Are you on the fence?

Horses Behind the Fence — Reno, NV — E3A Equine Experiential

By Nicole Schanen

So was I.

NOW I know that becoming an E3A Certified Practitioner is the best decision I ever made.

If you’re reading this blog, you and I may have a few things in common.

  • You love horses
  • You have personally experienced their healing, transformational presence
  • You want to help other people have that same experience
  • You want to make the world a better place, for people AND for our four-legged friends

I came to horses later in life when I began volunteering at a horse sanctuary in southeastern Wisconsin called Stepping Stone Farms.

As I learned to care for, handle and be with the horses, I began to notice changes in myself. I felt safer in my body. I was more present. I learned to regulate my emotions to show up better for the horses when they were feeling unsure. I learned to lead through connection, trust and clear intention.

I also saw that many of the horses at the farm were older. Many could not be ridden.

I knew from my own experiences that it wasn’t necessary to climb on a horse’s back to benefit from their presence. I knew other people could experience this, too.

It could also generate revenue to support the horses on the farm.

I began researching Equine Assisted Coaching and Learning certification programs – and I found E3A.

I’ll be honest. I was nervous about taking this step. I’ve worked in communications for over 20 years. This was starting to look like a mid-life career change, a significant investment of time and money, and I was scared.

I talked to a friend who was familiar with E3A and she recommended taking baby steps. Take the intro class, and see if it resonated.

I did, and it did resonate. I then enrolled in the online Foundations course and made plans to attend the capstone arena training in Reno. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

My biggest takeaways from E3A’s certification program:

  • I am so impressed at the breadth and depth of knowledge presented throughout the program. The online Foundations portion of the training was accessible, manageable AND comprehensive.
  • The in-person Zoom meetings with the master trainer and other trainees during the Foundations course were invaluable. Those discussions really helped me integrate the online material in the course – and connect with other people who are doing this work.
  • The Arena Capstone Training was AMAZING. We took a deep dive into practicing everything we learned during the Foundations course: practicing safety demonstrations, setting up activities with the horses, and debriefing the experiences. The integration of the Clifton Strengths into the training was powerful.
  • I made some great new friends during this process, and also made a better friend with myself. I’m so excited for what comes next on this journey.

What’s next?

After completing the Practitioner Certification with E3A, I am 100% ready to go out into the world and offer Equine Assisted Learning experiences. In fact, less than a month after completing the training, the horses and I coached our very first client together on the farm. I know there will be many others, and I’m especially excited to start offering workshops in Spring.

From Healing to Helping

December 26, 2025
When Lisa Bowman first experienced the healing power of horses, she knew her life was about to change. What she didn’t realize at the time was just how many other lives those horses would go on to touch through her work. Lisa launched Hope for Hearts Farm in 2013 with a vision to help people grow, heal, and transform through connection with horses. “I personally experienced the healing power of horses and felt led to share that with others,” she says. “Going through E3A’s certification gave me the confidence and tools to assist clients to greater levels of transformation.” She became an E3A Level 1 Certified Practitioner in 2018, followed by Advanced Level 2 certification in Corporate Facilitation in 2021. Empowering Change Through Connection At Hope for Hearts Farm, Lisa offers two main programs: Personal Development and Well-Being for adults and children (ages 8 and up), and Corporate and Leadership Development, including team-building and executive coaching. Her ideal clients are those willing to embrace the feedback the horses provide and dig deep into their own thoughts, feelings, and belief patterns. “Of course, I also love when someone comes in very skeptical of the process and is blown away by the power of the horse/human relationship and the incredible insights they gain from the horses.” Lisa says. Moments That Matter Lisa’s years as a facilitator are filled with powerful moments of breakthrough and transformation—so many, she says, it’s impossible to choose just one favorite. “Seeing the changes in teams and individuals is incredibly rewarding,” she shares. “There’s nothing like hearing someone say, ‘I keep thinking I’ve got it, but every session with the horses knocks my socks off!’ Or a parent telling me that the experience didn’t just help their child, but their whole family—and that it’s leading to generational change.” She’s also witnessed the impact in the corporate world: “When a team tells us after a workshop that they’ll be forever changed, it reinforces just how effective this work really is.” Lessons from the Arena Looking back on her E3A certification journey, Lisa especially treasures her arena training—now known as the Capstone. “Hands-on experience with the horses, activities, fellow facilitators, and Master Trainers was invaluable,” she says. “It was there I learned to truly be open to outcome and trust the process—something that didn’t come naturally for my Type A personality!” That lesson continues to shape her facilitation style today. “It never ceases to amaze me how the horses show up exactly how each person or team needs,” she says. “When we trust our equine partners and stay open, the experience becomes even more impactful.” Through her partnership with E3A and her herd at Hope for Hearts Farm, Lisa Bowman continues to help people connect, reflect, and grow—one transformative session at a time.

From Riding to Life Lessons

October 21, 2025
For Stacy Gendels, becoming E3A certified in March 2020 marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter—one that arrived just as the world was shutting down.
A facilitator and group of participants stand with a brown horse.

Finding Inspiration and Purpose Through Horses

September 2, 2025
After three decades as a K-12 school counselor, Karen Finch was ready for retirement—or so she thought. Just one day later, life presented her with an unexpected opportunity. A local equine-assisted learning facility called to ask if she would consider becoming their therapist. Despite having no prior experience with h
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