Not Just A Pony Ride by HETRA

06.21.2024

88. What is elopement? Keeping Participants Safe in the Arena

The kind of elopement we are talking about today means to leave a caregiver’s supervision without permission or warning. Elopement is a serious issue because elopement can put that person in a unsafe situation. In EAS specifically, this can be...

06.14.2024

87. Everyone is a Leader: EAL for Staff & Corporate Development

When we talk about building workshops to help build leadership skills or corporate skills, we first have to define “leadership”. Jeff defines leadership in one word: influence. Think about this – if you walk a 1200 pound horse into the...

06.01.2024

86. What do we do if we can’t ride? Advancing Horsemanship with Alternative Programming

What makes a good horseman or woman? It’s not just riding! It’s learning all types of things about horses in different ways to make a well rounded experience. Whether it’s too hot, our horse is off or there are medical...

05.24.2024

85. How does a school partner with horses for social emotional learning?

Emily Dillard has the best of both worlds. She is a School Psychologist and the Dean of Students at Explorer Academy, a unique school that serves those in special education. She is also a PATH Intl. Certified Instructor and associate...

05.10.2024

84. What do we do when we need to retire 'Steady Eddy'?

We all have a Steady Eddy in our barn. We love them and hate to retire them, but what happens when we need to? Shelby is here to talk to us about options and how to plan for success when...

05.03.2024

83. Understanding Diagnoses: What is Stimming?

We are adding tools to our instructor toolbox today with another installation of Understanding Diagnoses. This episode is a little different, we aren’t going to talk about a specific diagnosis but rather something that we see most commonly as part...

04.19.2024

82. What should we focus on for Positive Public Perception in our barn?

Barns are not meant to look like the Taj Mahal, but how the public perceives our place of business is important! We should be advocating for our horses safety and mental health while also putting our best foot forward. Listen...

04.12.2024

81. Support for Grief and Loss with the Help of Horses with The Collective for Hope

When grief isn't expressed or addressed, it can lead to prolonged states of depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and chronic health issues. It can also strain relationships, impair work performance, and diminish our overall quality of life. On this...

04.05.2024

80. How do we make sure sessions are ACTUALLY running smoothly? It’s session observation week!

Sustainability and longevity of our programs is directly linked to high-quality services for our participants. If our horses are unhappy, our programs aren’t impactful. If our volunteers aren’t effective, our programs feel it. If our instructors/therapists aren’t doing their best,...

03.22.2024

79. PART TWO: How do you Manage a Board? Valuable Advice on Engaging an Effective Board

A continuation from episode 78- click here if you haven’t heard PART ONE yet. https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/ZWaQ3Chl9Hb Nonprofit work and getting to change lives every day seems like a dream job until you read the fine print. Kimberly Thomas is hear to help...

03.15.2024

78 PART ONE: How do you Manage a Board? Valuable Advice on Engaging an Effective Board

PART ONE: Nonprofit work and getting to change lives every day seems like a dream job until you read the fine print. Kimberly Thomas is hear to help us discover how to effectively work with a board of directors/leadership and...

03.08.2024

77. How do Horses Help Reveal our True Selves?: Perspectives for Equine Facilitated Mental Health with Cheryl Eriksen

Cheryl Eriksen has a masters in social work and is an accomplished author, blogger and a life long learner of equine communication. Cheryl has spent decades as an equine professional and extensively studied equine behavior and how it is influenced...

03.01.2024

76. What do our Mini Horses do? Miniature Horse Programming at HETRA

This week Cassidy Fredrickson is here to talk all things miniature horses. Our minis are busy at HETRA, from after school programs, mini camps, offsite visits and more! Listen to hear about the logistics of our different programs and some...

02.25.2024

75. Why is Education so Important? Reflections on HETRA University Live

New Podcast Alert! We recently hosted HETRA University Live and the PATH International Region 7 Conference here in Gretna, NE! Listen in to hear key take aways and our thoughts on why education is so important for our industry...

02.10.2024

53. Understanding Diagnoses: Cerebral Palsy in EAS with Kaiti Otte, OTD, OTR/L

Listen in to hear occupational therapist and CTRI, Kaiti Otte discuss the causes and symptoms of the 4 types of CP. She also explains what adaptations we can make and what things we need to be looking out for to...

02.10.2024

74. Understanding Diagnoses: Down Syndrome with Kaiti Otte, OTD, OTR/L

Down Syndrome is the most commonly diagnosed chromosomal condition and it is one of the diagnoses we see most frequently in EAS. Listen in to hear occupational therapist and PATH Intl. CTRI, Dr. Kaiti Otte, discuss the symptoms and precautions...

02.03.2024

73. What if speaking is difficult for my participant?: Emerging Communicators in EAS

How many of you have participants that aren’t using verbal language yet to communicate? Whether someone has recently experienced a TBI or a child who isn’t using their words quite yet, there are lots of ways we can help these...

