Who I am and why you might like to work with me…
It is my mission and my honor to support you and/or your horses to live your life as the kind, clear-minded, confident and jubilant beings you are meant to be.
Supporting Horses & People
Dressage And Groundwork
Horse trainer, instructor, clinician and equine-assisted retreat facilitator
I care deeply about horses. And I care deeply about people who care about horses. My training methodology is about honoring and supporting the uniquely beautiful bond that connects each horse and rider pair. It's about using non-violent techniques and the understanding of equine and human psychology and physiology to nurture peaceful relationships, joyful collaborations and jubilant performances. It's about utilizing groundwork and the principles of classical Dressage in ways that will enhance any discipline, breed and level of development. It’s about being in the Here and Now, about enjoying every moment of togetherness only horses and their awake riders are fortunate enough to experience.
I enjoy offering my expertise to riders and horses of all ages and backgrounds. From 3-day-eventers wanting to improve their Dressage skills to seasoned riders who would like to know more about the ‘art and anatomy’ of Dressage, adult riders getting back into the saddle and those who aren’t very familiar with Dressage yet, young horses, older horses, horses/riders with ‘issues’ — everyone is welcome.
Plus, as a certified master life coach, I have enjoyed facilitating a number of equine-assisted retreats and am open to further collaborations upon request.
My equestrian background
Throughout my life, I have worked with horses under the tutelage of many great trainers and horse people of various backgrounds and cultures such as Annaly von Lewinski (Germany), Michael Bünger (Germany), Olaf Müller (Germany), Tina Steward (USA), Alfred Knopfhard (Austria), Charles De Kunffy (Hungary/USA), Monty Roberts (USA), Steffen Peters (Germany/USA), Arthur Kottas (Austria), Shelley Lawder, (Canada) Sonja Vracko (Germany/USA), Charlotte Bredahl (Denmark/USA), Paul Belasik (USA), Jan Ebeling (USA) and others. And I continue to learn from my mentors in Germany, Michael Bünger, Olaf Müller and Pummel Schroeder, who have graciously guided and inspired me throughout my life. And then, of course, there are all those great horses, teachers in their own right, from whom I am privileged to learn every single day. Having been extremely fortunate on my equestrian journey, I have enjoyed sharing my knowledge with horse owners and their equine companions as a horse trainer specializing in gentle training solutions for horses of all ages, breeds and training levels for over 20 years.
What my clients say…
“…uniquely positive and productive process…”
"Katja has such a uniquely positive and productive process in her teaching that every lesson feels like a huge boost to my skills. As a 3-day-eventer, I used to have a fear and a disdain for Dressage. With the combination of her training my horses and then educating me to ride them harmoniously we now have absolute joy in the process and outcome of our training.” — Sally Luke, 3-Day-Eventer, Owner Newport Farms, with Cooley, Irish Sport Horse, Lucky Monkey, Holsteiner, and William, Irish Draft Horse
“…extensive knowledge of classical dressage…”
“Katja has extensive knowledge of classical Dressage. She is a kind and non-judgmental instructor who is gracious with dialog and communication. Katja's interactions with horses are always respectful and kindhearted. She is a great example of the higher standard of how trainers and instructors should interact with horses and students.” — Carol Leifheit with Pursey, Thoroughbred
“…my horse loves and respects her…”
“My young horse started looking at lessons and work in an entirely new way since we started working with Katja. She taught me to first connect with my horse (in each lesson) and then we were able to start working on more complicated moves because we had better communication and trust. Katja is a special trainer and my horse loves and respects her.” — Isida (Isy) Gruzdera, Junior Rider, with Philip, Arabian-Welsh
“…supports horse and rider teams to progress steadily and joyfully…”
“Katja teaches classic Dressage and horsemanship with an emphasis on creating a healthy psychological and physical partnership between horse and rider. Her training supports horse and rider teams to progress steadily and joyfully. Katja doesn't fall back on training shortcuts that will eventually create issues like stiffness, souring, and ‘shutting down’ (or worse). If you have the wisdom to give yourself and your horse an authentic foundation built on trust and communication, then the sky is the limit on your riding enjoyment and success. Katja addresses ambitious goals with patience and traditional philosophies.” — Carolina Starin with Asgard’s Impact (aka Spidey), Westfalian WB
“… heart-centered approach to teaching horses and humans…”
“Katja Elk sets a gold standard for the horse world with a rare blend of knowledge, expertise, and professionalism interlaced with a heart-centered approach to teaching horses and humans that truly transforms lives. Her generosity of spirit and commitment to sharing her gifts as a trainer and educator are unequaled. I am eternally grateful for my good fortune in knowing Katja. I’m sure my horse is too.” — Elizabeth Kaye McCall, Author, Journalist, Media Consultant and original Horse Industry Liaison for Cavalia with AAI Mikaail (aka Raj), Egyptian Arabian
“… learning to perceive his nuanced responses to my movements and even thoughts, brought us the greatest gift…”
“Katja saved me. I had experienced a traumatic injury from a horse accident and had completely lost my nerve. My Thoroughbred gelding, a high-energy former racehorse, was becoming more and more difficult for me to handle. I no longer had the confidence in myself or him to dare to even ride him in an arena, let alone take him out on the trail. Katja’s expertise working with people and horses who have experienced trauma healed us. Learning to quiet my own inner chatter and anxiety and pay attention to what my horse was expressing, learning to perceive his nuanced responses to my movements and even thoughts, brought us the greatest gift anyone could ever have given. As I recovered my confidence, he recovered his confidence and trust in me. Thank you Katja, I’ll never forget what you did for us.” — Bonita Sargeant with Flash, Thoroughbred
