AUTHOR, SPEAKER, AND ADVOCATE FOR RECOVERY
MEET COACH KATHY
Welcome!
I’m Coach Kathy Slagter, and my mission is to share my journey in recovery to inspire and support others on theirs. Let me tell you how it all began.
My addiction story started decades ago. I began drinking as a teenager, wearing the “party girl” label with pride. But over time, alcohol crept into every corner of my life. It touched my roles as a wife, a mother, and a friend. Eventually, it wasn’t just something I did—it became who I was. Alcohol was my best friend, the one I turned to for courage, joy, and relief. It was there for me when I felt bored or empty, filling the voids in my life. But in return, I gave it my energy, my time, and, eventually, my identity.
Vodka ran my life. It got to the point where I couldn’t even move in the morning without it. Vodka became my coffee. I drank 24/7—not because I wanted to, but because I had to. Looking back, I never imagined I’d become an alcoholic. But there I was, trapped in a cycle I couldn’t escape.
My recovery start date is February 11, 2012.
That was the day I decided to grab my power back. I was determined to find purpose and meaning in life—beyond the bottle. But once I got sober, I found myself standing in a strange, unfamiliar world. Everything I thought I knew had changed.
I’ll never forget the moment I drove my mom somewhere at 6 p.m. and realized it might be the first time I’d driven sober in three years. It was such a jarring realization. I didn’t know who I was anymore without alcohol. I needed guidance to navigate this new life and rediscover me.
That’s when I found Touched By a Horse and created One Neigh at a Time Through this work, I learned to listen to my body, honor my truth, and focus on my inner light. I discovered how to release shame and step into my life with confidence. The Gestalt process, combined with the healing presence of horses, gave me my strength and power back. It was the answer I had been searching for—and it changed everything.
Now, I’ve made it my mission to pass this process on to others.
Today, I’m a Certified Equine Gestalt Recovery Coach. I partner with my horses to combine the transformative power of Gestalt coaching with the calming, healing energy of equine friends. Together, we help people heal from trauma, step into their truth, and embrace recovery fully.
Through One Neigh at a Time, I guide my clients to release the lies, discover your truth and reclaim their lives. Recovery is a journey, and I’m here to walk alongside you—one step, one breath, and one neigh at a time.
Let it go. Let’s find your path to healing together. ❤️
The other side of addiction.
In this podcast I discuss my chapter, A Journey of Self-Discovery, in the book Touched by a Horse~ Anthology #3~the power of equine coaching and gestalt way of recovery.
My horses and I ask that you share the news with everyone you know. I am an advocate for recovery, and you may be able to impact someones life just by sharing this podcast.
TESTIMONIALS FROM THOSE WHO HAVE WORKED WITH COACH KATHY
“I felt hopeless and lost. I thought there was no way out until I met Kathy and she guided me into the right direction.”
One Neigh at a time gave me a new freedom in recovery. Gestalt method filled the gaps that traditional talk therapy and psychotropic medications couldn’t reach.
“Kathy listens with her heart and instinctively knows where she needs to go with you when you’re in the roundpen.”
“I am so grateful to have found Kathy and One Neigh at a Time, a truly magical place with special people and animals, alike!!”
It was a very powerful and emotional experience. I felt very safe around the group, the horses and Coach Kathy. I highly recommend “One Neigh at a Time,” for those who are suffering from pain, trauma, addiction, mental illness and/or brokenness from losing a loved one to suicide. Thanks for bringing us together”
I have been to years of therapy in the typical office setting with a couch and box of Kleenex. This was so different and so nice. If felt comfortable and afterwards instead of feeling heavy and exhausted I felt inspired and enthused. I can’t put into words how powerful and life altering this experience with the horses is.
The evening spent in the barn was powerful, encouraging and helpful!
Coach Kathy guided us to open up about our fears and asked questions that made us think how we could change our fears into optimistic opportunities.
The group bonded as we realized we all have a story and we were all in a place of non-judgement which allowed us to open up more freely.
At times we can all fear the unknown and life can be painful and scary but knowing you’re not alone can be very healing.
Thank you Kathy for bringing us out of our comfort zone to look inside ourself to find comfort and experience healing.