world that can “tölt,” a lateral gait providing an incredibly smooth ride. Additionally, they have a “flying pace,” where both legs on the same side move simultaneously.
Learning Riding Techniques and Leadership Basics
This trip also marked the first time I received in-depth training on riding techniques, such as using an English grip versus a Western grip, along with practice sessions before we hit the open plains. As I listened with curiosity to Mr. Iceland discuss the leadership that horses want and need, I found myself captivated. When it came time for us to practice in the controlled environment of the barn, I was the first to hear, “You’re too tense! Relax!” Those are words that have echoed in various situations throughout my life. By the end of the practice session, I felt confident in my ability to lead the horse in the way Mr. Iceland expressed would lead to success.
Developing a Partnership with Krystal
As part of a group of ten, we set out to explore Iceland’s stunning landscape on our horses. I rode a male horse named Krystal, and I felt a strong sense of trust and partnership forming between us. With Mr. Iceland emphasizing the importance of mutual respect beginning with being in tune with our own minds and bodies, I was determined to be a leader for Krystal, whose name brought to mind notions of clarity. As I rode him, I felt a deeper connection to these qualities, realizing how essential clear communication and vision are in both horsemanship and leadership.
Interestingly, naming a male horse “Krystal” signifies that he possesses unique traits that defy expectations. In terms of leadership, my experience with Krystal encouraged me to embrace my individuality and the distinct qualities I bring to my journey. Just as every horse (and leader) has its personality, Krystal represented the idea that one should celebrate their uniqueness while leading.
Me ABOUT to fall off…shows the distance he was making up 😉 (sadly, no one got the actual shot)
Next round of training outside
Overcoming Challenges on the Trail
We traversed easy, well-trodden paths, taking in the spectacular scenery. Leading the horses through streams that came all the way to our stirrups was a delightful surprise. The thrill peaked when we ran our horses at a speed that offered the smoothest ride imaginable—an exhilarating and empowering experience. As we neared the endpoint of our ride, we approached a bend where friends and family who were not on the ride stood cheering us on. This distraction took my focus away, and I missed the signal that we would pick up the pace again. As we suddenly rounded the corner, Krystal took off before I was prepared, running even faster than the horses ahead of us due to a gap between me and the next rider.
As excitement turned into fear (I had been thrown from a horse before), I recalled everything Mr. Iceland had advised: relax, pay attention to myself, and be the leader! I leaned way back in my saddle, instructing Krystal to ‘whoa!’ But to no avail. The moment my left foot slipped out of the stirrup, I knew it was over for me. I yelled loudly, “I’m goin’ down!!!” and proceeded to fall to the ground in the most controlled, slow-motion way possible as I disconnected from my horse. Thankfully, I was fine—just a couple of bruises, including my ego!
Reflecting on Leadership in Action
As I stood up and shook my head in disbelief, all I could think was that just before Krystal bolted—and I lost control—I had told myself, “I am so in control right now!” Such irony! In those moments of leadership when we believe we have everything under control, distractions can cause those we lead to act wildly and disconnect us from our intended direction.
Icelandic Horses!!
Inside the barn
This is me AFTER it was all over – completely authentic 🙂
Key Leadership Lessons from Iceland
Leadership as a Partnership
One of the first lessons I learned from my horse trainer is that leading an Icelandic horse is about creating a partnership. Horses are naturally inclined to follow leaders, similar to how teams look to their leaders for direction. A leader must assert themselves confidently and clearly, articulating their intentions to build a foundation of trust.
As leaders, we must communicate in simple, clear terms. Our tone should invite engagement rather than confuse. Just as I learned to maintain a calm demeanor and clear body language when leading Krystal, leaders should embody composure and clarity, especially during complex discussions. When team members know they can rely on their leader for consistent direction, they feel safe and confident expressing their thoughts and ideas.
Self-Awareness: The Key to Effective Leadership
An essential component of successful horse riding is self-awareness. Mr. Iceland emphasized the importance of being in control of our minds and bodies. If we are tense, anxious, or unfocused, the horse will reflect those feelings. Similarly, if leaders lack self-awareness or inner calm, their teams may feel unsettled, doubtful, or unmotivated.
Effective leaders should regularly check in with themselves to ensure they are grounded and present. This self-awareness enables them to guide their teams effectively and maintain an open, positive atmosphere. By modeling relaxation and focus, leaders can cultivate an environment where team members feel secure and empowered.
Discipline in Leadership
A significant takeaway from my experience was the emphasis on discipline, both in riding and leadership. Mr. Iceland mentioned the importance of telegraphing energy to our horse through our body language rather than force. This mirrors a crucial lesson in leadership: discipline isn’t about rigid control; it is about ensuring alignment toward a common goal.
To cultivate discipline within a team, leaders should embody the values and expectations they seek from their members. This means setting a strong example by demonstrating healthy boundaries, self-regulation, and commitment. Just as a horse relies on the rider for direction, team members look to their leader for guidance in achieving shared objectives.
- Building Relationships Based on Respect
Another vital lesson was imparted: respect is the foundation of a successful relationship with a horse. Only through respect can a rider expect obedience and cooperation. In leadership, the same principle applies. Building trust with team members through mutual respect fosters a willingness to collaborate.
This respect must be earned through actions. A leader who actively listens, values input and appreciates the contributions of their team will gain their members’ loyalty and respect. When team members feel valued, they are more likely to go above and beyond to contribute to the group’s success.
- Navigating Challenges with Grace
Learning to ride an Icelandic horse also taught me how to navigate challenges gracefully. Riding requires adapting to the horse’s movements, responding to both its actions and the surrounding environment. Similarly, effective leaders must remain adaptable and flexible in the face of obstacles.
In moments of uncertainty, leaders should remain steady, providing clear guidance and reassurance. It is through this steadfastness that leaders cultivate resilience not only in themselves but within their teams. When faced with challenges, a composed leader will inspire confidence and encourage a creative approach to problem-solving.
If you’re interested in learning more about Mr. Iceland’s horse riding tours, please visit his site at: https://mriceland.is/
Beautiful shot of us on the ride
Me bonding with Krystal
Riding into Leadership
Just as every Icelandic horse has its unique personality and strengths, so does every leader bring distinct traits to their role. The path to becoming an effective leader requires patience, self-discovery, and continuous learning. Internalizing lessons from riding—like the importance of partnership, self-awareness, discipline, respect, and adaptability—results in significant steps toward becoming a more influential and empathetic leader.
Reflecting on my time with Krystal, I realized how crucial it is to embrace both the fun and the learning experiences that come from challenges—whether on horseback or in a leadership role. If you’ve ever felt out of control, distracted, or uncertain, remember that these are invaluable moments that can lead to growth.
As you embark on your journey in leadership, consider how lessons from unexpected experiences, like riding horses, might shape your perspective. Embrace the challenge, connect deeply with those you lead, and ride into leadership with confidence. Whether on the saddle or in the boardroom, strong leadership can transform teams and foster environments where everyone thrives—sometimes with a few bumps along the way! And as always, get back on that horse! Sometimes, it’s more for the horse than it is for you.
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