Not Just A Pony Ride (HETRA)

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

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 actions that we can do to help horses feel more safe. In this episode she will finish that list and talk to us more about about desensitization, which is a hot topic for us EAS folks-- including how we transition trust with qualified horse staff to our volunteers and building positive experiences for our horses.

Expect to hear: 

• How to access horses “Learning Modes”
• Concepts on desensitization
• Integration into EAS lessons
• Is it a “spooky horse?” or just not correct training for that horse’s personality?
• How do we transition building trust with staff to building trust with volunteers?
• Protecting horses from unnecessary stress  

www.lynnacton.com

Get her book "What Horses Really Want" on Amazon.

To learn more about the processes we have in place to keep our horses happy in their jobs: Webinar, Avoiding Equine Burnout

To learn more about how we structure and train our leaders & other volunteers: Webinar, Volunteer Structure and Training Schedule

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

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 founding members of NARHA, now known as PATH Intl.  Dr. Brown shares what she believes were pivotal moments in our industry’s history as well as challenges and places for future growth.  

Check out our brand new PATREON!  https://www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride

This episode is sponsored by Stable Moments, https://www.stablemoments.com/

How do you turn the life-long dream of owning a therapeutic riding center into reality?  Katie Oakland did just that a few years ago when she founded, TR for Heart and Soul in Bismark, ND.  She has grown her mostly volunteer operated facility from 4 participants in 2016 to about 50 participants today and is loving every minute of it.  As a busy mom of 3 young kids, she shares with us ways to find the balance while still growing the successful and sustainable TR center of her dreams.

Learn more about the HETRA Mentoring services at www.HETRAUniversity.org

This episode is sponsored in part by Equi-Force. Find out more at www. equi-force.org

This episode is also sponsored in part by Equicizer. Find out more at www.equicizer.com

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 arena, you can’t hardly push/pull them one inch.  All you can do is exhibit influence, and that’s what leaders do.  By looking at leadership with this definition, every person has influence.  Jeff Arnold from Leadership Adventures is here to give us a TON of great advice on developing leaders as well as how to build corporate relationships and get into the world of Equine Assisted Leadership Development. 

Learn more about Leadership Adventures services and offerings here:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/leadership-adventures-inc-

Learn more about the Summit here:  https://www.equineassistedlearning.org/

Get our list of Stay Interview Questions over at Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride

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

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 interacting with horses, we can experience nervous systems at work instantly as well as see the impact of two nervous systems connecting. By watching, listening and learning from horses, we can, through mutual interaction, increase awareness of the importance of compassionate connections.Learn more about PVEI here:  https://polyvagalequineinstitute.com/

We are doing a  replay of a VERY popular episode, Season 2, Episode 40 of the show.   At the time of this episode, Shelby Schult was our acting Equine Operations Manager, which she was for 8 years, but is now our program director here at HETRA.  We are replaying this episode because number one it was a really popular listen but also we get a TON of questions on this topic through the show and when Shelby presents on Equine Welfare at conferences.  As you know we are really passionate about that around here, so that is why we decided to take this conversation LIVE!  We are doing 2.5 FULL days of equine welfare this coming March 14th -16th, 2025.

Get all the details and to register for the workshop here:   https://hetra.org/education/pre-conference-hetra-university-live.html

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

This episode is proudly sponsored by Equiforce. ⁠https://www.equi-force.com/

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 keep our participants with CP safe and comfortable while enjoying their equine partners. 

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

Jessica White Plume is heading up a growing movement, horse culture-based wellness and therapy, focusing on the historic connections between horses and Indigenous peoples.  She speaks with us about the healing work she is doing on a local reservation and about how the equine studies program at NHS tribal college is helping young people reconnect with culture and wellness through relationships with horses.

Jessica White Plume was raised on the Pine Ridge Reservation in SD. Since completing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and Masters in Public Health, her work has focused on cultural and community based ways of healing and health in indigenous communities.

Check out the Not Just a Pony Ride Facebook page for more content!

This episode is sponsored in part by Equi-Force. Find out more at www. equi-force.org

This episode is also sponsored in part by Equicizer. Find out more at www.equicizer.com

An oldie but a goodie podcast!  If you didn't catch this episode the first time around, listen in now!  Kaiti is shedding light on the #2 diagnosis served by the EAS industry, ADHD.  We're also highlighting our new mini course that is launching soon, "Unbridled Potential:  Support for Neurodivergent Participants in EAS".  Don't stop with this podcast, get more tips, tricks and activities with the course! 

Get more information and to register for the course here:  https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/NeurodivergentEducation

Get all the details and to register for the Equine Welfare Workshop here:   https://hetra.org/education/pre-conference-hetra-university-live.html

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

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.  Her experiences have led her to the work she is doing now, helping women find peace in Bozeman, MT.  

Episode 38. on Equine Gestalt Coaching with founder, Melisa Pierce

Check out Haley at https://www.risingfreeretreats.com/

Learn more about Touched by a Horse Equine Gestalt Coaching

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

In the last part of this two part series, Kathy Alm, CEO of PATH Intl. talks about what her organization has to offer it’s members, including some exciting changes and new offerings only from PATH Intl.  Listen to hear more about some hot topics in our profession and how PATH Intl is helping to advocate for us!  Be sure and listen to last weeks episode, PART ONE:  A Journey to CEO with Kathy Alm of PATH Intl.

Kathy Alm began her service as Chief Executive Officer of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International (PATH Intl.) in 2014. For the previous 15 years she served as Executive Director of Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center in Washington state. She served as PATH Intl.’s board president in the 2010-2012 term, first joining the board of trustees in 2005.  Kathy has facilitated numerous workshops and presentations on Equine-assisted Services (EAS) nationally and internationally as well as trainings on fundraising, board development, and organizational sustainability.    Most recently, Kathy led an initiative to build consensus on optimal terminology for EAS.  The resulting Optimal Terminology for Services in the United States That Incorporate Horses to Benefit People:  A Consensus Document (Wood, Alm, Benjamin, Thomas, Anderson, Pohl, Kane, 2020) was published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.  Kathy holds a BA from Pacific Lutheran University.  Her dedication to EAS spans over 21 years with a passion that was ignited the moment she walked through the door at her first therapeutic riding center.

Check out PATH Intl. here:  www.pathintl.org

Help us work toward our mission with a donation:  https://www.classy.org/give/168754/#!/donation/checkout

This episode is sponsored by Equi-Force. Find out more at www. equi-force.org

In this episode, we pin down the busy, Shelby Winnail, HETRA’s Equine Operations Manager. Shelby is constantly running around the barn with the responsibility of keeping the HETRA herd, as she so effectively describes it, “happy, healthy, sane and sound”. Shelby completed her animal science degree and has since added Certified Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning to her resume. In this episode, we talk about why horses are so effective for the type of work we do, how we keep our horses in top shape with special conditioning, saddle fit, and the special development of our volunteers for the maintenance of happy horses!

Learn more about Shelby’s leading techniques and horse management for happy horses!

Submit ideas for future topics or guests and check out more content by clicking here!

Help us work toward our mission with a donation!

This episode is sponsored by Equi-Force. Find out more at www.equi-force.org

 How is your center protected when it comes to confidentiality?  It is important both legally an ethically to maintain proper confidentiality when working with our participants.  As instructors and therapists we have access to sensitive health care information such as diagnoses and medical paperwork and it is our job to protect that.  Listen in to hear how HETRA manages protected information with our volunteers, staff and others. 

