Becoming a Certified Equine Assisted Coach: Celebrating Two Inspiring Graduates
- Diana Gogan
- Jun 3
- 4 min read
Meet Our Recent Certified Equine Assisted Coach Graduates
At The Freedom Way®, every graduation is more than a milestone—it’s a ripple of impact that extends far beyond the arena.
This month, we’re proud to celebrate two inspiring women who completed our Equine Assisted Coach Certification program:
Esperanza Muñoz Salinas — Hermosa, Mexico
Jamie Nottberg, MC, LPC — Phoenix, Arizona
These women brought with them a passion for growth, a deep love for horses, and a commitment to transformation. Along the way, they experienced personal breakthroughs, meaningful connection, and a powerful shift in how they show up in the world.
What They Had to Say:
"Janice and Diana have created an absolutely incredible class, experience, and community. The program was thoughtfully and intentionally designed—every detail covered, nothing left behind. It’s truly one of the most powerful, life-changing experiences I’ve ever had."— Jamie Nottberg, MC, LPC
"I would recommend this course to a friend—especially to someone who loves horses and is looking for a meaningful change or a new direction in life. It was a deeply transformative experience for me, not just in terms of learning, but also personally. I learned a lot, had so much fun. What made it even more special was the immense human quality of Diana and Janice. They guide with so much wisdom, kindness, and presence. You really feel seen, supported, and inspired throughout the journey."— Esperanza Muñoz Salinas
Thinking About Becoming a Certified Equine Assisted Coach?
If your soul lights up reading their stories, or if you’ve been wondering how to blend your love for horses with meaningful, transformative work—you may be hearing the call.
Our next Level 1 Equine Assisted Coach Certification program begins soon. Whether you're new to coaching or an experienced practitioner ready to deepen your work, The Freedom Way® offers a trauma-informed, soul-centered training that honors both human and horse.
How to Begin Your Journey Toward Certification
1. Reflect on Your Why
Begin by turning inward. What is calling you to this work? Is it your love for horses, your desire to help others, or a deep inner knowing that you’re meant to walk a more meaningful path?
As you explore your “why,” don’t let perceived obstacles—like horse ownership—hold you back. Many people assume they need to own horses to become an Equine Assisted Coach, but that’s simply not true.
Both Esperanza and Jamie began their Freedom Way® journey without owning horses.Esperanza purchased her first horse just before she competed her certification, while Jamie found someone who owns horses to partner with.
What matters most isn’t what you have—it’s the heart and vision you bring. Don’t let what seems like a barrier keep you from stepping into your dream.
The first step is listening to what your soul is whispering—and choosing to follow it.
2. Learn About the Training & Research Programs Thoughtfully
Not all equine-assisted coaching certifications are created equal. Explore what makes a program high-quality, ethical, and aligned with your values.
Ask deeper questions like:
Does the program offer hands-on learning?
Is the training trauma-informed and client-centered?
What is the philosophy behind the horse-human relationship?
We’ve created two helpful blog guides to support your decision:
3. Prepare to Invest in Yourself
Becoming a certified Equine Assisted Coach is a commitment to your growth. On average, students invest 4–6 hours per week in learning, self-reflection, live calls, and practice assignments.
Reputable programs—like ours—offer a combination of online education and hands-on, in-person training. These immersive, experiential elements may require travel.
At The Freedom Way®, our in-person training is held in beautiful Cave Creek, Arizona, where students work directly with horses, connect with community, and receive personalized mentorship in a supportive, nature-based environment.
This certification asks for your time, energy, and presence—and gives you the transformation to match.
4. Reach Out With Questions
Before enrolling in any program, talk to someone from the training team. It’s a meaningful investment, and you deserve to feel confident in who you’re learning from.
Reputable programs offer an application or interview process, and at The Freedom Way®, we view it as a chance to truly get to know one another.
You’ll share your background, why you're called to this work, and what your dreams are. We also recognize this is your opportunity to interview us—to ask questions, explore fit, and see if our energy, philosophy, and approach feel aligned for you.
In addition, we encourage you to speak directly with graduates. At The Freedom Way®, we proudly maintain a list of certified coaches on our website, making it easy to connect with someone who’s experienced the training firsthand.
Would you invest in something this meaningful without knowing who you’ll be learning from and growing with?
Neither would we.
5. Apply Early
Spots are intentionally limited to allow for personalized guidance and mentorship. Applying early gives you time to prepare and ensures you have the space to fully engage in your experience.
Ready to Step Into the Arena?
We are so proud of Esperanza and Jamie and can’t wait to see how they share their gifts—and the wisdom of horses—with the world. Join our community of certified Equine Assisted Coaching graduates.
If you’re feeling the call, we’d be honored to walk beside you.
The world needs more coaches like you. Coaches who lead with heart, walk with horses, and believe in what’s possible.
Comments