In this episode of Not Just A Pony Ride, we are pulling back the curtain on our biggest and most anticipated event of the year! We sit down with Noah and Kalynn for an exclusive, inside look at everything Blue Jeans & Dreams.

Whether you are a HETRA supporter or a fellow therapeutic riding center looking for ideas for your own event, this episode is packed with value. Join us as we talk about what it takes to bring this incredible fundraiser to life, why it is so vital to our mission, and how the community's support directly impacts our participants and therapy herd. From the heart behind the event to our actual run of show and practical tips and tricks for putting on a successful fundraiser, Noah and Kalynn break down how we are working together to fund dreams. Pull up a chair and let's talk Blue Jeans & Dreams!

🐴 What We Cover in This Episode:

• The Magic of Blue Jeans & Dreams: A look at the history, energy, and mission behind HETRA's premier annual fundraiser.

• Behind the Scenes with Noah & Kalynn: Inside stories, prep work, and what makes this event so special.

• Fundraising Tips & Tricks: Actionable insights and takeaways for other centers looking to design and execute their own large scale events.

• The Run of Show: How we structure the fundraiser to maximize impact, keep engagement high, and successfully fund dreams.

Change is in the air, and we couldn't be more excited! In this episode, we are pulling back the curtain to introduce the newest voice behind the mic. Join us as we officially welcome Emma to the team as our new podcast host!We sit down with Emma to talk about her background, her passion for Equine-Assisted Services (EAS), and what she is most looking forward to bringing to the show. Whether you are an industry professional, a dedicated volunteer, or a long-time listener, tune in to help us give Emma a warm welcome to the community!Follow us on social and plug in here: https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/...

In this episode we sit down with a powerhouse panel of researchers and practitioners to talk about a groundbreaking, high risk study breaking down the silos in Equine-Assisted Services (EAS). Funded by the Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF), this study is the very first to measure real time neurophysiological brain activity in children with autism while on horseback, while simultaneously tracking the physiology of both the horse and the horse leader.

Our guests discuss the incredible value of participatory research, how data driven outcomes are reshaping everyday center programming, and why "humble curiosity" is the secret sauce to successful academic and practitioner partnerships.

🎙️ Meet the Guests

Tamara Merritt – Director of Program Innovation and Research at Hearts and Horses (Loveland, CO)

Dr. Corey Smith – Associate Professor at Baylor University specializing in neurophysiological monitoring

Dr. Claire Thomas-Pino – Senior Lecturer at Hartpury University (UK), Chair of the HHRF Scientific Advisory Council, and HHRF Board Director

In this Episode We Cover:

- Overcoming Funding Barriers for "High Risk" Innovative Science

- From the Lab to the Arena: What Sparks a Researcher's Passion for EAS?

- Building a Cross Disciplinary "Dream Team"

- Why Having a Dedicated Research Coordinator Matters

- Global Research Guidelines & Validating Practitioner Experience

-When Research is a Gamble: Staying Open to Unexpected Data

- Advice for Centers and Researchers Looking to Connect and Collaborate

-Research Informed Programming

- Translating Academic Data into Functional Center Resources

- Why You Don't Need a Medical Degree to Stay Curious

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned

HETRA Website: https://hetra.org

HETRA Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride

Funding & Support: https://www.horsesandhumans.org

Hearts and Horses Programming & Manuals: Check out the Education tab on https://www.heartsandhorses.org

Waitlists are common in EAS programs—but are they always being defined and managed effectively? In this episode, we dive into one of the most important (and often frustrating) operational topics for centers: the waitlist.

At HETRA, someone is not considered officially on the waitlist until all required paperwork is complete and they have been evaluated by staff. That means they are truly ready to begin programming as soon as an appropriate opening becomes available. We discuss why this distinction matters and how separating general inquiries from those ready to get on the schedule can create a more accurate picture of demand.

We also cover practical strategies for keeping your waitlist organized, including systems for tracking readiness, participant needs, scheduling preferences, and priority placement. 

Learn how to think creatively about offering meaningful opportunities while participants wait for their ideal program opening. Whether it’s alternate services, short-term options, or different program formats, there are ways to continue serving participants instead of letting them sit stagnant on a list. In This

Episode, We Answer:

• What truly constitutes being “on the waitlist”?
• How does HETRA define waitlist status?
• What is the difference between an inquiry and a “ready to be scheduled” participant?
• How can you provide value while someone waits for a program opening?
• What systems help keep a waitlist organized and actionable?
• Who should take priority when openings become available?

