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Program Uses Rescued Horses To Help Train Local Businesses

LONGMONT, Colo. (CBS4) - For more than 30 years a Colorado organization has been giving horses a second chance. Now the horses have a mission -- helping local businesses.

When horses meet for the first time there's some conflict. But in just 15 minutes they'll have gone through all the stages of group development, forming a new herd. That's what business owner Erin Pass and her employees learned as they harnessed new skills for their Boulder workplace

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Erin Pass (credit: CBS)

"I've learned a lot about myself kind of as a leader and kind of strengths and weaknesses," Pass said.

It's called LeadChange run by Shawna English at Colorado Horse Rescue.

"You can't develop a more authentic relationship than with horses because they can see right through you," English said.

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(credit: CBS)

Using horses, English teaches employees about group dynamics and how to better communicate in current and new workplaces. What takes about 15 minutes in horses usually takes up to a year in humans.

"What individuals are learning here is how to become more of a herd and take care of one another because that's where you're going to get productivity," English said.

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(credit: CBS)

With 20 years of experience in corporate training, English calls the program a win-win. Workers will leave as a stronger team and Colorado Horse Rescue gets to continue doing what it does best.

"These are horses that were deemed to not have any value, and through this program they've been given great value," English said.

Colorado Horse Rescue caters their programs to meet each company's goal. All proceeds go to directly to Colorado Horse Rescue.

LINK: Colorado Horse Rescue

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