Not Just A Pony Ride

Navigating the end-of-life journey for a horse is one of the most challenging yet essential responsibilities horse owners, caregivers, and equine professionals face. In this episode of Not Just A Pony Ride, we are joined by guest Shelby Schult for a compassionate and insightful conversation on equine end-of-life planning. Together, we explore how to recognize quality-of-life indicators, establish...

Welcome to Episode 168 of the HETRA Podcast! In this episode, we dive into one of our favorite annual community events: Stall 'n Treat. Join us as we discuss how combining festive costumes, horse-loving community members, and inclusive fun creates a safe, memorable, and accessible environment for our participants, families, and supporters. Whether you are curious about organizing inclusive com...

In this episode of the Not Just A Pony Ride Podcast, we dive into the strategy and importance behind Session Break Weeks in adaptive riding and equine-assisted service programs. Taking an intentional pause isn't just about taking time off, it's a critical tool for maintaining high standards of care, preventing team burnout, and ensuring long-term sustainability for both staff and our hard-...

Curious about HETRA University Live? Join us in this quick episode of the Not Just A Pony Ride Podcast as we explain what HETRA University Live is and why it's a valuable resource for all EAS professionals! Register Now for our upcoming HETRA University Live!📍 Where: Honey Bridge Ranch- Home of HorsePower Therapeutic Riding in St. Charles, Illinois 📅 Date: October 24th⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM🎟...

Wearing multiple hats is a challenge familiar to so many in the Equine Assisted Services community, yet it’s something that isn’t talked about enough. Whether you’re full-time, part-time, or a dedicated volunteer, balancing your roles takes heart and intentionality. In this episode of the Not Just A Pony Ride Podcast, we dive into the real world experiences, strategies, and unique rewards of servi...

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...

In this episode of the Not Just A Pony Ride Podcast, we dive into navigating complex participant needs in equine-assisted services. We explore the critical distinction between a true contraindication and a precaution, examining how to evaluate safety without unnecessarily turning participants away. Key Topics Covered:•Contraindication vs. Precaution: Understanding the fundamental differences and w...

In this episode of Not Just A Pony Ride , we dive deep into What Exactly is Leader Practice, what it looks like, why it’s a game changer for your team and horses, and how implementing structured practice sessions elevates safety, skill, and confidence across your equine-assisted service program. Whether you're looking to refine horse handling consistency, boost volunteer retention, or deepen t...

In this episode of Not Just A Pony Ride , we sit down with Rebecca Nichols, LMHP , to discuss an essential topic for equine-assisted service providers: navigating mental health in the arena. Rebecca breaks down the boundaries of practice, offering clear guidance on what adaptive riding instructors can and cannot do when addressing mental health concerns in participants. We explore practical strate...

Welcome back to another episode of Not Just A Pony Ride, a podcast by HETRA (Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy). In this episode, we continue our powerful conversation with Brittany and Emma, diving deeper into how equine-assisted services support our Veteran community. Tune in to hear about the unique bond between veterans and horses, the profound impact of these programs on mental heal...

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...

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 abou...

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 y...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 impl...

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...

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 t...

Are you asking all the right questions when it comes to coverage for your EAS centers?  Don't get caught in a loop hole without coverage! Jonathan Killian with Killian Insurance Agency is back on the podcast to help us understand this complex topic.  Jon is sharing what he's learned and trends he has noticed since he started specializing in coverage for equine assisted services.  Tune in t...

n this episode, Shelby and Kaiti unpack a realization that genuinely surprised them. Of all the education we have provided recently around equine welfare, we assumed the biggest hurdle would be whether people wanted to make changes and what changes to make. What we discovered instead was something very different — and much heavier. Most people do want to improve welfare practices, but feel stuck b...

In this episode we walk through the Seizure Disclosure Form and policies used at HETRA, explaining not just what we ask, but why it matters.  This conversation is designed to support transparency, safety, and collaboration. We talk through how seizure information helps staff make informed decisions that protect participants, horses, and everyone involved—without creating unnecessary barriers to pa...

The first installment of a quarterly check in with HHRF!  We’re joined by HHRF CEO, Pebbles Turbeville and 3 members of the HHRF community: Jo, Justin and Elizabeth.  This episode is an honest exploration of how research, lived experience, and open-minded dialogue can (and should) coexist. We talk about the tension many of us feel between “this is how I’ve always done it” and “what if there’s more...