Not Just A Pony Ride

For many participants in equine-assisted services (EAS), challenges with memory can impact everything from following multi-step directions to staying engaged in a session. We’ll explore 10 practical, research-based tips for strengthening working memory that you can start using right away in your arena.  Register now for the Neurodivergent Mini Course:   https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/Neurodi...

In this episode of Not Just a Pony Ride , we’re talking about one of the most critical skills for every Equine-Assisted Services team—emergency dismounts. Whether it’s a sudden horse reaction, a participant complication, or an environmental hazard, having a clear plan of action can make all the difference in keeping participants, volunteers, and horses safe. Expect to hear conversation around: Cre...

In this episode, we explore how a horse’s unique conformation and natural movement patterns directly influence the rider’s experience, posture, and progress.  Kaiti Otte, OT will discuss why we may pair different participants with certain horses including how different diagnoses and impairments may impact those decisions.  Learn more about the EAS Workshop, HETRA University Live: Level Up and Lead...

The world of equine-assisted services is always evolving—and sometimes that means letting go of long-standing tools we’ve relied on for years. In this episode of Not Just a Pony Ride , we dive into the recent ban on peacock stirrups, a staple in many EAS programs, and explore what this change means for safety, accessibility, and your organization’s budget. We’ll discuss: Why peacock stirrups are b...

  In this replay from episode #21, we’re diving into maintaining our Steady Eddy’s.  We all have them and we love them - but how do we balance keeping them happy, healthy, sane and sound with our budget?  Shelby Schult, HETRA’s Program Director explains how we do that at HETRA including discussing conditioning regimens, vet work, nutrition supplements and more.  GLC Joint Supplement:   https://kbc...

In this episode, we dive into the challenges of having tough conversations in the equine-assisted services industry with leadership coach Cindy Schwarz from Ears Up Leadership . Why do we avoid hard discussions, even when they’re necessary? Cindy brings clarity and compassion to the topic, exploring the impact of scarcity mindset, our deep desire to be seen as "nice," and the emotional dynamics at...

  In today’s episode, we’re diving into social stories — those short, purposeful narratives designed to help people better understand specific situations, events, or tasks. You’ve probably heard of them, especially in the context of supporting neurodivergent children, including those with autism, ADHD, or challenges with transitions and change.  Social stories can be incredibly powerful tools — if...

  In this episode, we explore how meaningful experiences and community connections can bring light and joy to older adults facing life-limiting illnesses. We’re honored to highlight our partnership with the Dreamweaver Foundation , an local organization dedicated to fulfilling dreams for seniors. Together, we’ve created unforgettable moments —where horses help bridge the gap between isolation and...

  In this replay from episode #61, we’re diving into a powerful roundup of non-profit wisdom with highlights from our conversation with the former ED from the Papillion Community Foundation. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is your go-to guide for aligning your mission, building the right board, and leveling up your fundraising game. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why your budget and...

Isabela Amaral is the proud mother of Fred Ginman — a resilient boy born extremely premature, diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, who now inspires others through his story of overcoming physical challenges. Together, they co-created the children’s book “I Can, I Want To, and I Will!” — a powerful, heartwarming affirmation-based book that encourages children to believe in themselves no matter their circ...

In this episode, HETRA CEO Edye Godden is sharing with us how HETRA manages a healthy work culture. Tune in for real-world tools and reflections to help you lead with intention and keep what matters most at the center.  Expect to hear:  Getting to Know Your Team & Managing Conflict  Work-Life Harmony and “family first” support. Setting Boundaries at Work Also, hear what tools we have used for...

In this episode we are taking a look at an equine-assisted group program that specializes in helping those who are healing from eating disorders.  Teresa Ryan BSN, RN is here to give us a look inside the inpatient program that partners with Take Flight Farms and Barb Cotten, LMHP - who is also on the episode - sharing about the equine programming they offer. Tune in to hear: A look inside the Eati...

EAS services are different than going to soccer practice or getting therapy in an outpatient clinic.  When we miss a session in EAS, there are many assets still at stake-  volunteer time, scheduling time, getting the horse ready, allocating resources to different places to balance work loads etc. How do we give our participants grace while protecting our sustainability?   Expect to hear: The impor...

