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

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

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

In this episode, Kelli Hatzenbuehler, HETRA’s mental health therapist and project coordinator, shares how important mental health is and why horses are such a good partner for working on ourselves. Join us to hear about healthy boundaries, anxiety, energy, and how she uses the horses to teach these powerful skills and more. Kelli is a Combat Veteran of the Army National Guard in the rank of First Sergeant. She has served as the NE Army National Guard’s Resilience and Risk Reduction, Suicide Prevention Manager, and then the Military OneSource State Consultant. When she is not at HETRA running our mental health and veterans programming, Kelli enjoys spending time with her four active kids.

Check out more education from Kelli and others 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 by Equi-Force. Find out more at www.equi-force.org

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

We all have a Steady Eddy in our barn. We love them and hate to retire them, but what happens when we need to? Shelby is here to talk to us about options and how to plan for success when we retire a herd member.

Get more on Equine Strategic Planning with Shelby’s on-demand webinar:  https://vimeo.com/ondemand/equinestrategicplanning

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 are adding tools to our instructor toolbox today with another installation of Understanding Diagnoses. This episode is a little different, we aren’t going to talk about a specific diagnosis but rather something that we see most commonly as part of neurodivergent diagnoses.  Stimming. Stimming is short hand for “self-stimulating” – it’s a natural and instinctive behavior that people engage in to regulate their sensory experience. Things like hand flapping, rocking, repetitive vocalizations.  Stimming is a normal thing, but what happens when it interferes with our ability to participate safely in mounted sessions? I’m hoping this episode will help normalize stimming and help folks to understand exactly what it is and when it should or shouldn’t be addressed.

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

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

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

Barns are not meant to look like the Taj Mahal, but how the public perceives our place of business is important!  We should be advocating for our horses safety and mental health while also putting our best foot forward.  Listen to hear important things to consider when hosting any event or tour including, helpful signage, managing horse vices and unexpected safety tips.  Any person in your barn could be a potential donor, volunteer, staff member or participant, so being conscious of [what seems like minor] things is important! 

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

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

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

When grief isn't expressed or addressed, it can lead to prolonged states of depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and chronic health issues. It can also strain relationships, impair work performance, and diminish our overall quality of life.   On this episode, Sandy Lemen, Director of Programming at The Collective for Hope, is here to explain how we can help.  Anyone can provide support in this arena and it’s her hope that everyone will. Showing up and holding space without judgement, without making it about us, without "silver linings"  – with validation and companionship instead - can go a very long way.  Listen to hear how we have created a program at HETRA, in partnership with our OTD Student JJ Simons, to help fill the gap for grief support in our community with the healing help of horses.  

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

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

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

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

Sustainability and longevity of our programs is directly linked to high-quality services for our participants.  If our horses are unhappy, our programs aren’t impactful.  If our volunteers aren’t effective, our programs feel it.  If our instructors/therapists aren’t doing their best, programs are successful.  We train our horses, volunteers and staff to our standard, but how do we ACTUALLY know that they are continuing that way?  At HETRA we started doing Observation weeks!  Listen in to learn how you can implement this strategy and why it’s important no matter what size of program you have. 

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

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

PART ONE:  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:  Variety of “types” of boards How your board changes as your organization grows Thoughts on Board Term Limits How to “evaluate” your board members: “Report Cards” Setting up expectations -- and more! 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 This episode is proudly sponsored by Teaching Aids for EAS. Use code “HETRA” for 10% off your order now through May 10, 2024.  https://teachingaidsforeas.com/ Follow us on social:  https://notjustaponyride.my.canva.site/linkinbio

Cheryl Eriksen has a masters in social work and is an accomplished author, blogger and a life long learner of equine communication.  Cheryl has spent decades as an equine professional and extensively studied equine behavior and how it is influenced by what the human brings to the relationship. Through her work in the field of equine assisted psychotherapy and learning, Cheryl has seen and experienced firsthand the healing power of the horse-human relationship. In this episode expect to hear her valuable tips for facilitators including the use of ‘clean language’ for open communication and interpretation of horse behavior as well as how horses can help develop self-esteem and self-love. 

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

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

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

This week Cassidy Fredrickson is here to talk all things miniature horses. Our minis are busy at HETRA, from after school programs, mini camps, offsite visits and more!  Listen to hear about the logistics of our different programs and some important tips to consider when traveling and working with these important herd members. 

Get the PDF download of the PERSONAL SPACE Curriculum here: 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/

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

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/

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

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.

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/

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/

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/

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

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/

 Where do I even start to find good grant opportunities?  How do I get creative with keywords and grants that might apply to EAS?  How do I know if it’s even a good grant for me?  What the heck is a 990?  Get all your questions answered in this advice packed episode from a true veteran of the grant writing world, Lucy Charvat, HETRA Grant Manager and PATH Intl. CTRI. 

Resources from this episode: 

Episode 37:  All Things Grants 

Episode 38. How Can Community Foundations Strengthen Your Organization 

Episode  61. Board Management, Donor Relations and Fundraising Events

Guide Star  

Grant Station

Information about free Grant Station through PATH Intl.

Join us for HETRA University Live! All the details here: https://hetra.org/education/pre-conference-hetra-university-live.html

Become a member of our exclusive educational club at Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride

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

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/

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

Wanting to start a new program? Wanting to figure out how to maintain sustainable programming? This episode is for you!  HETRA’s Program Manager, Shelby Schult, sits down with us to discuss the art of program sustainability. Expect to hear information on: 

• Cost of programming
• Community need
• Horse Workload & Horse Selection
• Diversifying your horse herd
• Business Techniques for Success

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Evaluation of the EAS Horse

Preventing Equine Burnout 

Potential HETRA Horse Form

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

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/

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/

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/

 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/

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

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/

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

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/

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! 

 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

For 20 years, Stable Strides Farm has been helping hundreds of adults and children. SSF was created to give riders with special needs a place to become competitive and effective horse people. Although competing is not a requirement, many of our riders enjoy going to horse shows with the hope of winning tangible awards.  Listen to hear Mandy Cleveland, Founder and Program Director at SSF share how they pair their work providing adaptive riding with competition and the benefits it brings!  

Learn more at https://www.stablestridesfarm.org/

Listen to hear Anne Hindery, CEO of the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands speak about resources for nonprofits.  She shares a WEALTH of information about what nonprofits should be working toward to stay current, thriving and sustainable.  Her organization, NAM is dedicated to just that, providing education, information, advocacy and collaboration where needed.  Truly their job is to make sure organizations like us have all the tools we need for success. 

Link to NAM: https://www.nonprofitam.org/

 A much requested episode on preparing our participants for the canter!  This episode is packed with perspective from Shelby Schult, CTRI and HETRA Program Manager and Italia Rouse of Royal T Training, a professional horse trainer in the Omaha area.  Listen in to hear about HETRA’s cantering checklist and how we help both our horse and rider prepare for this big step in horsemanship!  Get the cantering checklist by subscribing to our NEW Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride Check out Italia’s Training services at https://www.theroyaltbrand.com/

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/

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/

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!

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

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

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

PART ONE:  We know that those on the Autism Spectrum experience communication differently.  Dr. Darren Olson, 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

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