Jon StojanKaty Pistole, Ordained Minister and Pastoral Counselor, describes herself as a beloved daughter of The King who loves to share His Abundant Life in a variety of ways. As an author of 10 books and a founder of Beautiful Brokenness, a ministry helping people find a connection to God through horses, Katy has improved the lives of thousands of individuals in her over-30-year-long experience.
Our world is turbulent and uncertain, so having safety, security, and love is essential. Katy Pistole found these three things in God, and she devoted her life to helping others discover the joy and happiness she experienced through His love. While growing up in Botswana, Katy received her first horse, Black Jack, at the age of 12. When Black Jack became sick, Katy’s parents offered to pray for the horse, with a small group of family and friends. The next day, Katy found Black Jack in the barn, fully healed.
Katy is a certified teacher with a BA in English, which gives her the necessary skills to convey her teachings impactfully to others. Katy has been a Pastoral Counselor which led her to combine horsemanship and in-depth discipleship, her two passions, into the non-profit Beautiful Brokenness.
Beautiful Brokenness teaches students through Equine Assisted Discipleship (EAD). This is an experience-based form of Equine Assisted Learning that incorporates a horse in a Bible-based, relational, healing program. Through forming a relationship with horses, people can identify with and better understand God, making their hearts more open to His presence.
Katy defines discipleship as a process where you grow more aware of God’s presence, provision, and protection. This can be received through experience-based programs designed to teach foundational biblical truth, in a safe and encouraging environment. For Katy, the connection between faith and horses is natural – humans, like horses, must feel safe before they can learn, and Beautiful Brokenness offers a safe place for both, humans and horses, to grow.
The other piece of Katy’s method is horsemanship. With over 30 years of experience, the founder of Beautiful Brokenness often finds that her students are eager to carry on Katy’s message. The plan for the upcoming year includes holding more events and establishing programs where Katy has the platform to share her knowledge, training more believers, to enable them to continue sharing Beautiful Brokenness.
Katy differentiates four phases of the connection. “Rapport means I like you.
Respect means I trust you. Communication means I understand you. Leadership means I will follow you,” explains Katy. These phases of a relationship apply to every other connection formed in life. While showing her students how to connect with horses, Katy teaches them how to regulate their emotions and incorporate body language. That provides the students with emotional awareness that is beneficial in forming their connection with the horses and with God.
Katy is careful to prioritize safety and remove all pressure from her students. She allows the students to experience the horse-human connection with no expectations, letting relationships form naturally. Although Beautiful Brokenness provides a de-stressed environment, safety is always the priority. That is why Katy is in the presence of horses and students, acting as a facilitator until her students gain the horsemanship skills to be safe on their own.
Katy’s primary focus is women and youth, as those are the people she feels a connection to. Most of the students come from word of mouth seeking help. The environment Katy fosters is inclusive and supportive, and her services are available to everyone.
Katy Pistole, through her passion, devotion, and faith, turned Beautiful Brokenness into so much more than just a non-profit. Katy is committed to helping people heal, offering a haven where love for yourself and God can grow. “What I’m passionate about is helping people transform their concept of God. God is Love, and his heart is for relationships with people. Helping people experience that has been my mission for over 30 years,” expresses Katy.