Learn all about a unique program at HETRA and how it has grown and developed in this episode with Edye Godden, OTR/L, PATH Intl. CTRI and the CEO of HETRA.  We wanted a program for our participants that weren’t exactly ready to transition to adaptive riding, but wanted more independence.  It could be that the participant needs skilled intervention occasionally for things like the mount/dismount, p...

Seasoned psychotherapist Carol Odell's memoir “Girl, Groomed: A Therapist’s Memoir of Trauma” (She Writes Press, April 22, 2025) is an unflinching exploration of her journey to confront and heal from the complex trauma of childhood sexual abuse within the world of Virginia’s equestrian show-jumping circuit. Carol shares with us the impactful ways that horses helped her heal, including her uniq...

Part of managing our horses physical and mental health during lessons is making sure our participants are prepared for their next jump in horsemanship.  Let’s talk about when to introduce the bit and bridle!  How do we stay fair to our horses while helping our participants improve their independence? Expect to hear:  Reining in a Halter vs. Reining in a bridle  Why does HETRA only use snaffle bits...

In this episode, we dive into the world of fidgets — what they are, why people use them, and how they can support focus, regulation, and sensory needs.  Our current occupational therapy student, Abi Cross from Creighton University is here to chat with us about the special considerations to using fidgets in the world of equine-assisted services.    Tune in to learn: Why fidgeting isn’t just a distr...

  We all have a Steady Eddy in our barn. We love them and hate to retire them, but what happens when we need to? What happens if we have a horse who just isn’t a great fit?  Shelby is here to talk to us about options and how to plan for success when we retire a herd member. Register for the LIVE Webinar:  Evaluation and Intake of EAS Horses:   https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/cKHMk8id T...

Amanda Bubb is on the show to talk with us about all things Interactive Vaulting! One of the things she loves is that vaulting is that it is a great way to diversify programming for EAS centers while being incredibly resource friendly!  Expect to hear all of the nuts and bolts about interactive vaulting including: What is vaulting - what does a session look like? What are the benefits or risks? Ho...

We just got back from PATH Intl. Region 6 Conference in White Bear Lake, MN (shout out to the River Valley Riders for hosting a great event).  During Shelby Schult’s presentation on Equine Strategic Planning, there were a lot of questions around Equine Lease Agreements and how HETRA utilizes leases to bring horses into our programs.  It was such good discussion that we thought, let’s bring it to t...

HETRA University was busy flying around the country for education this last weekend!  Shelby Schult took a team to Main Stay Therapeutic Riding in Richmond, Illinois for PATH Intl. Region 7 Conference and Kaiti Otte and Edye Godden took a team to San Antonio, Texas for the Horses and Humans Research Foundation. We  all took so much away from our time spent with these organizations and we’re talkin...

So much great information we had to split it up! Don’t forget to listen to PART ONE #112 to get the first part of her valuable insight! In PART TWO of this two part episode, hear Amy Causey tell us all about therapeutic Carriage Driving.  Amy is such a WEALTH of knowledge for the EAS field- fun fact, she holds all the certifications that are currently offered by PATH Intl. including, Certified Mas...

PART ONE So much great information we had to split it up! In PART ONE of this two part episode, hear Amy Causey tell us all about therapeutic Carriage Driving.  Amy is such a WEALTH of knowledge for the EAS field- fun fact, she holds all the certifications that are currently offered by PATH Intl. including, Certified Master Instructor, Interactive Vaulting Instructor, Therapeutic Driving Instructo...

 Shelby and Kaiti are talking about tack room essentials including what kind of equipment is in HETRA’s tack room as well as how we stay organized when prepping our horses for over 150 sessions per week!  Expect to hear  Types of “tack accessories” and adaptive equipment in our tack room Why we dismantle our saddles after each use How we organize our tack using a specific labeling system  How we m...

HETRA’s volunteer coordinator, Noah Bevington, is here to share his tips and tricks for keeping the chaos organized when it comes to scheduling our volunteers! He shares tips and tricks on: Communication with volunteers Consistency in scheduling Useful tools that help to streamline our scheduling process Overview of our board system and how we easily update and display the schedule  Learn how to s...