What inspired you to become an Equus coach?
My mom loved horses and I cherish a photo of me with her on a horse. In 2006, I heard that someone was combining coaching and horses and I felt an awakening inside me – a calling. Two years later, I traveled to Scottsdale for a coaching session with Koelle and it was truly a life-changing experience for me. I signed up for Equus Coach Training and I’m grateful every day that I listened to that deep desire and said YES!
Have you had any “ah ha” moments while coaching during the pandemic?
First, I had to find ways to take care of myself or I could not be helpful to others! Three things have helped me: connection, compassion, and service. Being in contact with friends and family helps. Collaboration has made things lighter. I’ve tried to be kinder to myself and others. Coaching allows me to be of service. And when I feel sadness and worry and want to stay in bed and pull the covers over my head, I make a daily gratitude list!
What have horses taught you about resilience?
Because horses do not rely on verbal language, they don’t use stories to understand what is going on around them. They are fully present, in the moment, and they make their decisions instinctively. They trust themselves and their herd. They do not really need to be “resilient” because they aren’t questioning what is or what will be. If we, humans, could practice staying in the present moment, we would suffer less.
What advice and/or resources would you recommend to Equus coaches who are trying to build a business during this challenging time?
Stay connected with others who are trying to do the same. Seek support if it feels challenging. It helps to not feel alone. Celebrate small successes! And be of service – offer your gifts and talents to others, just because you can.
Anything else you’d like to share?
We are experiencing a Liminal Space – in-between what was and what will be – and because we feel safer when we “know” what is coming, we are critical of what’s happening, and we worry because we don’t have all of the answers. If we look to nature and animals for perspective and guidance, we will notice that there are natural cycles, and we can gently move through this. It has been an incredibly difficult year, but it will not be this way forever. Let’s be kind to each other – we are all in this together.
