Finding Inspiration and Purpose Through Horses
Karen Finch's Journey with E3A
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 horses, Karen embraced the challenge. For someone who has always loved experiential learning, she quickly realized that there was nothing more experiential than working alongside horses. That moment sparked a new chapter in her life, one that continues to inspire her every day.
Karen's passion lies in serving youth and the adults who work with them. Over the years, she has built a deep toolbox of strategies to help children and teens navigate challenges. Partnering with horses brings those strategies to life, offering young people the chance to learn and grow in powerful ways. But her work doesn't stop there. Karen also trains parents, foster parents, educators, community agencies, and fellow practitioners through equine-assisted learning, giving them the skills and confidence to support youth in meaningful ways.
One of Karen's favorite parts of this work is witnessing the "ah-ha" moments that happen when participants connect with horses. She recalls working with a group of 5th graders in a transition program she created to ease the move to middle school. One student, after quietly spending time with a horse, looked up and exclaimed, "That's what calm feels like? I can be calm!" For Karen, these moments of discovery and growth are at the heart of equine-assisted learning.
Karen officially became certified with the Equine Experiential Education Association (E3A) in March 2022. Reflecting on the training, she says her favorite part was the Capstone Arena experience. Participating in the hands-on activities not only deepened her understanding of the E3A process but also showed her how experiential exercises can spark real change. She describes the training as powerful, supportive, and transformative, giving her the tools to become a more confident and effective facilitator.
Today, Karen continues to combine her background in counseling with her love of learning and teaching. Inspired by both the resilience of youth and the wisdom of horses, she helps people build coping skills, confidence, and connection. For Karen, this work isn't just fulfilling—it's a way to continue making a difference in the lives of others, one transformative moment at a time.
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.
By Starr McAlexander Spirit Song Youth Equestrian Academy Greetings! My name is Ella Grace. I am a registered 21 year old Overo Paint Quarter Horse. My lineage goes back to 5 breed foundation horses, one of which was Three Bars! So how did I end up in an Equine-assisted program at Spirit Song?! I have always been a favorite mount of children and youth and have participated in many western play days and gymkhanas, but the day came when my family outgrew the passion for fun and speed. I was donated to Spirit Song's riding program that better suited my needs. My nature is calm and gentle, therefore, I lend confidence to those who want to learn horsemanship like the young lad pictured here.
Above: Caspian is a former kids' rodeo horse. He is grounded, good-natured, and has an amazing sense of focus. Master trainer Jennifer Kaplan says, "He's just an all-around good guy, and he uses his strengths to benefit the Nevada herd." Want to supercharge your Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) programs? Here's a game-changer: weave CliftonStrengths into your workshop agenda and watch the magic unfold between your participants and their four-hoofed teachers. Here's what CliftonStengths brings to the arena: Custom-Tailored Self-Awareness: CliftonStrengths helps your participants discover what makes them tick—in! With personalized insights, they'll uncover how to create success in their daily lives, both at work and at home. (Think lightbulb moments galore!) Real-Time Horse Feedback (Yes, Really!) : Horses are incredible mirrors. When your participants show up aligned with their strengths, horses respond with clear, honest feedback—no sugar-coating, just truth with a tail swish. It's powerful, and often magical to watch. Confident, Calm Facilitators = Smooth Ride: Let's not forget you! CliftonStrengths gives E3A Coaching Facilitators a confidence boost, helping you feel more grounded and in sync with your co-facilitators, your equine partners, and your participants. Less stress, more flow. So if you're looking to add more spark, depth, and "aha!" moments to your EAL programs, CliftonStrengths is the secret sauce you've been missing. It's time to let strengths lead the way!
