Like any good rider, award-winning agriculture and education writer and leadership coach, Katie Navarra, of Mechanicville, New York, understands the importance of continuing to train up the pyramid, both in and out of the saddle.
In taking advantage of the pandemic paradigm shift to uniquely invest in her own personal and professional development, she says the results were “transformative.”
“I’m excited to be partnering with horses to deliver in-person personal development and corporate leadership workshops as part of my coaching services,” she said, including the recent completion of the Equine Experiential Education Association (E3A) Level I Practitioner training. “Horses are a mirror for reflecting human emotions and behaviors.”
The E3A Method believes horses have much to teach us as humans and Navarra was particularly moved by her in-person Capstone Course experience, in the arena at Steadfast Steeds in Glade Park, Colorado.
“A herd of mustangs served as our equine partners in the training,” she said. “It was a transformative experience, to translate what we know about horses into our personal and professional challenges, and use that to reconnect people with their own purpose and passion in life.”
E3A (e3assoc.org) is the fastest growing equine assisted learning organization in the world and set the first Industry Standard Guide to address the whole concept of training people with horses. E3A Certification equips individuals, including coaches, consultants, educators, and mental health professionals with a greater ability to help others learn and grow, and to offer transformational experiences to their clients through EAL (Equine Assisted Learning). Certification candidates must complete three classes and pass all E3A self-tests to attain Level 1 Practitioner Certification.
Navarra has already been communicating the power of equine experiential coaching with horses through her own work, like the 2020 AHP Equine Media Award-winning Horses Helping Seniors, a compassionate look at the impact of horses on those with Alzheimer’s and, most recently, Leading the Way, in the Spring 2021 CHROME magazine, and for Business Insider Premium online, Three Professionals Who Worked with a Career Coach Share How It Helped Them Get Promoted, Land Better Jobs, and Increase Their Pay.
“Getting out of the office and spending the day around horses is fun and a welcome break,” she said. “But the real power comes in translating the experience into improving interactions with family and colleagues.” Katie Navarra is now accepting coaching clients via remote and in-person (your barn or hers) opportunities. Get in touch at KatieNavarra.com.