We’d love to talk with you about your confidentiality policies, fill out the form here: https://www.tfaforms.com/4890916

Get our confidentiality statement for our volunteers at our Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride

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 us discover how to effectively work with a board of directors/leadership and how to activate engagement. Expect to hear: 

• What exactly should boards be doing for an organization?
• How to integrate new board members effectively
• What if board members aren’t a good fit?
• Importance of a good board chair
• How does the board support the ED?
• Conversations around setting non-profit professionals’ salaries. 

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

We have been getting a lot of questions lately about how to get involved in the Equine Assisted Services industry.  There are SO many ways to make an impact, listen in to hear the options and what all goes into each area of service.  Today we will cover options for instructors, therapists, coaches, educators, facility, horse and volunteer management as well as the different areas of programming and what qualifications you may need for each! 

Be sure to check out all of these resources for a deeper look!: 

Instructor Certification with CHA:  https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/TnWvIb51xLb

Instructor Certification with a Therapeutic Horsemanship Degree at University:  https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/SIgG3H01xLb

Adaptive Riding vs. Therapy Services:  https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/2ykDTlc2xLb

American Hippotherapy Association:  https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/SGv2nM71xLb

Horse Powered Reading: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/wbbCxbY1xLb

EAL Certification with Strides to Success:  https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/oOAeHSf2xLb

EAL and EA Psychotherapy with the HERD Institute:  https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/JgvAWMh2xLb

EAGALA:  https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/G2rdvI01xLb

Graduate Students in EAS:   https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/UuE1rT71xLb

Learn more about the Leadership Adventures EAL Summit here:   https://www.equineassistedlearning.org/

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

We’re celebrating 100 episodes of the podcast!  Listen in to hear Edye Godden, CEO of HETRA and Erin Bevington, COO of HETRA, share their thoughts on how we have stayed adaptable as a center and why that is so important for sustainability.  We share great reflections and some laughs about the adventure to where HETRA has ended up today.   Follow us on social and plug in here:  https://notjustaponyride.my.canva.site/linkinbio

This episode is proudly sponsored by Equiforce. ⁠https://www.equi-force.com/

Lauren Taylor grew up around horses. She competed in all three rings as a junior, eventually accepting a working student position in Ireland with Cian O’Connor as a 17-year-old. When that barn closed, she came back to America, where she landed a working student position in Wellington, Florida, with Tori Colvin for the winter beginning her last junior year.  She continued training her horse, Speechless, under the watchful eye of Brigid Colvin.

Following the winter circuit, Lauren obtained a job working for the Ingrams. She worked there for one year before being kicked in the head while hand-grazing one of her boss’s horses. The accident happened while in Aiken, South Carolina, on 5/12/19.  Lauren suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, collapsed lung, and broken nose and skull. She spent her first 12 days post-accident in a level-one trauma center in Augusta, Georgia. Her chance of survival was less than 7% with a less-than-1% possibility of enjoying any quality of life.  Lauren was completely unconscious and then minimally conscious for almost three months. She lived off of a ventilator, tracheostomy, and feeding tube during that time. She spent six months in acute care in Atlanta, Georgia, followed by six additional months in the post-acute setting in Omaha, Nebraska. Every aspect of Lauren’s brain was damaged, thereby affecting her speech, vision, balance, perceptions, memory, and the ability to reason and process emotions.

Although many doctors and therapists told Lauren that her ambition of walking again without a device was not realistic, she refused to give up. Today, Lauren jokes that she is not a “good mover,” but is now “serviceably sound.”

See what Lauren is up to now here:  https://www.ksdk.com/article/life/heartwarming/st-louis-woman-recovery-brain-injury/63-54af9df5-335e-40a5-bd9a-cdbd3009d4fd

Help HETRA work toward our mission, helping others like Lauren with a donation:  https://www.classy.org/give/168754/#!/donation/checkout

Executive function is the cognitive process of the brain that allows us to set goals, plan things, stay organized and make the right decisions while keeping our emotions in check.  It consists of a series of 7 skills: self-awareness, inhibitory control, non-verbal working memory, verbal working memory, emotional self-regulation, self-motivation and planning/problem solving. This episode will take a look at each one of these skills and how deficits in one or more of these areas might impact our riders in the arena.  We will talk about helpful strategies and ways to help our participants be successful despite challenges with executive functioning. 

For more helpful learning strategies and an in depth look at ADHD checkout this webinar:  https://vimeo.com/ondemand/understandingadhdineas

Learn more about the Leadership Adventures EAL Summit here:   https://www.equineassistedlearning.org/

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

2 Tips for going into episode 102… #1 it’s a little longer than our typical episodes, so be prepared fr that, but #2 it’s longer because it’s JUICY. There was too much good information to make it any shorter!  Joe has such a fresh perspective on managing therapeutic riding centers.  Joe Wappelhorst is the ED at SIRE and he was able to not only grow their organization SUBSTANTIALLY in a short amount of time, but also really position them in a sustainable spot that they did not have before he arrived. What’s unique about Joe is that he is not a grassroots horse person.  While the passion for the services SIRE offers definitely shines through, he really specializes in the business side of being an ED.  His perspective is super fresh and different from what is typical in the EAS industry… if you’re wondering if any of these tips will be worth it…  I think his center success speaks for itself on that!

Expect to hear conversation on:

• Alternative methods for billing participants
• Managing income/expenses
• Managing staff into the right positions with the right skills and trusting them
• Staff development Compensation for instructors 
• Careful selection & management of the board of directors 
• Succession planning for ED’s
• Implications and suggestions for centers with smaller budgets.  

Equine Strategic Planning webinar: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/equinestrategicplanning

Register for the HETRA University Live Conference in Gretna, NE on March 13-15, 2025

https://hetra.org/education/pre-conference-hetra-university-live.html

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

This episode is proudly sponsored by Equiforce. ⁠https://www.equi-force.com/

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, CTRI and Kelly Baulisch, LMHP, discuss how they facilitate these sessions including some awesome activities they like to do with their classes to target confidence, problem solving and social interaction. This episode is sponsored by Stable Moments, learn more here:  www.stablemoments.com

Christy Landwehr, CEO of the Certified Horsemanship Association shares everything the CHA can do for you, including the details about their certification for Instructors of Riders with Disabilities. Listen now to hear what makes the CHA different and all the perks they have to offer!

Find out more about the CHA at www.cha.horse

This episode is sponsored in part by Equi-Force. Find out more at www. equi-force.org

This episode is also sponsored in part by Equicizer. Find out more at www.equicizer.com

Getting insurance coverage for your therapeutic riding center can be a daunting task.  How do we ensure we are adequately covered when it comes to our clients, our horses, our property and our equipment? Jonathan Killian of Killian Insurance Agency is here to answer all of our burning questions!  Listen in to hear from a seasoned professional who truly understands the EAS industry and wants to help us safeguard our missions. 

Learn more about Killian Insurance Agency here:  https://farmequineinsurance.com/or email Jon at  killianinsuranceagency@gmail.com

Learn more about the Leadership Adventures EAL Summit here:   https://www.equineassistedlearning.org/

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

A hybrid episode! First we hear from Shelby Schult, HETRA’s Equine Operation Manager on how we keep our senior horses “Happy, Healthy, Sane & Sound”, including HETRA’s effective routine and why you shouldn’t be afraid of maintenance!  Then, we hear from Kevin Roche, owner of GlucoGlide.  He shares the science behind his products and why they work so well for our horses at HETRA.