01.20.2024

72. PART TWO: What do Horses Really Want? How to Help Them Feel Safe with Lynn Acton

We’re back with PART TWO from author and accomplished horsewoman, Lynn Acton. If you missed part one, go back and listen to that first! In part one she introduced her concept of “protector leadership” and she starts her list of...

01.13.2024

71. What do Horses Really Want? How to Help Them Feel Safe PART ONE with Lynn Acton

PART ONE: Lynn Acton is an accomplished horse woman and author. While working with a foster pony, Lynn discovered that aligning with her horse’s' natural social order (cooperation) worked far better than the dominance model of interactions. She then wrote...

01.05.2024

70. What's next for EAS? 2023 at HETRA in Review with Edye Godden, CEO

HETRA CEO, Edye Godden reflects on how HETRA has grown and what year 34 was like for us at our center. She talks about her philosophies as a CEO: never settling, always being open to change, thoughts on valuable mentorship...

12.29.2023

69. What is Neurodiversity? Creating a Space of Inclusion in EAS

Steph Pharr has a unique career as a neurodiversity consultant and psychological educator for the equine-assisted services field. She is here to tell us why it is so important to educate ourselves about Neurodiversity and gives us some tips on...

12.15.2023

68. How do I find a Grant Opportunity?: Get Creative!

Where do I even start to find good grant opportunities? How do I get creative with keywords and grants that might apply to EAS? How do I know if it’s even a good grant for me? What the heck is...

12.01.2023

67. An Athletic Trainer Finds Therapeutic Riding: Unique Perspectives

Christina Coxe shares how her life paths have intersected between athletic trainer, CTRI and program manager. We share thoughts on tracts of education for therapeutic riding instructors including the importance of understanding the biomechanics of humans and horses alike. Checkout...

11.17.2023

66. The Art of Creating Sustainable EAS Programming

Wanting to start a new program? Wanting to figure out how to maintain sustainable programming? This episode is for you! HETRA’s Program Manager, Shelby Schult, sits down with us to discuss the art of program sustainability. Expect to hear information...

11.03.2023

65. What does ‘It’s not just a pony ride’ mean to you?: Live from Charlotte, North Carolina

This episode is a very special one. HETRA University was on the road to PATH Intl. International Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina October 26-28, 2023 and we met so many wonderful people. During the conference we set up an impromptu...

10.20.2023

64. Transition Programs for Young Adults

Start your own transition program at your center! Transition Programs are for students with disabilities that need extra time after HS graduation to help develop valuable life skills that will prepare them for independence. We hear from two experts in...

10.06.2023

63. Creating Space for Connection: Healing Through Nature & Horses

The Common Ground Project is a unique organization in the Tom Miner Basin near the Yellowstone National Park in Montana that specializes in retreats, workshops and gatherings. More than programs they offer a beautiful space to facilitate relationships and connections...

09.22.2023

62. Ground Programming: Thinking Outside the Box!

What do you do if mounted lessons can’t happen? Whether we can’t ride due to weather or horse changes, how can we keep our participants engaged and progressing? Join Cassidy and Edye to hear TONS of examples on creative ways...

09.08.2023

61. Board Management, Donor Relations and Fundraising Events with Joe Hunter, ED of Papillion Community Foundation

Listen in to hear Joe Hunter, Executive Director of a local non-profit, give valuable advice on building a high quality board that understands your mission and is able to communicate it effectively for donor cultivation. He also speaks on organizing...

08.25.2023

60. Come to Peace with Your Pieces: Women’s Retreats

Haley Sevalstad, the founder of Rising Free Retreats, is here to talk with us about her specialty, women’s retreats. Haley shares her personal journey of getting out of the corporate race and back to a more authentic version of herself....

08.11.2023

59. HETRA University on the Road!: Oklahoma

HETRA University was presenting live on the road in Stillwater, Oklahoma at the PATH Region 8/ LSTEN Conference. Listen in to hear Kaiti and Shelby discuss their presentations and other big themes in education that they saw while at conference....

07.28.2023

58. Understanding ADHD in Equine Assisted Services

Listen in to hear occupational therapist and CTRI, Kaiti Otte discuss the differences between ADHD and ADD including symptoms and difficulties that those with this diagnosis might experience. She also explains what adaptations we can make in the arena in...

06.30.2023

57. The Science of Feeling Safe: Polyvagal Theory and Equine Connection

Hear Dr. Rebecca Bailey discuss the organization she founded, Polyvagal Equine Institute, and how it is helping people heal and connect through partnership with horses. Horses rely on their nervous systems to make sense of the world around them. By...

06.16.2023

56. Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Mindful Marketing with Erin Bevington, COO

Listen in to hear how HETRA curates their brand including social media, presentations, images, website and more. COO, Erin Bevington explains our detailed photo and social media policy and how HETRA ensures we are always putting our best foot forward...

