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About us

The power of connection

Horse Act is a center of expertise in leadership, team development and personal growth, built on the unique wisdom of horses. From our quiet homestead, Hof van ’t Rommersum in Zoutleeuw, we guide individuals, teams and organizations in strengthening their communication, collaboration and leadership. Horse Act is made up of a small, dedicated team and a herd of twelve horses who are considered full partners in our daily work.

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Our method is carried forward by a growing network of Horsepower® practitioners and Horsepower® masters: professionals in HR, coaching, leadership development and organizational consulting, who have specialized in working with the Horsepower® model and its accompanying assessment tools.

This network enables us to:

  • implement our methodology with quality and consistency across different sectors;
  • support organizations on a larger scale;
  • exchange expertise and learn collaboratively;
  • continuously build a professional framework around equine wisdom and leadership.

Every practitioner and master is carefully trained and certified. They work from the same core values — integrity, clarity, safety and respect for both human and horse. From that same vision, we collaborate with organizations that believe in honest communication, healthy humanity, and leadership that adapts fluidly to what the moment requires.

Horse Act team

" I am fascinated by the psychology of the horse herd and work with these beautiful animals and their silent language every day. I enriched my experience as an entrepreneur with trainings to become leadership coach, horse coach, systemic working with horses, horse training, etc.

Our Horsepower® framework is based on the natural forces associated with our energy, intention and connection. I feel particularly grateful when clients learn to have a more positive, powerful and serene approach to life. And I can do that thanks to a very special voice condition that has brought me to the silent horse language 🫶🏾."

After she sold her IT company, Ilse founded the private foundation Endelea Foundation. Since 2021, this charity organization has focused on mental health in Central Africa by providing support in the field of digitalization.

“I work with people in motion. With leaders and teams who sense that something is going on, but can’t yet fully put it into words. My strength lies in translating insights into sustainable change within a professional context.

My background? Marketing, communication and transition management. For years, I stood at the heart of change: new structures, growing organizations, shifting roles… Along the way, my fascination grew for the human being behind the role. What truly moves leaders and teams?

Today, I work as an organizational coach. I support leaders and teams in further developing the insights that emerge from the Horsepower© assessments. I believe in the power of insights—big insights, small insights—the sparks that make real growth possible. Because sustainable change begins with insight and grows through connection.”

Within Horse Act, Els ensures the streamlined organization of all activities: the workshops, the rental of the facilities but also the grooming of the horses. The focus is not only on horse care, but on horse well-being. That means all physical, emotional and psychological factors. So horse health.

Els spent her entire life among horses. As Operational Manager, she runs the Hof van 't Rommersum and she has developed the location into an oasis of peace. 

"I am a horse person but also a human person. Dealing with the daily challenges within our Horse Act ecosystem... that is my thing 🐴 . Read my personal story here . "   

"I have always had a big heart for animals and a deep admiration for nature and everything it has to offer us. It gives me great joy to contribute to projects that bring the power of this magnificent nature closer to people.

Through my many years of teaching experience, I have also come to understand human nature better. And more and more, I am convinced of how essential that connection with nature truly is for us.

Being able to collaborate with wonderful, warm people and these extraordinary animals, in a beautiful environment where you can fully unwind, makes it all the more rewarding."

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."

Ivo

“I received the booklet and the workshop The Silent Language as a gift from my wife and I really thought this was not for me. I like to see horses, from a distance. But the theory was interesting. It took a moment to pause and understand how things work... and then applying this to the horses was great. Each participant at their own pace. I thought that was well done. It was an exciting day that flew by quickly. Ilse is a good hostess who delivers the workshop professionally. Recommended. Ivo”

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. ”

Vrouwelijk netwerk

Our networking event (with 15 participants) on female leadership was an afternoon session combining theory, observation with horses, and reflective conversation over a drink. The exchange between participants flowed naturally from the start — but the real magic happened when we got to feel the theory inside the round pen, together with Oya, the intuitive lead mare of the herd.

Oya invited us to slow down, to be truly present in the moment, and to connect without words. What was remarkable was how each woman, in her own way, was mirrored in her leadership. Some discovered how strong their presence already was, while others realized how often they still make themselves ‘small.’ But we all felt the same truth: leadership begins within — and the herd senses instantly whether you are truly there.

This event became a deeply unique experience. An absolute must for every woman entrepreneur who wants to make her mark in a still male-dominated world.

Esther & Fleur

" 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. "  

Koen - entrepreneur Kempen

“Why did Oya, that beautiful pregnant mare, stand with her head against my head? And why did Ucardo do exactly the same thing? Why, during another session, did two young stallions chase us away from under the walnut tree where we were reasoning? Because I was in my head too much. Literal. When I went back to feeling and let the feeling speak from my stomach, Diamond suddenly appeared. He came to say it was okay and went straight to my stomach. Magic. It brings tears to my eyes again. Thank you Ilse and the horses of Rommersum. A reborn coachee, Koen”

Team event rond communicatie

“With our team of seven, we took part in the full-day workshop The Silent Language at Horse Act. No role-playing, but a genuine experience centered around non-verbal communication — together with the horses. We began with a short theoretical introduction about body language, intention, and the power of energy in communication. Then we went to the paddock to work with the Horse Act horses. Each team member had the opportunity to connect with a horse, individually or in pairs — without words. Only through presence, posture, breathing, and inner calm. Over the course of the day, the atmosphere in our team shifted. There was more calm, more real listening.

The feedback afterwards was unanimously positive. We learned that communication is so much more than what you say. Highly recommended for any team that wants to grow in mutual understanding and respectful alignment.”

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

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.

Helena - sister from Zellik

"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."

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Hof van 't Rommersum
Kruisveldstraat 2
3440 Zoutleeuw

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0473/45.60.81

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