Order products here! https://hetra.org/donate/shop-glc.html

Have Questions? Click on the box at www.hetrauniversity.org

Consistent, reliable volunteers make our jobs as instructors and therapists so much easier.  It takes the stress off of scheduling, constantly asking people if they’re coming and relieves the worry of if we will have enough people to get it all done! So what motivates volunteers to be so consistent? In this episode we hear from 3 volunteers at HETRA about why they continue to make volunteering a priority.  What keeps them coming back? How did they get started with us? Hear more about how you can integrate these easy things into your center to start or keep building your pool of consistent volunteers! A special thank you to Matt Walker, Jaelynn Bremer and Carol Clark for their time in producing this episode. Hear more on the webinar “Finding and Keeping High Quality Volunteers” at https://hetra.org/programs/hetra-university/register-for-webinars.html This episode is sponsored in part by Equi-Force. Find out more at www. equi-force.org This episode is also sponsored in part by Equicizer. Find out more at www.equicizer.com

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

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

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, will discuss what potential triggers might be, how to work through them and how the process of working through change can be very beneficial and impactful for our participants.

Get the full length webinar here for a discounted rate before 2023!  https://www.tfaforms.com/5029380

Tuning in after 2023? Find it at www.HETRAUniversity.org

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 this episode for an EXCITING announcement. Check out Equi-librium here: www.equi-librium.orgDetails on registration for HETRA University Live! here: https://www.classy.org/event/hetra-university-live/e544602 This episode is sponsored by Freedom Rider:  https://freedomrider.com/

Calling all therapists! Lisa shares her insights on utilizing hippotherapy in her private physical therapy practice as well as offers some great tips on topics such as reimbursement. We also discuss a great organization, the American Hippotherapy Association and what it has to offer you. Lisa Harris has both a MS in Physical Therapy and Veterinary Science, specializing in equine biomechanics. She is a hippotherapy clinical specialist and has served on the AHA board as vice president, research and education chairperson and newsletter editor.  She is a PATH, Intl. Advanced riding instructor and currently owns and operates her own private practice.

Help us work toward our mission with a donation: https://www.classy.org/give/168754/#!/donation/checkout

This episode is sponsored in part by Equi-Force. Find out more at www. equi-force.org

This episode is also sponsored in part by Equicizer. Find out more at www.equicizer.com

We’re not talking about the kind of progress participants make from month to month or even week to week.  We’re talking about within a single 30-45 minute session, how are you challenging your participants and upping the ante?  Riding patterns every week without a SPECIFIC focus on skill progression is not enough. Giving participants opportunities to grow in confidence safely with their skills in each session is what we’re after, but how do we do that?  Cassidy Fredrickson, OTR/L, PATH Intl. CTRI and Lead Instructor at HETRA is here to help us figure it all out.  

All About Observation Weeks:  Episode # 80

Goal Setting and Notes in Adaptive Riding Webinar:  https://vimeo.com/ondemand/goalsettingnotewriting

Creating an Effective Lesson Plan Webinar:  https://vimeo.com/ondemand/easlessonplan

As the EAS industry continues to expand and diversify, it is of utmost importance to keep the needs of our equine partners at the forefront of the movement.  The better you are to your horses, the longer they will be in your program.  It’s about education and staying honest with yourself about what our horses need to stay happy, healthy, sane and sound.

 Check out HETRA University Live, October 4-5, 2024: https://hetra.org/education/pre-conference-hetra-university-live.html

Check out these Equine Welfare webinars now for just $10: 

Seamless Transitions: Integrating New Horses into EAS Programs webinar: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/seamlesstransitions

Avoiding Equine Burnout webinar:  https://vimeo.com/ondemand/avoidingequineburnout

Evaluation of the EAS Horse webinar:  https://vimeo.com/ondemand/evaluationoftheeashorse

Equine Strategic Planning webinar:  https://vimeo.com/ondemand/equinestrategicplanning

Networking for your business can be a little bit scary... Kalynn is here to take all your stress away! Networking allows you to spread the word about your mission in efforts to help educate the community and cultivate volunteers, participants and donors.  She gives us some awesome tips and tricks for successful networking within your communities and why we should all be planning and budgeting for this specific strategy!

This episode is sponsored in part by Equi-Force. Find out more at www. equi-force.org

This episode is also sponsored in part by Equicizer. Find out more at www.equicizer.com

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 Dr. Olsen digs deeper into how to motivate our clients and how to manage and more importantly PREVENT meltdowns from happening.

We know that those on the Autism Spectrum experience communication differently.  Dr. Darren Olsen, a clinical psychologist, is here to break down ways to improve that communication.  Listen in to hear tips on: giving directions, using visuals, simplifying speech, how to handle meltdowns, how to use motivators and much more!

Go check out the Not Just a Pony Ride Facebook group for supplemental visuals to help with this episode!

Submit topic suggestions and questions here:  https://www.tfaforms.com/4952203

This episode is sponsored by Stable Moments, learn more here:  www.stablemoments.com

Episode 23: PART ONE: Equine Assisted Learning:  a Depth of Knowledge & Purposeful Intention

Equine Assisted Learning is a wonderful way to build skills and meet goals for our participants, but there is a lot to it!  Debbie Anderson and Blair McKissock from Strides to Success have been “gathering EAL gold” for the last 25 years and they are hear to share it with us!  Join us to hear from EAL experts in our field! They help facilitate many questions for us like ‘What is your intention for  partnering with horses?’  Have you explored the depth of knowledge it requires? Have you set up your participants for success with EAL?

Debbie Anderson ESMHL CTRI, Executive Director & Co-Founder of Strides to Success. Debbie has served in the animal assisted therapy industry for over 30 years. Debbie loves to serve as the welcome mat for people that are new to EAL.  She  loves to listen to their vision and lend them any experience that maybe helpful and guide them to resources that will help them make their dream a reality.  Blair McKissock PhD ESMHL, CTRI, CTRS and director or HorseWork Education at Strides to Success.  Blair has been in the field of human-animal interaction and experiential education for over 20 years. She earned her BS in Recreation Therapy and her MS in Education and has a PhD in EcoPsychology.  She is also the chair of the equine facilitated learning (EAL) community for PATH and works nationally to establish standards in EAL.

Check out everything Strides has to offer at https://stridestosuccess.org/

PATH EAL Core Competencies:  https://www.pathintl.org/images/pdf/resources/PATH-Intl-EAL-Final-Core-Competencies.pdf

PATH EAL Guidelines:  https://www.pathintl.org/images/pdf/resources/PATH-Intl-EAL-Guidelines.pdf

Kaiti & Shelby traveled from Gretna, NE to Dallas, TX for PATH Intl. Region 8 /LSTEN Conference hosted by Equest!  We love to travel to share presentations and learn, but another bonus is getting to see other centers!  Expect to hear in this episode: 

• Hear about out time at Equest’s facility in Dallas
• What’s trending in education for our industry? 
• Exciting sessions we attended
• Thoughts on EAL continuing as a trend… 
• Inside look at what we presented:  Preventing Equine Burnout, Understanding Seizures & Understanding ADHD 

Register for HETRA University Live: Vol 2, the EAS Workshop in Gretna NE Oct 4 & 5 now! https://hetra.org/education/pre-conference-hetra-university-live.html

Learn about Equest  https://equest.org/

Watch “Understanding ADHD in EAS” now! https://vimeo.com/ondemand/understandingadhdineas

Watch “Seamless Transitions: Integrating Horses into EAS Programming” now!  https://vimeo.com/ondemand/seamlesstransitions

Watch “Equine Strategic Planning” now!  https://vimeo.com/ondemand/equinestrategicplanning

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

It takes a village for our centers to be successful, how are we thanking that village?  Our board of directors, sponsors, donors, volunteers, staff… what makes them feel most appreciated for a year well done? Shelby Schult, our Program Director is here to help us brainstorm some authentic, personal options that are resource friendly for any center! Listen closely for a pop-in from our CEO, Edye Godden,  for a deeper dive into thanking your board all year around! 

