From Breeding to Breakthroughs: My Journey into Therapeutic Coaching and Equine Leadership

I’m Eileen Harte, founder of Eileen Harte Therapeutic Coach and facilitator on The Horseman Way, an equine-assisted leadership program. Today, my work is about helping people access clarity, confidence, and purpose—through therapeutic coaching, embodied learning, and the honest, non-judgmental presence of horses.

For over two decades, my professional life has revolved around the world of Thoroughbred breeding, running Keith Harte Bloodstock, a breeding and consigning business with my husband.  Working closely with both animals and the people who care for them gave me more than just insight into the equine world. It revealed the extraordinary capacity for healing and growth through connection.

Outdated narratives hold back progress

The decision to launch my own practice came from a passion for helping others create lasting change. At Eileen Harte Therapeutic Coach, I work with individuals and groups to build confidence, develop emotional intelligence, and overcome internal blocks—often rooted in limiting beliefs or outdated narratives.

I think there are many parallels here with the racing world, which has so much more potential to connect with young people who love horses, in particular. This is the core of our Industry, the horse – human connection.  It needs to be more open by losing its exclusive image and being more inclusive, and we can do this by showing the human and horse stories behind the scenes. We need to shake off some of our old cultural habits, fixed in tradition and history, and open up to a new generation of employees. 

Committed to racing’s people

My experience in the Thoroughbred Breeding Industry, including my 20-year role as Commercial Director of Keith Harte Bloodstock, has given me a strong foundation in business leadership and client engagement. But it was the people—especially those navigating pressure and transition—who drew me toward coaching and mentoring.

Over the past decade, I’ve supported our Industry people through organisations like Women in Racing, Racing Welfare, and The Newmarket Pony Academy for SEND children. These roles opened my eyes to the emotional complexities behind performance and inspired me to deepen my understanding through formal training in psychology and therapeutic coaching.

Amazing assets are on hand to help

There’s a huge opportunity to support young people who are struggling, to offer mental health support through equine-assisted activities, and open up career paths that many wouldn’t even know exist. A lot of good is being done in these areas but it is blocked by funding issues, and fragmented governance. Horses, as intuitive and honest beings, act as powerful mirrors for how we show up as leaders, colleagues, and human beings. I think the sport should be using its amazing assets — especially the horses and the rural spaces — to make a real difference in communities. 

For the future, I’d love to see racing be more community-focused, more inclusive, and more willing to evolve. It has such a rich history, but it is stuck there. We have the chance to lead the way in wellbeing, education, and access to nature — and that’s exciting.