" Wat gebeurt er als je je jaarplan laat beginnen met… een paardencoaching? Meer dan je denkt.

Een keer per jaar plannen sparringpartner Fleur de Bruijn en ik (Esther Janssen) in december een moment van reflectie in. Dit jaar kreeg onze traditie een bijzondere dimensie, want die stond volledig in het teken van iets nieuws: paardencoaching.
Niet verrassend, want wij zijn allebei paardenmeisjes. 😊 We vulden vooraf twee vragenlijsten in, deden live sessies met Oya en Ucardo en ontvingen deze week onze uitgebreide testresultaten. Samen met ons Vision Board vormt dit de basis voor ons jaarplan 2026.

Waarom paarden coaching werkt: Paarden reageren niet op woorden, maar op energie, intentie en innerlijke congruentie.
Ze oordelen niet, maar spiegelen precies waar je staat. En ze volgen alleen wanneer het klopt: wanneer je gegrond, helder en aanwezig bent.

💚 Mijn sessie met Oya: Oya, de intuïtieve merrie, bood me een ongelooflijk heldere spiegel. Ze stond vaak achter me, alsof ze me wilde dragen, en liet direct merken wanneer ik uit contact met mezelf was. In een oefening kwam ze pas in beweging toen ik volledig gegrond stond. Adem laag, echt voelde en intentie helder. Mooi, verrassend en soms confronterend.

🔥 Fleur & Ucardo: Fleur werkte met Ucardo, de vlamhengst. Hij testte haar door in de hoek te blijven staan — een duidelijke krachtmeting. Fleur bleef rustig, stevig en bij zichzelf.

Esther’s belangrijkste inzichten voor 2026:

• Rustige kracht & zachte vastberadenheid
• Leiderschap vanuit visie & vuur
• Sterk in structuur, ritme en overzicht
• Ruimte innemen & energie belichamen
• Grenzen duidelijker uitspreken

Deze inzichten neem ik (Esther) mee in mijn Businessplan en Vision Board.
Voor mij wordt 2026 het jaar van energie belichamen, ruimte innemen en helderder communiceren, zonder mijn zachtheid te verliezen. "  

“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!”

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.

“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”

 “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

"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."