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 of neurodivergent diagnoses.  Stimming. Stimming is short hand for “self-stimulating” – it’s a natural and instinctive behavior that people engage in to regulate their sensory experience. Things like hand flapping, rocking, repetitive vocalizations.  Stimming is a normal thing, but what happens when it interferes with our ability to participate safely in mounted sessions? I’m hoping this episode will help normalize stimming and help folks to understand exactly what it is and when it should or shouldn’t be addressed.

Get a whole lot more tools for your toolbox with this on-demand webinar:  Understanding Autism in EAS: Effective Strategies for Success. Click here:  

This episode is proudly sponsored by Teaching Aids for EAS. Use code “HETRA” for 10% off your order now through May 10, 2024.  https://teachingaidsforeas.com/

Follow us on social and plug in here:  https://notjustaponyride.my.canva.site/linkinbio

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 to hear important things to consider when hosting any event or tour including, helpful signage, managing horse vices and unexpected safety tips.  Any person in your barn could be a potential donor, volunteer, staff member or participant, so being conscious of [what seems like minor] things is important! 

Learn more about our Blue Jeans and Dreams event here:  https://hetra.org/events/2024-blue-jeans-dreams.html

This episode is proudly sponsored by Teaching Aids for EAS. Use code “HETRA” for 10% off your order now through May 10, 2024.  https://teachingaidsforeas.com/

Follow us on social and plug in here:  https://notjustaponyride.my.canva.site/linkinbio

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 episode, Sandy Lemen, Director of Programming at The Collective for Hope, is here to explain how we can help.  Anyone can provide support in this arena and it’s her hope that everyone will. Showing up and holding space without judgement, without making it about us, without "silver linings"  – with validation and companionship instead - can go a very long way.  Listen to hear how we have created a program at HETRA, in partnership with our OTD Student JJ Simons, to help fill the gap for grief support in our community with the healing help of horses.  

Find a grief support program near you at the National Alliance for Children’s Grief:  https://nacg.org/

Learn more about The Collective for Hope here:  https://thecollectiveforhope.org/

This episode is proudly sponsored by Teaching Aids for EAS. Use code “HETRA” for 10% off your order now through May 10, 2024.  https://teachingaidsforeas.com/

Follow us on social and plug in here:  https://notjustaponyride.my.canva.site/linkinbio

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, programs are successful.  We train our horses, volunteers and staff to our standard, but how do we ACTUALLY know that they are continuing that way?  At HETRA we started doing Observation weeks!  Listen in to learn how you can implement this strategy and why it’s important no matter what size of program you have. 

For FREE access to our observation checklist for instructors/therapists:  

To hear more about our volunteer training levels: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/volunteerstructure

To here more about our horse leader training process (Part 1 of 3):  https://vimeo.com/ondemand/leadingpart1

This episode is proudly sponsored by Teaching Aids for EAS. Use code “HETRA” for 10% off your order now through May 10, 2024.  https://teachingaidsforeas.com/

Follow us on social:  https://notjustaponyride.my.canva.site/linkinbio

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 how to activate engagement. Expect to hear: 

Kimberly Thomas is the Executive Director of EPIC for Girls in Omaha, NE.  Ms. Thomas brings more than 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector.  Her passion is ensuring executive directors and boards are equipped with the tools necessary to succeed and helping them to step into their roles with confidence.  Learn more about EPIC for Girls here:  www.epicforgirls.org

Get the Non-Profit Director Evaluation Form by becoming a member at Patreon.  Click here for more information: https://www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride

This episode is proudly sponsored by Teaching Aids for EAS. Use code “HETRA” for 10% off your order now through May 10, 2024.  https://teachingaidsforeas.com/

Follow us on social:  https://notjustaponyride.my.canva.site/linkinbio

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 by what the human brings to the relationship. Through her work in the field of equine assisted psychotherapy and learning, Cheryl has seen and experienced firsthand the healing power of the horse-human relationship. In this episode expect to hear her valuable tips for facilitators including the use of ‘clean language’ for open communication and interpretation of horse behavior as well as how horses can help develop self-esteem and self-love. 

Connect with Cheryl herewww.followmefriendbook.comwww.peacehorse.net

This episode is proudly sponsored by Teaching Aids for EAS. Use code “HETRA” for 10% off your order now through May 10, 2024.  https://teachingaidsforeas.com/

Follow us on social:  https://notjustaponyride.my.canva.site/linkinbio

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 important tips to consider when traveling and working with these important herd members. 

Get the PDF download of the PERSONAL SPACE Curriculum here:

This episode is proudly sponsored by Equicizer: https://equicizer.com/

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 professionals.

Thank you to The BARN Therapeutic Riding Center and Rhythms of Grace for sharing their favorite things about conference with us on the episode!

This episode is proudly sponsored by Equicizer: https://equicizer.com/

Get the Common Diagnoses Webinar free by subscribing to our NEW Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride