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.
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.
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.