Webinar + “Not Just a Pony Ride” Merchandise Gift Bundles:  https://form.jotform.com/241286374104150

Get our list of Stay Interview Questions over at Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride

Meet Emily! Her mom, Erin, shares their family’s story including how much HETRA has helped Emily on her journey to gaining confidence while working on strength, flexibility and cognitive healing.  Support Team Emily with her Drive to Ride campaign here:https://www.classy.org/team/380285

​​​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 you can earn to learn how to be a therapeutic riding instructor.  The curriculum includes everything from disability education, ethics, standards and teaching techniques.  This degree gives students everything they need to pass the PATH Intl. CTRI process.  Melissa also shares the in-person and ONLINE program for Business administration with an emphasis in Therapeutic Riding!

​​

​​Learn more here:  www.sa.edu

Alison Curtis has a passion for helping horses feel happy and comfortable in their sport.  How does she help horses feel this way? By helping their riders feel more balanced and fluid in the saddle! Listen now to hear how much the rider’s body influences our horses and how we can help them feel more at ease with concepts learned from yoga. She even shares a short stretching routine we can all benefit from.  Check out more from Alison at https://equiharmonywellness.com

This episode is sponsored in part by Equi-Force. Find out more at www. equi-force.org

This episode is also sponsored in part by Equicizer. Find out more at www.equicizer.com

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.  Kaiti Otte shared Sensory and Behavior: Regulation in EAS and Shelby Schult presented Equine Strategic Planning.  

Sensory Hand out at Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride

LSTEN: www.lsten.net

PATH International:  www.pathintl.org

Turning Point:  https://turningpointriding.org/

ROCK: https://rockride.org/

SIRE:  https://sire-htec.org/

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 to continue learning even without riding.  Even some tips on how to get participants, families and instructors on board with alternative programming.  Lots of links and resources provided! 

Mini Programming Webinar

Educational Videos

Exercise Video (General)

Exercise Video (Adaptive)

Story Time with the Minis

Horse Communication Curriculum at Patreon

This episode is sponsored by Freedom Rider:  https://freedomrider.com/

Let’s talk research!  In this episode we are joined by Anastasia Kyvelidou, PhD, an Assistant Professor in the Physical Therapy Department at Creighton University. Together we talk about the exciting research project happening at HETRA, studying the effectiveness of hippotherapy in children with autism spectrum disorder.  We also discuss the importance of research as a whole for our industry and what it takes to put together a great project.

Dr. Kyvelidou graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center with her doctorate from the Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area (MSIA) with a focus in pediatrics. She has completed two post-doctoral fellowships at Northeastern University in Boston and in the Biomechanics Department at the University of Nebraska Omaha, where she was also an assistant professor.  Dr. Kyvelidou‘s research focuses on neuro-developmental disabilities during infancy and childhood.  Her most recently funded projects aim to discover motor and perceptual signatures of autism in the first year of life as well as to understand the mechanisms of effectiveness of hippotherapy in children with autism spectrum disorders.

Help us work toward our mission with a donation: https://www.classy.org/give/168754/#!/donation/checkout

This episode is sponsored in part by Equi-Force. Find out more at www. equi-force.org

This episode is also sponsored in part by Equicizer. Find out more at www.equicizer.com

Meet Dash! His mom Clare, shares the great progress Dash has made in the arena and how they see that progress help him at home.  Dash guest stars in this episode too, listen to hear his favorite things about HETRA!

Support Team Dash with his Drive to Ride campaign here: https://www.classy.org/team/376029

This is a special edition of the Not Just a Pony Ride Podcast: Tales from the Rail. These are short stories told by those that watch from the rail as their participants climb into the saddle and ride out to reach their goals.  Together with their equine partners, our participants are accomplishing amazing things both in the arena and out and we are here to share their stories.

Therapy positioning can include any position we place our clients in to achieve desired outcomes-- backward, prone, supine, quadruped and more!  Why do therapists use these positions though? How can we use them to work toward our goals, and do it safely? Lisa is here to tell us!

Lisa Harris has both a MS in Physical Therapy and Veterinary Science, specializing in equine biomechanics. She is a hippotherapy clinical specialist and has served on the AHA board as vice president, research and education chairperson and newsletter editor.  She is a PATH, Intl. Advanced riding instructor and currently owns and operates her own private practice.

Help us work toward our mission with a donation: https://www.classy.org/give/168754/#!/donation/checkout

This episode is sponsored in part by Equi-Force. Find out more at www. equi-force.org

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 program director for Bison Strides, an equine-assisted services program in Fargo, ND.  Her worlds collided in a very special offering in which she organized the core competencies of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and overlayed them with equine assisted learning.  SEL can be a very difficult subject to engage students in, but Emily has found the horses make it motivating and fun for the kids to learn. Listen to hear how she organized the program including staffing logistics, liability, preparation and funding for the program. 

Learn more about Bison Strides:  https://www.bisonstrides.org/

This episode is proudly sponsored by Stable Moments:  EAL for Complex Trauma. https://www.stablemoments.com/

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

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 the field from Gretna Public Schools, Kendra Schneider, Assistant Director of Special Education and Dawna Daily with the Gretna Young Adult Program.  They share what makes a great program and what to include for success.  Then we hear from Diane Bemis the occupational therapist that manages HETRA’s transition program, “Life Skills”.  How can horses help with this process?  Listen now! 

This episode is sponsored by Freedom Rider:  https://freedomrider.com/

There are so many options when it comes to certifications, but how do you know which one is right for you?  Listen in to hear Diana Bezdedeann share why the HERD Institute might be a good fit for you!  They specialize in Equine Facilitated Learning & Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy with two tracks for beginners and advanced practitioners.  The HERD Institute prides itself on putting the horse first in a true partnership for participant benefit.  

Learn more about the HERD Institute here:  www.herdinstitute.com

Learn more about the Leadership Adventures EAL Summit here:   https://www.equineassistedlearning.org/

This episode is proudly sponsored by Stable Moments:  EAL for Complex Trauma. https://www.stablemoments.com/

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

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 streamline your scheduling process in Salesforce with the help of Equiforce: https://www.equi-force.com/

Get access to examples of our volunteer absence form, volunteer paperwork and our sign-up genius over at Patreon: www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride

Get all the details and to register for the Equine Welfare Workshop here:   https://hetra.org/education/pre-conference-hetra-university-live.html

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

 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 unique fundraising events and getting your community involved to support your mission. Also hear tips on: Strategic planning, sponsors vs. donors, and communication with donors.

Check out the Papillion Community Foundation here

This episode is sponsored by Freedom Rider:  https://freedomrider.com/

As an adaptive riding instructor, you might find yourself in an uncomfortable situation you don’t know how to navigate with your participants.  It could be oversharing, traumatic responses, panic attacks, being shut down and a lot more. As instructors we have a tendency to want to help our participants and step in to offer advice,  but we have to be careful to stay in our lane and offer the correct support and resources for our participants with mental health concerns.  Listen in to hear Hallie Sheade, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, share her advice when it comes to managing our “lane”. 