HETRA Participant Inquiry Form:  https://form.jotform.com/242865356075161

More on Our Evaluation Process at HETRA:  Episode #153 - What Goes Into a Thorough Participant Evaluation? https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/notjustaponyride/episodes/153---Replay--What-Goes-Into-Thorough-Participant-Evaluation-e3h30jd/a-acibs2v

Get help with organizing your waitlist - www.equi-force.com

Learn more about Killian Insurance Agency and what Jon can do for you here: https://farmequineinsurance.com/

Don't be afraid to try new things!  This week on the podcast we are talking about a new policy we implemented at HETRA - scheduled "ground weeks".  During this week, all participants who participate in a mounted program move to ground based activities for the week. This gives our horses a break and our participants new opportunities to grow in their skills.   Listen in to hear how we implemented this new routine and what fun, different things our instructors and therapists were up to during this week! 

Follow us on social and plug in here:  https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/HETRAUniversityLinks

Learn more about Killian Insurance Agency and what Jon can do for you here: https://farmequineinsurance.com/

We’re bringing back one of our favorite “oldie but goodie” episodes—because the topic is that important. Thoughtful, thorough evaluation of incoming participants is a cornerstone of success in equine-assisted services, not only for the individuals we serve, but for our instructors, volunteers, and horses, too.  In this replay, Edye Godden, OTR/L, HPCS, PATH Intl. CTRI and CEO of HETRA, shares her perspective on why evaluations are such a critical piece of the puzzle and breaks down the most common barriers that prevent programs from doing them well. From time constraints to uncertainty about what to look for, we explore what might be getting in the way—and how improving this process can lead to safer, more effective, and more impactful sessions for everyone involved.

Check out all of education HETRA University here, including our disability education offerings! www.HETRAUniversity.org

Learn more about Killian Insurance Agency and what Jon can do for you here: https://farmequineinsurance.com/

Seizures are more common than many people realize—and in equine-assisted services, being prepared can make all the difference. In this episode, we break down five essential things every EAS professional should understand about seizures, from recognition to response, so you can create a safer, more confident environment for your participants, staff, and horses.

Learn more details about Seizures and how they impact us in the EAS industry in the webinar:  “Understanding Seizures: Balancing Safety with Inclusivity”. https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/rsL2VZTL/checkout

Learn more about Killian Insurance Agency and what Jon can do for you here: https://farmequineinsurance.com/

In this episode, we welcome back Edye Godden to reflect on two recent events that sparked important conversations in the EAS industry: the Horses and Humans Research Foundation Conference and HETRA University Live. We discovered that themes from both events aligned—showing that new research is beginning to support the real-world experiences and educational approaches many programs are already implementing.We also share how attending conferences like these continues to shape our thinking at HETRA, including a few policy updates prompted by ongoing learning and a commitment to evolving with best practices in the field.

Learn more about Killian Insurance Agency and what Jon can do for you here: https://farmequineinsurance.com/

In this episode, we welcome back Jeff Arnold, Founder of Leadership Adventures, for a powerful conversation about what it really takes to build the next generation of leaders in the EAS industry. 

Expect to here more on:

When we talk about “next generation leaders,” we’re talking about all of us. 

What the Next Generation of EAL Leaders Actually Wants

After surveying and working with more than 60 centers, Jeff and his team have identified clear patterns in what emerging leaders are looking for:

• Clear expectations (at both the big-picture and daily-task level)
• Coaching and developmental feedback
• Defined growth paths and career planning
• Authentic community and collaboration

Curiosity builds engagement. Judgment shuts it down.

Staying Resilient Leadership in a Changing World. With leadership transitions happening across 20-, 30-, and 40-year-old centers, resilience isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Resources:

The EAL Community of Practice Jeff shares more about the growing EAL Community of Practice, an online professional space designed for collaboration, CEUs, shared learning, and authentic dialogue across methodologies. Learn more at:   equineassistedlearning.org

2026 EAL Summit – Learn. Share. Lead. The next EAL Summit will take place in November 2026 in the Western Pennsylvania mountains. Abstract submissions are open now through mid-to-late March. More details:  equineassistedlearning.org

Listen to the NJAPR episode 87 with Jeff here:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/1jzeTIwz1WIFKQ4bZoxyFA?si=Rmi3hLc3Qjyr4NSr14CcwA

Join us for HETRA University Live online or in person March 6-7:   https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/HULStridesForward  

In equine-assisted services, our horses make everything possible—but funding their care can be one of the biggest ongoing challenges programs face.  In this episode, Edye Godden CEO of HETRA shares practical, sustainable ways to fund the horses who serve our participants, including campaigns and sponsorship models that are impactful without placing constant demands on staff time.  A highlight of the conversation is HETRA’s creative and highly successful Horse of the Year Race—a campaign that has become instrumental in funding horse care while building meaningful relationships with donors.  This episode is full of realistic ideas, mindset shifts, and proven strategies to help you support your herd in a way that’s both effective and sustainable.

Get access to HETRA’s sponsorship levels and details at Patreon:  patreon.com/notjustaponyride

Edye’s Trail to Sustainability Mini Course:https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/TrailtoSustainabilityMiniCourse

Join us for HETRA University Live online or inperson March 6-7:   https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/HULStridesForward