Harnessing Harmony: What Horses and Numbers Teach Us About Connection
I recently came across a fascinating painting from 1695 (India-Persia, 17th century) featuring six horses. The painting struck me: the first three horses are curled into distinct shapes, separated and static. In contrast, the next three flow seamlessly, their legs connected like a team passing the baton in perfect harmony. Without those connecting lines, their potential for motion wouldn’t be visible.
This got me thinking. Many organizations operate like the first group of horses—isolated, with limited collaboration. It often takes someone outside the process to connect the dots. But implementing change isn’t easy. It requires more than data; it takes people who genuinely care about others to foster cooperation and ensure mutual benefit.
Leadership and teamwork are skills children can start practicing early. Being a “change leader” is just a grown-up way of being a helper. Team-building begins at home and can thrive at school when consciously taught.
Inspired by this idea—and my homeschooling journey focused on my son’s love for math—I created a story about numbers working together to create a masterpiece for their school’s art festival. By giving the numbers personalities and struggles, kids can see their challenges reflected in this playful story.
Enjoy listening to the story!
If you’re curious about horses, here are some fun trivia to share with kids:
- Hooves: Horses have a single hoof per leg; humans have fingernails and toenails that grow much slower.
- Teeth: Horses have 36–44 teeth; humans typically have 32.
- Speed: Horses can run up to 55 mph; the fastest human sprint is 27 mph.
- Heart Rate: Horses rest at 28–44 bpm; humans rest at 60–100 bpm.
- Eyesight: Horses have almost 360° vision; humans see about 200°.
- Gestation: Horses are pregnant for about 340 days; humans for 280.