Expect to hear her advice on:

• Educating yourself and gaining comfortability with MH
• What to say when you are in uncomfortable situations. 
• How to manage those difficult conversations when MH is a barrier to success.
• How to manage referrals or finding good resources.

She also tells us about her unique EAS program offering mental health services and adaptive riding, specifically for those with mental health concerns who have been through their ground program. 

Great ways to get a better MH Understanding:

www.coursera.org 

The Gift of Therapy by Irvin D. Yalom, M.D.  https://www.amazon.com/Gift-Therapy-Generation-Therapists-Patients/dp/0061719617   Follow us on social and plug in here:  https://notjustaponyride.my.canva.site/linkinbio This episode is proudly sponsored by Equiforce. https://www.equi-force.com/

In this episode, Kim shares with us her personal and professional growth gained through international travel.  Kim has been lucky enough to travel to several overseas countries with the opportunity to teach and observe other professionals in our industry.  We covered everything from cultural barriers, quality of equine management, differences in class structure, and of course, we talked about the food.  If you’ve ever been curious about international differences in EAS, this one is for you!

Kim has been a lifelong horse person, starting in the back yards of Wisconsin. She has been involved in the Equine-Assisted Services industry for over 25 years as an instructor, mentor, and consultant. She has traveled across the country and made several trips to other countries helping people develop their skills and programs. She is a Path Intl’ Advanced Instructor, CTRI, Mentor, Advance Instructor Evaluator, and site visitor. She has volunteered in several different roles for PATH Intl’, Currently is serving on the Governance Committee and the Board of directors.  Kim is also a 4-H horse project leader. Kim loves the outdoors with fishing being one of her favorite activities. She also enjoys photography and playing hockey.

Help us work toward our mission with a donation: https://www.classy.org/give/168754/#!/donation/checkout

This episode is sponsored in part by Equi-Force. Find out more at www. equi-force.org

This episode is also sponsored in part by Equicizer. Find out more at www.equicizer.com

What can community foundations do for you? How do you get involved with a good foundation?  What are the ‘need to knows’ when it comes to requesting funding?  John Levy, President of the William and Scott Ruth Foundation is here to answer all of our questions! He gives some valuable advice from his experience as a foundation president and as a previous non-profit CEO. Listen now to hear how a good partnership with a Community Foundation can strengthen your organization.

Find out more about HETRA Mentoring at www.HETRAUniversity.org

This episode is sponsored in part by Equi-Force. Find out more at www. equi-force.org

This episode is also sponsored in part by Equicizer. Find out more at www.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!

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

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

Everyone has heard of the different “learning styles”, we may know what they are - auditory, visual and kinesthetic - but how do we actually apply that information?  in this episode we discuss specific examples of how it applies to teaching participants in the arena and how using a combination of different styles can really help participants progress more quickly! 

Get more information about the ‘Tap into Their Potential: Helping Participants who are Neurodivergent” mini course here.  Enter your email now to stay in the know, course launches January 1st! 

https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/NeurodivergentEducation

Find your Learning Style: http://www.educationplanner.org/students/self-assessments/learning-styles

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:   https://notjustaponyride.ck.page/3d704a234e

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

Events, campaigns, grants, sponsorships, donors… there are so many ways to fund your mission! How do you choose what is best for you center?  Edye Godden, CEO of HETRA and Angie Connell, Development Director at HETRA discuss the pro’s and con’s of each including how we use the different sectors of funding to ensure a good foundation for our organization.

Find out more about our consulting services at www.hetrauniversity.org

Help us work toward our mission with a donation: https://www.classy.org/give/168754/#!/donation/checkout

This episode is sponsored in part by Equi-Force. Find out more at www. equi-force.org

This episode is also sponsored in part by Equicizer. Find out more at www.equicizer.com

Episode 23: PART TWO: Equine Assisted Learning:  What’s the line between EAL and Therapy?

Did you catch PART ONE of this series?  This is part two of an amazing series on Equine Assisted Learning from two experts in our field, Debbie Anderson and Blair McKissock of Strides to Success.  In this episode we hear a quick and effective way to tell if you are crossing the line from EAL into therapy with some great examples. They also help answer questions like how to get started in EAL and what responsibilities you have as a facilitator. Find out how Debbie and Blair are helping to build informed practitioners with a creative tool box of things to help them in the arena.

Debbie Anderson ESMHL CTRI, Executive Director & Co-Founder of Strides to Success. Debbie has served in the animal assisted therapy industry for over 30 years. Debbie loves to serve as the welcome mat for people that are new to EAL.  She  loves to listen to their vision and lend them any experience that maybe helpful and guide them to resources that will help them make their dream a reality.

Blair McKissock PhD ESMHL, CTRI, CTRS and director or HorseWork Education at Strides to Success.  Blair has been in the field of human-animal interaction and experiential education for over 20 years. She earned her BS in Recreation Therapy and her MS in Education and has a PhD in EcoPsychology.  She is also the chair of the equine facilitated learning (EAL) community for PATH and works nationally to establish standards in EAL.

Check out everything Strides has to offer at https://stridestosuccess.org/

Lucy Charvat, HETRA Grant Manager is here to help make the grant process less mysterious! Listen now to hear more on: 

Finding Grants

Applying for Grants

The Art of Story Telling

Grant Reporting and much more!

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 that go into budgeting including cost per session and much much more.

Get more information about HETRA mentoring here:  www.HETRAUniversity.org

Submit topic suggestions and questions here:  https://www.tfaforms.com/4952203

 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 when it comes to marketing. Get access to HETRA’s photo policies on our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride

The Omaha Equestrian Foundation is a non-profit foundation in the Omaha area that has an HUGE impact.  Julie shares how the OEF does that through their large scale events, educational offerings and partnerships with other non-profits.  She shares advice on how local foundations can help your organization as well as how you could start an OEF of your own! Check out more about the OEF including opportunity for The International and World Cup coming soon to Omaha!  https://omahaequestrian.org/

This episode is sponsored in part by Equi-Force. Find out more at www. equi-force.org

This episode is also sponsored in part by Equicizer. Find out more at www.equicizer.com

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 that will apply to us in Equine Assisted Services, and highlights some teaching strategies that can help our participants with Down Syndrome be as successful as possible with their equine partners. 

Other Episodes in the Series:

Understanding Cerebral Palsy:  ⁠https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/nVpBW0Wl0Gb⁠

Understanding ADHD: ⁠https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/8xoTJXWl0Gb⁠

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

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

References: 

• CDC Statistics: de Graaf G, Buckley F, Skotko B. People living with Down syndrome in the USA: BIRTHS AND POPULATION. May 2022. https://go.dselink.net/us-population-factsheet.&nbsp
• Visual Impairment Stats:  Creavin, A.L., & Brown, R.D. (2009). Ophthalmic abnormalities in children with Down syndrome. Journal of Pediatrics Ophthalmology and Strabismus, 46, 46-82.
• Hearing Loss Stats:  Shott, S.R. (2006). Down Syndrome:  Common otolaryngologic manifestations. American Journal of Medicinal Genetics Part C (Seminars in Medical Genetics) 142C, 131-140.
• Accelerated Aging Stats:  Lott, I.T., & Dierssen, M. (2010). Cognitive deficits an associated neurological complications in individuals with Down Syndrome.  The Lancet Neurology, 9, 623-633.
• AAI Information:  Cohen, W.I., for the Down Syndrome Medical Insterest Group. (1999). Health care guidelines for individuals with Down syndrome. Down Syndrome Quarterly, 4, 1-15.