“…. started us on a road to success in dressage…”
"My journey with Katja started almost 2 yrs ago when I was having issues with trying to train my 8 yr. old gelding Jax, on my own. We were heading for disaster when she stepped in and started us on a road to success in Dressage both on the ground and under saddle. With her lifelong experience training horses and riders, and her outstanding abilities as a life coach, Katja is knowledgeable, kind, and very effective at supporting equine and human endeavors — the perfect combination for progressing in this demanding discipline. Jax and I both look forward to our lessons and owe all our progress to her." — Patti Chambers with Jax, American Quarter Horse
“… understands and wants the very best for your horse…"
"Katja is amazing. She not only understands and wants the very best for your horse but also for your partnership with you and your horse. She provides a great mix of ground and saddle work. I don't just consider her my trainer but also my friend." — Erin Zobel with Chance, Oldenburg/Paint
“… uses gentle, positive training methods…”
"Katja is a wonderful instructor who always puts the needs of the horse first. She uses gentle, positive training methods and an understanding of both horses and humans to help both develop in a fun and enjoyable way. My horse and I have been able to achieve more than I ever thought was possible. I highly recommend her.” — Kathy Salazar with Rudy, Thoroughbred
“…warm presence, lots of patience and experience with horses…”
"Katja Elk has a wonderful, warm presence, lots of patience and experience with horses, and brings emotional coaching training for us humans! Highly recommend giving her a try!” — Chris Druis with Lil Bit, Kate and Ollie, American Quarter Horses
Supporting People
Life Coaching
Certified master life coach
As a certified Martha Beck master life coach, I love working with people who are ready for change, who are at a crossroads, who are tired of finding themselves in a lingering state of almost making a first step toward transformation and who want to take advantage of a seasoned guide who will enjoy supporting them on their journey to realize their most joyful lives.
My life coaching background
Using my background as a certified Martha Beck master life coach, former art/creative director in medical advertising and the entertainment industry, my work as a horse trainer and facilitator of equine-assisted retreats, as well as my in-depth studies of many current thought leaders (Eckhart Tolle, Byron Katie, Peter Levine, Thich Nhat Hanh, etc.), I humbly offer a variety of services (one-on-one coaching sessions via phone, themed gatherings, retreats, etc.) to individuals and groups in search of personal growth and more peaceful ways of leading their lives.
Having spent a lot of time working with both horses and humans it is my pleasure and my honor to help people become conscious of themselves as energetically powerful beings so they can follow their calling, stay their course throughout their often tumultuous journeys and live their most peaceful, joyous, creative lives possible.
On a wider spectrum, it is my mission is to be in service of what I think of as the Evolution of Kindness among humans, horses and all living beings.
What my clients say…
“… working with Katja can change your life.”
“Katja’s highly effective coaching tools include powerful questions, thought-provoking exercises and sharing of high level expertise from her significant base of knowledge. Most compelling was my increasing awareness of what beliefs and behaviors were, or were not, allowing me to achieve my intentions and as a result, how to release stress (in all modalities), improve communication, body language and therefore relationships, and realize my goals. I continue to engage in these practices in my everyday life. I highly recommend working with Katja, it can change your life!” — Cheryl Dolan, Executive Communication Coach
“… joy and insightful intelligence …”
“Katja’s joy and insightful intelligence were a powerful combination to help me get to the heart (and soul) of how I wanted to show up in my life. Outside of our meetings she provided simple practices to help me stay connected to myself. She is a gifted coach with deep wisdom to share about helping you find your own wisdom!” — Courtney Kaplan, Director Program Management at Facebook
“…powerful experience as beautiful and fun(!) as it was transforming.”
“Working with Katja is a wonder and a blessing. Her uncanny combination of intuition, empathy, and dare I say horse sense has a way of bringing one back to one's clearest and strongest sense of self, which is to say a place of integrity and confidence but also of humility and compassion. Our work together was a powerful experience as beautiful and fun(!) as it was transforming.” — Frances Schultz, Life Coach, Author, Artist, Former Editor in Chief of ‘Home Beautiful’
“… I’m taking chances, I have found my voice …”
“Katja has guided me with grace, intuition and brilliance to a much more enlightened, empowered life. I’ve always been very anxious. Working with Katja, I’ve learned a new way of being, going inward, listening to my gut, my intuition. There is a flow now, a 'knowing' about what to do next, in career, in mothering, in relationships. I’m enjoying my work a lot more. There’s a sense of play and trust in my capabilities. I’m presently directing a short film. I’m taking chances, I’ve found my voice, and I really have Katja to thank for that.” — Diane Cossa, Actor, Director, Producer
“… revelatory, and liberating …”
"The times I’ve spent learning from Katja and the horses have been some of the most joyful, revelatory, and liberating of my life. Her deep understanding of these amazing animals will open your heart, mind, and spirit. Don’t miss out." — Martha Beck, Sociologist, Life Coach, Author, Speaker
“… getting to the root of the issue …”
"Katja is incredibly gifted at getting to the root of the issue while allowing her students to comfortably join the conversation. She helped me learn how to transition from being in a space of fear and negativity to one of positive change through her gentle yet straightforward guidance." — Janet Conley, VP, Creative Services at MedAccess, Writer