As part of an innovative leadership programme based in Chester, pen-pushers hone their managerial skills by going back to basics and working with horses.

Founders of In Clover say horses instantly recognise natural leaders and give more honest feedback than any appraisal or theory course. Reporter JESSICA SHAUGHNESSY finds out if these animals really know us better than we know ourselves.

COMING face-to-face with Roddy was like going to a job interview.

The thought that he was going to size me up in seconds was unnerving and I found myself worrying obsessively about what he thought of me.

The fact that he is a six-year-old horse and we met in a paddock on the outskirts of Chester did not make the confrontation any less intimidating.

Unlike an interview with any prospective boss, I couldn't bluff my way through it. Roddy would know.

According to In Clover - the company which runs this innovative leadership programme - horses can see through any facade. They can sense if you are not trustworthy and respond only to your natural strengths and weaknesses.

'Horses naturally appoint leaders', said trainer Sharon Ratcliffe during a taster session in Pulford. 'They give immediate feedback on your leadership capabilities, they do not lie and they have no agenda.'

I had joined a group of five managers from various industries who had all shed their pin-stripe suits and briefcases for the afternoon to give natural horse-manship a try.

We were introduced to the three horses used to put In Clover delegates through their paces.

Sharon says all the animals have very different personalities, which resemble characters most bosses deal with in a typical working environment.

First there is Roddy. Lively and clever, he is the office smart-Alec. He is a good worker but needs to be constantly stimulated and challenged so he doesn't get bored.

Then there is shy Molly, who desperately wants to please and do well. But, in reality, she hasn't got the intelligence or common sense to use her own initiative and needs constant guidance.

One misplaced cross word to the office Molly could halt her progress and send her crying to the toilets.

Finally, there is Princess Leia. She is smart but she uses most of her wit thinking of ways to get out of working. She shrinks into the background and will stay in the same job for years.

In the office, because she does nothing, nobody can be bothered to give her a promotion - or her P45.

One delegate, Sarah Vel, managing director of Dee

106.3 radio station, said: 'I like the Roddys and I can handle the Mollys, but I would lose patience with a Princess Leia.'

Roddy was first up and was led to the paddock by Luisa Jones, who calls herself an equine behaviour analyst.

'The term horse-whisperer is too whimsical,' she said. 'My work is a practical science.'

Luisa set to work establishing a rapport with Roddy, who at first bolted across the paddock. She advanced then retreated, getting the horse to go with her.

When he invaded her personal space, she sent him away and when he came back, he followed her closely, clearing small horse jumps and turning pirouettes whenever she bid him.

Luisa did not talk to Roddy, she communicated via eye-contact and body language and occasionally made a clucking noise.

Meanwhile, Sharon talked us through the process and even told us what Roddy was feeling.

'He is challenging her, he is ready for an exchange but wants it to be on his terms,' she said.

'Sending him away shows him that Luisa is the leader. When he returns he will then follow her.'

Then one-by-one we, the delegates, stepped in and tried to get Roddy to follow us around the paddock.

Ed Beaman, a former policeman, made an instant impression on Roddy, but then he confused the horse by stroking him.

'That sends out mixed messages,' said Sharon. 'It tells Roddy that you want to be his friend. But Roddy is a horse, he doesn't want a friend, he wants a leader.'

Ed said: 'That fits in with the way I am at work. I like to be able to joke and have a laugh with my team, but I am very strict on some things.

'I think people might get confused because I am strict one minute and friendly the next.'

When I first approached him, Roddy ignored me. Unlike the others in the group, I do not have a managerial role at work, so I was intrigued to find out if I'm a natural leader.

But when Roddy turned away, I had a sneaky suspicion that I'm not. He's now bored by the activity and is tired of all these leaders, Luisa told me.

Under Luisa's guidance, I tried some bizarre hand movements in an effort to get his attention. When he vaguely acknowledged me, I began walk around the paddock, quickening my pace and hopping the jumps myself.

To my amazement, when I looked back, Roddy was close at my heels.

Luisa said: 'He is intrigued by your energy and wants to follow you because he thinks it might be fun.'

Quietly satisfied, I let the next delegate take over. That was enough for me. I am grateful to Roddy for being interested - even if he didn't want me to be his leader.