Welcome to our brand-new podcast! For our first episode, Kaiti King sits down with HETRA's CEO, Edye Godden, to talk about the different programs that HETRA has to offer the community and why what we offer our participants is "Not Just A Pony Ride." 

Edye started with at HETRA in 1991 as a volunteer, and was made the Executive Director soon after. She was certified as an instructor in 1995, and received her Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist Certification in 2016. Edye has a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University. In 2007, she was awarded the PATH, Intl. Region 7 Instructor of the Year Award. In 2013, Edye received the “Caring for Others” award from Woodmen of the World.

The "Not Just A Pony Ride" podcast is produced by HETRA University. At HETRA, we are committed to providing high-quality education and programming to our participants and community, but that commitment isn't restricted to the boundaries of the HETRA campus. Now, our Instructors and Therapists can share their wealth of knowledge with you in your very own home! Check out www.HETRAUniversity.org to see all that we have to offer. 

This episode of the "Not Just A Pony Ride" podcast is sponsored by Equi-Force. Find out more about at www.equi-force.org

Episode 33:  Helping Children with Complex Trauma Needs with Rebecca Britt of Stable Moments

This episode features Rebecca Britt, creator of Stable Moments, a unique Equine-Assisted Mentorship program for children in foster care and those with complex developmental trauma.  Developmental Trauma is trauma that happens in the first core years of development of a child’s life that can yield a variety of difficulties as those kids grow and develop including social-emotional, cognitive and behavioral struggles. Rebecca explains why children with these needs respond so greatly to working with horses and how her program helps meet those needs.  Listen now to hear all the details of her program development and how it can work for you!

Free webinar: https://www.stablemoments.com/EAL

Stable Moments book: https://www.stablemoments.com/store

This episode is sponsored in part by Equi-Force. Find out more at www. equi-force.org

This episode is also sponsored in part by Equicizer. Find out more at www.equicizer.com

This is a special edition of the Not Just a Pony Ride Podcast, a short story series: Tales from the Rail. Meet Nikola!  His mom, Alexie shares his progress and funny things they appreciate about their time at HETRA.  “As he gets older especially it's so important for him to experience therapy in a fun way. He has lots of challenges in life and this is something special for him.”

Support Team Nikola with his Drive to Ride campaign here: https://www.classy.org/team/376025

Q&A:  What are some good activities for an EAL Parkinson’s Disease group? with Kelly Baulisch

On this short episode, we answer a question from our audience! We recently had a question that read:  “Looking for ideas for unmounted activities for a Parkinson's group (8-10 participants), several will be in wheelchairs.  We have an accessible grooming ramp but looking for activities in addition to grooming.  Activities can address:  Life skills; socialization, safety and having choices.  Vocational skills by following direction and completing tasks.  Fine and gross motor skills with grooming and barn work.  Looking for safe ideas that include horse-human interaction/connection for individuals that have limited mobility.  They would like programming to last about one hour Program will be facilited by PATH ESMHL.”  Thank you for your question Terri!

Listen now to hear Kaiti and Kelly Baulisch, a licensed mental health practitioner share their thoughts! Chime in with your own advice at the ‘Not Just a Pony Ride’ Facebook page now!

Have a question for Q&A? Click here:  https://www.tfaforms.com/4952203

Meet Londyn!  Her mom, Whitney, shares the joys of their 3 year long relationship with HETRA and all of the gains Londyn has made with communication, strength, confidence and more!

Support Team Londyn with their Drive to Ride campaign here: https://www.classy.org/team/377005

Megan is an active duty military member and a mother to 3 beautiful children.  After experiencing the sudden loss of her son, Megan found herself at HETRA looking for peace. In this episode, Megan shares with us how horses have impacted her life and how she continues to grow with their help.  Kelli Hatzenbueler, mental health therapist, is also here to discuss the types of programming they did together and exactly how she saw Megan grow during her time with us.

Learn more about the type of program Megan participated in with Kelli’s webinar, “Wellness Coaching in the Equine Environment”. Find it here:   https://hetra.org/programs/hetra-university/register-for-webinars.html

Help us work toward our mission with a donation: https://www.classy.org/give/168754/#!/donation/checkout

This episode is sponsored in part by Equi-Force. Find out more at www. equi-force.org

This episode is also sponsored in part by Equicizer. Find out more at www.equicizer.com

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 a book and founded a method called “Protector Leadership”  with helping horses feel safe as the foundation. 

In PART ONE you can expect to hear several things including 3 of Lynn’s 7 point checklist for helping horses feel safe. Stay tuned for the next episode to hear part two.

Expect to hear: 

• List of characteristics to help horses feel safe: (1) Human Body Language (2) Watching for Equine Emotions (3) Using ‘Learning Modes’ to engage desired response.
• Social leadership, herd dynamics and why who you THINK might be the leader, might not be.
• Thoughts on round penning
• Alternatives to the traditional “pressure-release” model of training.
• Thoughts on desensitization, integrating horses to new environments

Get more from Lynn at www.lynnacton.com

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

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 live recording of the podcast and ended up with this gem of an episode.  You will hear some amazing perspectives on what does “It’s not just a pony ride” mean to you.  We had professionals from all walks of the EAS life chime in and boy was it inspiring.  This is a great episode to share with someone in your life that wants to know more about what we do and feel the passion that comes a long with it.  Thank you to all who participated in this group!

Special shout out to the following centers mentioned by their staff: 

Equest

Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship

Holistic Riding Equestrian Therapy

Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship http

This episode is sponsored by Freedom Rider:  https://freedomrider.com/

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 changes in our participant, the reality is sometimes we can’t always ride.  In order to keep our participants engaged and continuing their progress we need to come up with an alternative. It’s not that complicated, what tasks do we do everyday with our horses that we could teach our participants? With the proper tools, all instructors and therapists should be empowered to turn everyday tasks into lesson plans when we need a plan B. 

Get the horse communication curriculum FREE here:  https://notjustaponyride.ck.page/d083633d85

Patreon subscription for free access to additional ground programming curriculum: https://www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride

Energize and Mobilize Exercise Series:  https://www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride/shop

Learn more about the Equicizer we use often for alternative programming here: https://equicizer.com/

This episode is proudly sponsored by Stable Moments:  EAL for Complex Trauma. https://www.stablemoments.com/

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

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 Instructor and an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning!

In this episode expect to hear: 

• Benefits of Carriage Driving
• Different variables we can manipulate with Carriage Driving to increase/decrease the challenge. 
• Programming Requirements and Barriers to a Carriage Driving Program
• Current Status of the Carriage Driving Program Availability 
• Advice and what to look for in a mentor for Carriage Driving 
• The certification process to become a Therapeutic Carriage Driving Instructor through PATH Intl. 

TUNE IN NEXT WEEK to hear:

• Becoming an ‘able bodied whip’ 
• What makes a good carriage driving horse?
• Adaptations to driving tack for success
• Wheelchair accessible carts
• Emergency dismount procedures 
• Precautions/Contraindications for Carriage Driving

Amy Causey is currently the Director of Program Quality & Development at Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship in Dallas, TX.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in Equine Science from Colorado State University and ran her own horse training business prior to entering the therapeutic riding industry.  Amy is a United States Equestrian Federation licensed judge in the Arabian, hunter, jumper, and hunt seat equitation divisions and enjoys officiating as well as coaching riders at horse shows. 

