by Kellie Poulsen-Grill, Happy Success Ranch Retreats
Introduction: My goal for this Capstone is to illuminate the magical way horses can give us direction toward forming strong healing and hopeful boundaries in our lives.
Significance: This Capstone on boundaries taught by horses is meaningful and important to express because we all need to place boundaries in our lives to live our lives to the fullest and be whole and complete in ourselves.
Purpose: The purpose of this Capstone is to show the reason why working with horses through the Equine Gestalt Coaching Method® is powerful and transformative. Horses hold the incredible insight and ability to guide us to forming strong healthy boundaries in our relationships.
Setting and Participants: I conducted my Capstone project in a 60-foot equine round pen under my covered arena in Wilsonville, Oregon, where my Equine Gestalt Coaching® business is located on 40 acres. I work alongside 16 horses that serve as my co-coaches, each with different breeds, ages, and temperaments. For the 2023 EGC summer women’s group, I had eight participants aged 19 to 73, each with unique backgrounds and economic levels.
Capstone Description/Process: My approach to this project developed organically as I worked with various horses and women in our group. Each week, the clients faced personal challenges that often revolved around establishing boundaries with those who had wronged them. The horses played a vital role in bringing these issues to light, facilitating healing for each woman as I assisted as their co-coach.
After each session, clients left with clear objectives and newfound strength regarding their relationships. We addressed various issues, including a tragic loss, a stagnant relationship, the aftermath of domestic violence, and more. Ultimately, these experiences led to significant A-HA moments that strengthened their boundaries and enhanced their lives.
The impact of our summer EGC group, which ran from June 1 to September 14, 2023, was remarkable. Each woman experienced growth in self-worth and confidence, and we all benefited from the shared experiences in the round pen. The testimonials were overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the transformative effect of working with horses on personal healing. I plan to continue these women’s groups, as they truly foster positive change and fulfillment.
Capstone Evaluation: My evaluation results from this Capstone come entirely from my September 14th, 2023 EGC summer women’s group written evaluation forms that I passed out to be done at our last meeting. All questions asked received 10 out of 10 and the written testimonial forms filled out at the last meeting were also 100% positive results and glowing reviews. On the EGC summer women’s weekly group overall scale of 1-10 (10 being best), I received a “10” from all eight ladies!
Future Directions: I have exciting plans for my Capstone project underway. I’ve successfully held two indoor women’s groups, “Soar in 2024” and “Thrive in 2025,” receiving top evaluations and positive testimonials. All proceeds support Hope Through Horses, where I serve as the fundraising chair. In these groups, we focus on personal growth through vision boards, goal setting, and values alignment. Additionally, I’m organizing a Summer Women’s Equine Gestalt Coaching group in my arena, running Thursday evenings from June 20 to September 18, 2025, after missing the 2024 session due to family challenges.
Acknowledgments: I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to those who have made my career as an Equine Gestaltist, and now Master Equine Gestaltist, possible. First, I thank Jesus for His abundant blessings in my life. Next, my soulmate and biggest supporter, my husband Dave, who inspires me every day. I’m deeply grateful to Melisa Pearce, CEO of Touched by a Horse, for her unwavering support and guidance that have truly changed my life. A special mention goes to Dane, Melisa’s husband, for his behind-the-scenes contributions.
I also want to thank Peggy and Bob MacArthur for their guidance, which has created a ripple effect of healing through EGC coaches worldwide. My incredible coaches, Brenda Westwood, and Marsha Bressack, have been instrumental in my certification journey, turning from mentors to dear friends.
To my Touched by a Horse “Herdies,” thank you for being my family and fellow lightworkers. I appreciate my business coaches, Sandra Yancey and Fabienne Fredrickson, for their love and brilliance in guiding my path. Lastly, I thank Jaclyn and Tom Manzione for their vision of setting up Capstones for the TBAH library and for all they do for our community. You both radiate light and love!
References:
Manzione, J. (2017). Quantifying the Outcomes of the Equine Gestalt Coaching Method 2017. Boulder, CO: https://www.xanthuscenter.com
Pearce, M. (2019). What the Heck is Gestalt? Elizabeth, CO: Touched by a Horse, Inc.
Pearce, M. (2021-2023). Various Classes on the Equine Gestalt Coaching Method. Elizabeth, CO: Touched by a Horse, Inc.