Katy Pistole, Ordained Minister and Pastoral Counselor, and the founder of Beautiful Brokenness, shared her plans and hopes for the future of the ministry. Beautiful Brokenness is a non-profit organization born out of Katy’s passion for understanding the horse-human connection, and her devotion to spreading God’s love. Established in 2013 in Louisa County, Virginia, Beautiful Brokenness has helped hundreds of individuals find direction, heal trauma, and strengthen their relationship with God, friends, family, and themselves.
Beautiful Brokenness provides a safe place for people to find their connection with peace and joy. Through Beautiful Brokenness, Katy merged her lifelong passion for horses with her love for God. Currently, the ministry is home to 10 horses that help people experience God’s presence in a deeper way. The horses help people better experience the heart of God and his perfect provision.
Katy found her faith at the age of 12 when her beloved horse was miraculously healed from a deadly illness. As an adult, she began writing award-winning, inspirational horse books for kids to excite them about opening their hearts to God. She has written 10 books, across multiple genres, and has a new book coming out later this year. With a BA in English and a postgraduate Teaching Certification, Katy is a qualified and impactful public speaker.
In 2010, Katy traveled to Louisiana with her horse, Scooter, where she shared Beautiful Brokenness with a group of 60 women. Her message was so well received that a ministry was born. Beautiful Brokenness currently hosts many events and is home to the Equine Assisted Discipleship (EAD) program.
The meaning behind Beautiful Brokenness is just as special as Katy’s approach. The founder emphasizes how the ministry helps people experience God’s unconditional love. “We're committed to peeling away the religious aspect of God and introducing the relational God,” explains Katy. Through her one-of-a-kind approach, Katy’s been able to help multiple people heal, and she’s dedicated to sharing her wisdom and knowledge with anyone willing to learn.
The teaching methods at Beautiful Brokenness are so unique, that they have attracted students from around the US, and from as far away as Hong Kong. Most of Katy’s students drive for hours just to attend Beautiful Brokenness events.
The main goal for 2024 is purchasing the 400-acre property where the ministry has been for the past 3 years. Right now, the 10 acres that are rented include a barn and pastures. Katy’s calling is to spread God’s love and help as many people as possible. Purchasing the property will enable Katy’s students to stay at the ministry for longer periods, which will attract students from all corners of the world.
Most of the horses involved with the ministry are rescues, and Beautiful Brokenness has reached its capacity. In the past, Katy was forced to turn horses away. Purchasing the property will allow her to provide sanctuary to more horses. “Currently the choices people have for older horses that can’t work anymore include euthanasia or sending them to an auction which may result in the horse being sent to a slaughterhouse. Part of our vision is to have a place where older horses can retire and live their last years peacefully,” shares Katy.
Beautiful Brokenness’ expansion plans also include the creation of a center for Equine Assisted Discipleship. This will allow Katy to teach others the skills she possesses, enabling more people to share her methods and lessons. Beautiful Brokenness aims to offer more summer camps, retreats, certification programs, and hands-on experiences.
Katy’s been selflessly fulfilling her mission for over 30 years, and she’s announced a fundraising initiative to help her expand. Purchasing the Ministry requires $4 million, and being a small non-profit, Katy can’t afford that cost herself. Beautiful Brokenness has recently earned the Top Rated Award for non-profits for 7 years in a row, and in 2023 won the Louisa County Impact award for Program of the Year.
Katy believes that healing can be received through safety and love, and that’s what Beautiful Brokenness has been providing since its establishment.
Media Contact
Name: Katy Pistole
Email: katy@beautifulbrokenness.org
Published by: Pathos Communications Ltd