Equine-Assisted Experiential Learning: A Literature Review of Embodied Leadership Development in Organizational Behavior

Rubentheran Sivagurunathan (), Abdul Rahman bin S Senathirajah, Linkesvaran Sivagurunathan, Sayeeduzzafar Qazi and Rasheedul Haque
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Rubentheran Sivagurunathan: Faculty of Business and Communications, INTI International University, Nilai 71800, Malaysia
Abdul Rahman bin S Senathirajah: Faculty of Business and Communications, INTI International University, Nilai 71800, Malaysia
Linkesvaran Sivagurunathan: Faculty of Business and Communications, INTI International University, Nilai 71800, Malaysia
Sayeeduzzafar Qazi: College of Business Administration, University of Business and Technology, Jeddah 21448, Saudi Arabia
Rasheedul Haque: Faculty of Business, Accounting, Finance, Law & Humanity (FOBAFLH), MAHSA University, Kuala Lumpur 59100, Malaysia

Administrative Sciences, 2025, vol. 15, issue 8, 1-21

Abstract: Background : Equine-assisted experiential learning (EAL) is an emerging approach that uses human–horse interactions to develop leadership skills through experiential methods. Purpose : This review synthesizes the literature on the role of EAL in developing leadership competencies and explores its implications for workplace learning. Design/methodology/approach : A narrative review was conducted examining empirical studies and theoretical frameworks on EAL and leadership development. Findings/Conclusions : Recent studies show EAL improves self-awareness, emotional intelligence, nonverbal communication, trust building, adaptability, and problem solving. These competencies are fostered through activities such as ground-based exercises, join-up techniques, and trust-building tasks, which require congruence between intention and action. Participants report behavioral changes such as improved empathy, clarity under pressure, and team cohesion. These align with core management skills for organizational performance. Implications : EAL complements traditional leadership training by developing relational and embodied leadership skills, including trust building, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, which contribute to organizational resilience and sustainable growth.

Keywords: experiential learning; leadership development; equine-assisted learning; workplace learning; organizational behavior; sustainable growth (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L M M0 M1 M10 M11 M12 M14 M15 M16 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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