Get in touch with Amy and for more from Equest at www.equest.org

Get the first 100 episodes categorized here!:  https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/TheFirst100

Get all the details and to register for the Equine Welfare Workshop here:  https://hetra.org/education/pre-conference-hetra-university-live.html

This episode is proudly sponsored by Jonathan Killian of Killian Insurance:  www.farmequineinsurance.com

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

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 and learning from each other in the industry. 

Expect to hear:

• Challenges HETRA has experienced and what challenges Edye foresees for EAS industry as a whole including horses, donations, grant funding and volunteer recruitment. 
• Thoughts on how HETRA has grown without adding additional staff time or arena space requirements
• Why does HETRA focus so much on education?

Tell us about YOUR 2023 here!

Resources mentioned:

Mini Webinar:

Finding Grants Podcast Episode

Sign up for the Equine Strategic Planning Webinar here:  https://www.tfaforms.com/4851528

What an honor it is to have Amberley on our show, if you know rodeo then odds are you know this wonderful woman!  In this episode, the cool and confident Amberley Snyder shares her story with us and how she has learned to advocate for herself and others along her journey.  Learn more about Amberley and reach out to her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter @AmberleySnyder

Amberley was born in California as the second to six children. Amberley fell in love with horses at a young age and began barrel racing when her family moved to Utah at the age of 7. She competed in junior rodeos and up into high school, winning multiple titles and awards. Her senior year she finished as the National Little Britches World All-Around Cowgirl. Amberley was also serving as the Utah FFA State President in 2009. In January of 2010, Amberley was involved in a rollover truck accident, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. Eighteen months after that day, with a seatbelt on her saddle, she returned to competing in rodeo. She now competes in the Women's Professional Rodeo Association in barrel racing. Amberley has earned her place competing amongst professional barrel racers and has won multiple awards with the Cowboy and Cowgirl Hall of Fames. In 2018, Netflix released a movie based on her life titled Walk Ride Rodeo where Amberley was able to be her own stunt double for the film. Amberley shares her story of triumph over tragedy hoping she can motivate others to believe in themselves and get back on the horse.

Help us work toward our mission with a donation: https://www.classy.org/give/168754/#!/donation/checkout

This episode is sponsored in part by Equi-Force. Find out more at www. equi-force.org

This episode is also sponsored in part by Equicizer. Find out more at www.equicizer.com

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 even more serious because of the inherent risk present in our facilities. We don’t want participants darting into an open arena with lessons happening, wandering into pens with loose horses, stalls, equipment sheds those types of things and we need to #1 bring awareness to how we are preventing access to unsafe situations, but #2 learn more about elopement and how we can help keep everyone safe if that is something we know might happen.

Get the Functions of Behavior Handout: https://notjustaponyride.ck.page/a8b7c28339

Sensory & Behavior:  https://vimeo.com/ondemand/sensoryandbehavior

Understanding Autism in EAS: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/autismineas

Resistance to the Horse:  https://vimeo.com/ondemand/resistancetothehorse

This episode is proudly sponsored by Stable Moments:  EAL for Complex Trauma. https://www.stablemoments.com/

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

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 limits is a hot topic that can be very complicated, especially in the EAS realm.  In this episode you will learn how HETRA sets weight limits and why we feel it is so important.  Shelby covers some pivotal things to keep in mind, some tips, and even covers two examples.  See the photos from the examples Shelby covered in the ‘Not Just a Pony Ride’ Facebook page!

Find out more about HETRA Mentoring at www.HETRAUniversity.org

This episode is sponsored in part by Equi-Force. Find out more at www. equi-force.org

This episode is also sponsored in part by Equicizer. Find out more at www.equicizer.com

Erin is a lifelong horse woman and very accomplished professional in the equine and EAS world.  She is sharing her advice for folks on their journey to becoming involved!  

• Importance of taking risks and being open-minded. 
• Tips on networking with the right people
• EAS Horse burnout and education for prevention
• Benefits of 3 types of “paths” to instructorship: Internal mentorship, external mentorship and higher education
• More information about William Woods University including their hopeful program training and desensitizing horses for other EAS centers. 

Dr. Erin Cardea is the Dean of Equestrian Studies and the Equine-Assisted Services instructor at William Woods University in Fulton, MO.  She is a Master Instructor, Certifier, and Lead Site Visitor for the Certified Horsemanship Association and is an Advanced Therapeutic Riding Instructor with PATH International. She also holds qualifications with the British Horse Society and the German National Equestrian Federation.

Get connected with Dr. Cardea and William Woods at www.williamwoods.edu/eqs

Get all the details and to register for the Equine Welfare Workshop here:   https://hetra.org/education/pre-conference-hetra-university-live.html

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

In this episode, three long-time HETRA favorites, Edye Godden, CEO, Erin Bevington, COO and Katherine Smith, Project Manager, speak on growing our organization from one participant and a handful of volunteers to a flourishing business.  Together, their 60+ years of experience with HETRA provide invaluable insight and advice. They talk about all the big transitions HETRA has gone through and the leaps of faith required to get to where we are today.

Interested in consulting from HETRA? Fill out this form to get started:  https://www.tfaforms.com/4890916

Help us work toward our mission with a donation: https://www.classy.org/give/168754/#!/donation/checkout

This episode is sponsored in part by Equi-Force. Find out more at www. equi-force.org

This episode is also sponsored in part by Equicizer. Find out more at www.equicizer.com

Lynn Thomas, Founder of ARCH and Lynn Moore, an ARCH professional share their passion for this association and how helpful the ARCH framework can be in helping their mental health clients go deeper, faster in the equine-assisted environment. Arenas for Change (ARCH) is a friendly, inclusive, supportive learning community, especially for therapists, transformational coaches, educators and equine professionals who are interested in applying story tools incorporating horses, other animals, and nature in their sessions, whether in an arena, an office, or online.  They offer both a community membership as well as certification options for a variety of professionals in an accessible, affordable way.  

Learn more about ARCH: https://arenasforchange.com/

Check out Lynn Moore’s center, Acres for Life:  https://www.acresforlife.org/

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 this organization has to offer professionals and how to get certified!

www.eagala.org

Link to the FULL EPISODE:  https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/317-equine-assisted-therapy-in-ot-and-ptThis week’s episode is a collaboration with some very special folks.  Rachel Harrington and Jessica Hill, are two Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants who, in partnership with Harkla, have a podcast called “All things Sensory”.  On their podcast they answer questions related to all things sensory, occupational therapy, parenting, self-care, nutrition, and health, all  from a therapist’s perspective. If you want to know more about working with children who have sensory processing disorder—they are a WEALTH of information. In episode #317 [of the All Things Sensory Podcast] you will learn about the basics of what makes therapy partnering with horses unique and how HETRA does it differently.  Together Renee and I explain: 

• What a typical session looks like
• The evaluation process for our therapy participants 
• Details about the horses that work in our programs both physically and mentally.
• Pro’s & Con’s to this type of therapy and so much more! 

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 Master Instructor, Interactive Vaulting Instructor, Therapeutic Driving Instructor and an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning!

In this episode expect to hear: 

• Becoming an ‘able bodied whip’ 
• What makes a good carriage driving horse?
• Adaptations to driving tack for success
• Wheelchair accessible carts
• Emergency dismount procedures 
• Precautions/Contraindications for Carriage Driving

Amy Causey is currently the Director of Program Quality & Development at Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship in Dallas, TX.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in Equine Science from Colorado State University and ran her own horse training business prior to entering the therapeutic riding industry.  Amy is a United States Equestrian Federation licensed judge in the Arabian, hunter, jumper, and hunt seat equitation divisions and enjoys officiating as well as coaching riders at horse shows. 

