WILD COVE FARM: Erin's Audacious Dream
Erin’s earliest memory of being on a horse is unforgettable because of the screaming tantrum she threw when her dad tried to pull her out of the saddle. She was three. The horse was a bay thoroughbred and Erin was perched in the saddle while he was being cooled down after a workout. Even her three-year-old self knew where she belonged, and that horses were key to her life’s purpose.
Her parents recognized it too, and they assigned a half-Arabian mare named Kymba to raise her. Erin and Kymba were inseparable and together they ran wild through the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. But it wasn’t all trail rides, Erin’s early horse years included 4-H, weekly riding lessons, and her first paid job caring for other people’s horses. Erin imagined the day she would own a horse farm and collected images from real estate ads in fancy horse magazines. While cleaning stalls, she daydreamed about white-fenced pastures and the tree-lined drive that would lead to the stables.
When it came time to graduate from high school, there was an unspoken understanding that Erin would “grow up” and since she didn’t imagine herself as a veterinarian, farrier, or horse trainer (the only career options she knew to include horses) she sold Kymba and left for college and another path. Over the years, Erin became that woman who always slowed down driving by pastures to look for horses, and she never missed an opportunity to ride — or just be in the presence of a horse.
After a series of upheavals in her life, Erin’s 28-year hiatus from horses ended. It was the morning after her mom died from a stroke. Erin sought the only solace she could imagine: Horses. In that moment, in a sand arena with two horses running circles around her, Erin was realigned with her life’s purpose. She found a horse trainer on Craigslist, started taking riding lessons, and soon discovered the world of Equine Assisted Growth and Learning where she pursued extensive training and certification. The dream of a horse farm resurfaced, but this time, Erin had professional experience and more than just a visceral understanding of how horses transform humans.
Wild Cove Farm is not the white-fenced, tree-lined drive, multi-million dollar horse farm of Erin’s childhood imagination. It’s a project needing endless sweat equity and the support of many friends. In the first 18 months, Erin learned to drive a tractor, repair and operate an irrigation system, install water lines, (hire electricians!), leverage a rock pry bar like a pro, and repair fencing wearing a headlamp!
Wild Cove Farm is more than a labor of love, everyone who contributes is driven by the understanding of horses’ ability to transform our lives. We strive to create an environment that is safe and welcoming to all who come here. Our programming, whether it’s life coaching, mental health services, or small group retreats, is built around the understanding that horses mirror who we are and offer vital insight to how our attitudes and actions shape our lived experience. Horses show us what we need to know! Our staff is passionate about this work and here to support you in your journey.
Erin Fristad is the owner and founder of Wild Cove Farm. Erin survived 15 years as a professional deckhand on commercial fishing and research vessels in the waters stretching from the Columbia River to Togiak, Alaska. In 2005, she came ashore to work in higher education. She served as both college administrator and faculty for 16 years. Currently, in addition to developing the farm, Erin works as a Mental Health Coach at Lyra Health and supports clients across the United States.
Erin earned her Master of Fine Arts degree at Goddard College. She is an ICF, ACC certified Life Coach, Certified Whole Person Coach, and has training and professional experience in EAGALA, and supporting veterans. She highly values Culturally Response Care and is committed to life long learning in cultural competency. Erin co-founded Warriors & Horses to support veterans living with Post Traumatic Stress at Alatheia Riding Center in Wenatchee, Washington. Ultimately, all of Erin’s work is to support people claiming their truth, identifying their purpose, and taking action to transform their lives.
Erin earned her Master of Fine Arts degree at Goddard College. She is an ICF, ACC certified Life Coach, Certified Whole Person Coach, and has training and professional experience in EAGALA, and supporting veterans. She highly values Culturally Response Care and is committed to life long learning in cultural competency. Erin co-founded Warriors & Horses to support veterans living with Post Traumatic Stress at Alatheia Riding Center in Wenatchee, Washington. Ultimately, all of Erin’s work is to support people claiming their truth, identifying their purpose, and taking action to transform their lives.
