“What I have spent years trying to figure out on my own and with counsellors you have helped me figure out in just 2 weeks, it’s amazing”.

"Thank you so much! Working with you changed my life. I was grieving the loss of my dad and burnt out from a job I loved all while starting my own business. It was a busy time and from the moment I met you, I knew there was a way forward through a difficult time. You helped me to find the solutions to problems as they arose, as well as advising me on long standing issues. I was able to dive deeper into who I am as a person, what I value and recognise patterns I wanted to break through and managed due to your support. I highly recommend you to everyone, having coaching with you was life changing it was like having a counsellor, best friend, confidant and wise owl all in one!"

“I’ve gone from feeling utterly stuck and overwhelmed to realising I’ve got options. You’ve guided me through some extremely difficult and stressful situations. So grateful for your skill, insight, knowledge, empathy and professionalism. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you as a life coach. Thanks a million.”

“Thank you for all the support, understanding and time you have given me to discuss whatever I feel is the highest priority on my list. I appreciate how you guide me to my own conclusions and the patience you show when teaching and reinforcing skills that nurture my mindset and thought processes into a more positive, healthy and helpful relationship with myself.

“I know that the help that you have given me has prevented me from being overwhelmed by some of the issues and able to keep a more healthy perspective. I feel so much more confident about making decisions that allow me to acknowledge my own needs as well as those of others.

“I just wanted to send you my utmost thanks. I hadn't been able to do this task even when previously I had been gifted the time to do it. I am so very grateful for your guidance in enabling me to get here. The largest of thanks to you!”.

“I have really taken on board the advice you have given me and implemented it into my competing and other aspects of my life with lots of success. Thank you for helping me reach goals in my dressage and believing in myself.”

Pam Poole. Life coach, &  Horse & Rider relationship coach.

I don’t know what I expected really but was confident I was in for a most interesting evening on Wednesday 27th August. Pam delighted and surprised an audience of over 40 last evening at Waimakariri Riding Club monthly speaker dinner.

So, to start with learning, is uncomfortable and messy. For both horse and rider! I liked how she talked about understanding the specific context. I also liked how she talked about understanding your own competence and confidence. And perhaps consider how these things change over time. The example she gave was thinking about putting on a halter when you first started to learn compared with how you manage and think about those kinds of skills now.

I also liked how Pam talked about the intentionality of rider was important in influencing small things. We have perhaps been socialised into thinking big things are the most important gains. However, I think Pam is right … the small things are really important and influential.

She had a lovely diagram that reflected how we change and learn. Starting with unconscious incompetence we move into conscious incompetence, through to conscious incompetence and onto unconscious competence. Don’t know about you folks but think I am somewhat stuck at conscious incompetence sometimes!

Others will take away different points, but these represent mine, Gwen.