Get in touch with Amy and for more from Equest at www.equest.org

Get in on the FREE lunch and learn to learn more about Equine Welfare Programs here: https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/pl/2148644161

This episode is proudly sponsored by Jonathan Killian of Killian Insurance:  www.farmequineinsurance.com

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

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; thus allowing students see and experience reading with their entire mind, body and emotions by creating metaphors for the skills involved in reading. Students interact with horses from the ground, while using toys and props to identify obstacles and learn five critical reading skills - phonemic awareness, decoding, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.

Learn more at www.horsepoweredreading.com

Check out our brand new PATREON!  https://www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride

This episode is sponsored by Stable Moments, https://www.stablemoments.com/

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 such a great opportunity.  A packed episode with Kelly Kreiter Penning, the executive director at New Kingdom Trailriders, Dionne Newton, Chair of the PATH Intl. Membership Outreach Committee and two award winners that are near and dear to us, Shelby Schult and Cassidy Fredrickson!

Join us for a global conversation!  Vera, the President of HETI is here to talk to us today about the importance of connection with other professionals, not only locally, but on an international scale.  We discuss what HETI has to offer it’s members as well as what sort of challenges and successes she has seen on a global scale for the EAS community.  

Learn more about the Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International:  https://hetifederation.org/

Learn more about the Leadership Adventures EAL Summit here:   https://www.equineassistedlearning.org/

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

Did you know there is a foundation dedicated strictly to research within the Equine Assisted Services community?  Well now you do! Meet the HHRF and learn what they can do for you including grant funding, networking, free education and so much more. Pebbles tells us about what research is trending, what is being funded, the process of applying and reviewing HHRF grant applications as well as networking, education and their annual conference information.

www.horsesandhumans.org

Free Webinars and more on their YouTube here:  https://www.youtube.com/c/HorsesandHumansResearchFoundation

Check them out on Facebook @HHRForg

This episode is sponsored in part by Equi-Force. Find out more at www. equi-force.org

This episode is also sponsored in part by Equicizer. Find out more at www.equicizer.com

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

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 explains the benefits, challenges and potential skill areas that she can target while mounted! 

Check out our brand new PATREON!  https://www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride

This episode is sponsored by Stable Moments, https://www.stablemoments.com/

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 speaks to how the horses help his participants and how he sees his guys grow from start to finish of the immersive and intensive 10-week program.  His organization is a 501c3 non-profit that provides vocational training to veterans pursuing a career in the ranching industry. This program is free of cost and offers a unique and successful way for veterans to find a new job and passion after serving in the military.

www.bearhugcattlecompany.org or on Instagram @bearhugcattlecompany

What the heck is Gestalt? Melisa Pearce, creator of the Equine Gestalt Coaching Method and founder of Touched By a Horse is here to explain it!  This form of mental health practice is completely different than anything we’ve talked about on the show before.  Melisa’s method truly uses horses as a coach to help clients become aware of their experiences and release emotional and physical energy of past wounds.  It is not a form of “talk-therapy”, and it is not a series of “activities”. Equine Gestalt Coaching is truly an experiential process of partnering with horses to build self-awareness and release emotional and physical energy that keeps you from living a full and authentic life.

Learn more about Melisa Pearce and her method at www.touchedbyahorse.com

Her book “What the Heck is Gestalt?” and more here:  https://touchedhorse.myshopify.com/

Touched by a Horse Podcast:  https://touchedbyahorse.com/touched-by-a-horse-podcast/

This episode is sponsored in part by Equi-Force. Find out more at www. equi-force.org

This episode is also sponsored in part by Equicizer. Find out more at www.equicizer.com

Meet Alpine! Her mom, Teri shares the incredible progress Alpine has made with HETRA on her rehabilitation journey. Alpine and her horse Leroy have an incredible bond that has helped her get stronger physically, mentally and emotionally.  Listen to her story now! Support Team Alpine with her Drive to Ride campaign here:  https://www.classy.org/team/379231

Have you ever wondered how chiropractic care benefits horses? What all does it entail?  How do they do it? Dr. Cass Thielen is here to answer all your questions!  90% of the brain’s input comes from movement.  When movement is strained in some way it creates pain and tension throughout the body.  Restoring a horse’s natural movement through chiropractic care essentially helps the body heal itself! Listen now to learn more about why it’s so important to keep the biomechanics of our therapy horse’s in tip top shape!

Get the video and handout of ‘carrot stretches’ from today’s episode on the private, Not Just a Pony Ride Facebook group or check out Stride to Life Chiropractic too!

This episode is sponsored in part by Equi-Force. Find out more at www. equi-force.org

This episode is also sponsored in part by Equicizer. Find out more at www.equicizer.com

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 with other people, animals and nature.  Listen in to hear Daniel’s take on the “Theory of Change” and why coming together can be so healing.Check out The Common Ground Project here:  https://www.thecommongroundproject.us/

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 creating an inclusive environment including focusing on strength based language.  We have an important discussion about “masking” and “stimming” and Steph provides her personal perspectives and experience with self-advocacy under the neurodivergent umbrella.   Reach Steph at stephie.pharr@gmail.com Sign up for “Equine Strategic Planning” LIVE webinar scheduled on January 11th, here:  https://www.tfaforms.com/4851528 Join us for HETRA University Live! All the details here: https://hetra.org/education/pre-conference-hetra-university-live.html This episode is sponsored by Freedom Rider:  https://freedomrider.com/

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 “emerging communicators”. Emily Harringon is a Speech-Language Pathologist that is currently working toward her PhD. She is researching this population of communicators and is going to share her wisdom with us in this episode! 

Expect to hear: 

• How do we tell if my participant doesn’t understand me or if they just don’t want to?
• How can I help my participants that aren’t speaking yet?
• Specific tips on how to model, scale and assist participants struggling with early communication. 
• Discussion about behaviors as communication and how to troubleshoot the meaning. 

Follow us on social:  ⁠https://notjustaponyride.my.canva.site/linkinbio⁠ This episode is proudly sponsored by Equicizer: https://equicizer.com/

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 order to help our participants with ADHD be as successful as possible with their equine partners. Enjoy the “Learning Styles and Teaching Strategies” Webinar for free at  https://www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride

Let’s kick off the new year and season two of the podcast on the right foot!  CEO of HETRA, Edye Godden, talks with us about planning for 2022.  She encourages us to not get bogged down by scary words like ‘strategic planning’ and think of it more as a roadmap for success!  She tells us how HETRA continues to meet goals every year including tips for staff assessments, setting personal and professional goals as well as how delegating tasks and using measurable goals prevents burn out and creates accountability for a successful staff team.

Don't forget to join the exclusive 'Not Just a Pony Ride' Facebook group! 

Suggestions for topics or guests?  Click here https://www.tfaforms.com/4879753

Ed Armstrong is the Coordinator of Adaptive Sports and Recreation at QLI here in Omaha. Today we discuss the importance of recreation and alternative therapies.  HETRA and QLI have partnered several times to help people get back to riding or start to enjoy riding after a life changing injury or accident.  Together Ed and I discuss the emotional journey that rehabilitation can be and the importance of getting back to things that make you feel good again no matter what it is!  Even riding an Equicizer with virtual reality goggles!

Learn more about QLI here: www.https://teamqli.com/

Help us work toward our mission with a donation: https://www.classy.org/give/168754/#!/donation/checkout

This episode is sponsored in part by Equi-Force. Find out more at www. equi-force.org

This episode is also sponsored in part by Equicizer. Find out more at www.equicizer.com