Horsemanship and Medicine
Horsemanship and Medicine with Paul Henning MD
The art of horsemanship and the practice of medicine share fundamental principles rooted in trust, communication, emotional intelligence, and resilience. Paul’s approach integrates horsemanship techniques into medical education, leadership training, and physician well-being. This offers a unique perspective on how the lessons learned in the round pen translate into success in the hospital.
The Art of Horsemanship in Medicine
Horsemanship requires patience, observation, and a deep understanding of nonverbal cues. The skills that are equally essential in medical practice. Just as a skilled horseman must assess a horse’s needs and respond with clarity and intention, a physician must read a patient’s condition beyond the words they speak. Building trust with a horse involves consistency, mutual respect, and steady energy. This mirrors the process of establishing trust in patient care.
Emotional Intelligence and Resilience
Handling a thousand-pound animal requires emotional steadiness, adaptability, and confidence under pressure—qualities that are essential in high-stakes medical environments. Horses are incredibly sensitive to human emotions, reflecting back what they perceive. Physicians, too, must regulate their emotions to lead effectively in crisis situations. Learning to control one’s breathing, body language, and mindset when working with a horse can directly translate to remaining calm and decisive in emergency medicine.
Leadership and Nonverbal Communication with Paul Henning MD
A horse will follow a leader who is confident yet calm, firm yet fair. Leadership in both horsemanship and medicine is built on nonverbal communication, energy awareness, and presence. Physicians lead teams and care for patients not just with words, but with body language, tone, and the way they carry themselves in stressful situations. Mastering these subtle forms of communication through horsemanship can enhance a physician’s ability to command trust and inspire confidence in their medical team.
Stress Management and Mindfulness
Horses live in the present moment, offering a powerful model for mindfulness. Time spent with horses encourages awareness, focus, and emotional regulation, all of which are critical for preventing burnout in medicine. The simple act of grooming, riding, or simply being in the presence of horses has been shown to lower cortisol levels and improve mental well-being. For physicians constantly balancing life-and-death decisions, these moments of stillness can be an essential tool for self-care and longevity in their careers.
Learning Through Experience
Dr. Henning has experienced firsthand how the principles of horsemanship can shape decision-making and leadership in medicine. Whether it’s learning to remain calm under pressure, develop deeper empathy, or refine leadership skills, the lessons learned from working with horses are directly applicable to the medical field. Through hands-on experience, physicians can enhance their ability to connect, lead, and heal—not just their patients, but themselves.
Opportunities to Connect and Learn
Dr. Henning invites medical professionals, students, and healthcare leaders to experience the transformative power of horsemanship through his personally developed programs with his herd. These sessions integrate horsemanship techniques into medical education, leadership training, and physician well-being strategies.
Follow Dr. Henning for updates on upcoming workshops, discussions, and mentorship opportunities. These are designed to help physicians incorporate these principles into their professional and personal lives. Discover how working with horses can deepen resilience, enhance communication, and foster a more intuitive and compassionate approach to medicine.
Paul Henning MD
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