Unbridled Leadership

Unbridled Leadership

by Chishabetty Watson | 11/21/25

National Honor Society students from Cranberry High School traded the classroom for the corral this week as they visited a rescue horse farm to participate in an equine-assisted leadership workshop. The program, Unbridled Leadership: Equine-Assisted Leadership Development, was led by Missy Pore, owner of Life Made New in Shippenville, Pa, and occurred on November 19, 2025.

Throughout the day, students engaged in hands-on activities designed to strengthen communication, teamwork, and self-awareness. Horses, known for their sensitivity to human emotion and energy, served as partners for learning. Because they respond to body language, tone, and presence, they provided immediate, honest feedback, helping students recognize how their leadership style affects those around them.

Pore shared several key insights with the students as they worked with the horses. “If a horse isn’t listening to you, ask yourself, ‘Am I asking a question that they can answer?’” she said. “Use your energy to move the horses. Your energy contributes to your leadership.” 

During the workshop, Pore encouraged participants to welcome horses into their space. She said, “Give them an invitation. It’s not about forcing them to do something. Calmly and confidently, lead them.”

Students observed herd dynamics, completed silent obstacle-course challenges, and worked together to guide and halter horses using both verbal and non-verbal communication. Each activity prompted thoughtful reflection on what worked, what didn’t, and how leadership traits naturally emerged within their groups. 

Students who attended the workshop said the experience challenged them in unexpected ways and taught them new perspectives on leadership.

Junior Colton Carlson said the day made a meaningful impact: “I gained experience leading a group that might not always follow you, and I learned that you have to earn respect in order to lead,” Carlson said. “I liked that we weren’t just sitting and listening to someone talk; we were hands-on. It was a ton of fun, and I’d love to do it again.”

Senior Raquel Knight shared similar thoughts. “Overall, as an NHS leader, I believe the field trip really taught us a lot. Students were able to learn new ways of communication, which I think was the main takeaway,” she noted. “Compared to other field trips, what made this one stand out was how everyone could use their own skills and still contribute to the overall goal.”

NHS adviser Trisha Dixon said she chose this experience to give students a more realistic and hands-on understanding of leadership. “I decided to take students to a more interactive workshop on leadership because a speaker can tell students what leadership looks like, but a horse can show them,” she said. “Students learned that the best traits of a leader include the willingness to be a partner, to listen, be patient, and step out of the way when needed.”

As the workshop came to a close, students left with a deeper understanding of communication, confidence, and presence, lessons taught not through slideshows or lectures, but through the gentle honesty of their four-legged teachers. With refreshed leadership skills and a few muddy boots, Cranberry’s NHS members returned home a little more grounded, a little more connected, and ready to take the reins in their corners of influence.