06.03.2023

55. Paving the Competitive Road for Equestrians with Disabilities with Mandy Cleveland

For 20 years, Stable Strides Farm has been helping hundreds of adults and children. SSF was created to give riders with special needs a place to become competitive and effective horse people. Although competing is not a requirement, many of...

05.19.2023

54. Valuable Resources for Nonprofits with Anne Hindery, NAM

Listen to hear Anne Hindery, CEO of the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands speak about resources for nonprofits. She shares a WEALTH of information about what nonprofits should be working toward to stay current, thriving and sustainable. Her organization, NAM...

04.22.2023

52. Preparing for the Canter with Shelby Schult, CTRI and Italia Rouse

A much requested episode on preparing our participants for the canter! This episode is packed with perspective from Shelby Schult, CTRI and HETRA Program Manager and Italia Rouse of Royal T Training, a professional horse trainer in the Omaha area....

04.07.2023

51. All About Speech Therapy with Terri Hutchison, M.A.,CCC-SLP

Terri Hutchison, M.A., CCC-SLP is here to tell us all about Speech Therapy utilizing hippotherapy as a treatment strategy! She has a private practice in California and partners with the Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding to offer her services. She...

03.24.2023

50. History and Transformative Moments in the EAS Industry with Dr. Octavia Brown

Did you know that one of the first experiences of EAS was as a rehabilitation technique for Polio patients? Dr. Octavia Brown shares the rich history of EAS including her early start in our grassroots industry as one of the...

03.10.2023

49. Horse Powered Reading with Dr. Michele Pickel

Join Dr. Michele Pickel, creator of the impactful program, Horse Powered Reading®. She give us insight to the program including how it works, why it’s so successful and how you can get involved! Horse Powered Reading® integrates social-emotional learning with academics;...

02.25.2023

48. Live! From PATH Intl. Region 7 Conference

The podcast is Live from PATH International Region 7 Conference in Sherrard, Illinois! We had so much fun learning, growing and networking last weekend. Listen in to hear what is new in education for the EAS industry and why conferences are...

02.10.2023

47. Co-Facilitation: Mounted Mental Health

Equine-Assisted Mental Health doesn’t have to be just ground sessions! HETRA utilizes an unique co-facilitation model where our mental health providers, in partnership with a CTRI, utilize mounted sessions to maximize our participants'’ benefits. Listen in to hear Cassidy Fredrickson,...

01.27.2023

46. PART TWO: Communication and Autism with Dr. Darren Olsen PhD

PART TWO: If you haven’t tuned into the first part of this episode, go back and find episode 45 first. If you’re back for part two you know just how good this episode is going to be. In this episode...

01.20.2023

45. PART ONE: Communication and Autism with Dr. Darren Olson, PhD

PART ONE: We know that those on the Autism Spectrum experience communication differently. Dr. Darren Olson, a clinical psychologist, is here to break down ways to improve that communication. Listen in to hear tips on: giving directions, using visuals, simplifying...

01.06.2023

44. Budgeting for Success with Edye Godden, CEO and Erin Bevington, COO

A good budget really is a roadmap for success. Edye and Erin have been working together for the last 20+ years to perfect the process of budgeting for the HETRA organization. Listen in to hear about all of the factors...

12.23.2022

43. Get a Degree in Therapeutic Horsemanship with Melissa Abbey of St. Andrews University

Did you know you can get a degree in Therapeutic Horsemanship? You can at St. Andrews University in North Carolina. In this episode, Melisa Abbey, Director of the Therapeutic Horsemanship Program, discusses the traditional, 4 year, Liberal Arts degree that...

12.12.2022

42. Meet EAGALA!

Meet EAGALA, Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association! In this episode, Amy Blossom, CEO of EAGALA and Brenda Hunter, Member Support Director talk about who EAGALA is and how their method of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is so impactful. Learn what...

11.26.2022

41. Resistance to the Horse with Kelly B., LMHP and Kaiti, OT

We have all had a participant that we think would benefit tremendously from equine-assisted services, but isn’t quite sure about interactions with a 1,200 lb live animal. Together, Kaiti Otte an occupational therapist and Kelly Baulisch, a mental health practitioner,...

11.11.2022

40. Setting Weight Limits for HETRA Horses with Shelby Schult, Equine Operations Manager

Setting Weight Limits and Evaluating Back Soreness Shelby Schult is the Equine Operations Manager at HETRA and with an education in Equine Studies and a long history of horse experience, she is here to explain weight limits for horses. Setting weight...

10.28.2022

39. Vocational Training for Veterans: Lowering the Barrier into the Ranching Industry with Bear Hug Cattle Company

Ben Minden is the Founder of Bear Hug Cattle Company, based out of Manhattan, Montana. He came on the show to explain his amazing program to us and give us some tips on working in vocational programs with veterans. He...

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