In this episode, Kaiti Otte, OTD, OTR/L, PATH Intl. CTRI, builds on a topic recently explored in our Neurodivergent Mini Course—understanding how the vestibular system and gravitational insecurity can impact our participants’ experience. The question came up in our live office hours discussion that was part of the live course course. Join us for the mini course at any time if you want to better understand how to support neurodivergent participants so they can truly thrive, not just get by.
Today, we take that discussion into the arena, looking specifically at how vestibular system sensitivity can create fear of heights or movement in adaptive riding settings. As instructors, recognizing and responding to these challenges can make all the difference in helping riders feel safe, supported, and successful. We examine how to make adaptations to maximize independence in horsemanship for participants who may struggle with this sensitivity.
Join us in the Neurodivergent Mini Course now! https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/NeurodivergentEducation
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In this episode, we’re joined by Rachel Elder, PATH Intl. CTRI, CHA IRD, and Program Director at Agape in Cicero, Indiana, to explore the inner workings and far-reaching influence of Agape’s programs. Rachel shares insights into how Agape’s hippotherapy program operates through a unique hospital partnership, the interconnected nature of their equine-assisted services, and the organization’s legacy as it approaches its 40th anniversary.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Learn more about Agape and reach Rachel at www.agaperiding.org
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On this episode we are honoring World Mental Health Day. The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. I’m honored to share the work that HETRA does through our mental health services partnering with horses and on this episode to help spread the word is mental health therapist Kelli Hatzenbuehler.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, contact a mental health professional near you or call the national suicide prevention lifeline, 988.
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You have identified a potential horse for your program and you’re ready to go take a look. What you do at this initial visit is a pivotal part of setting your new herd members up for success. What do you do while you’re there? How do you do a thorough investigation of their behaviors and medical status? Join us to hear how we do it at HETRA including some policies that we have that help save time, money and keep great herd prospects coming through our barn doors!
Potential HETRA Horse Form: https://hetra.org/donate/horse-donation.html
Equine Welfare Mini Course: https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/EASEquineWelfareMiniCourse
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For many participants in equine-assisted services (EAS), challenges with memory can impact everything from following multi-step directions to staying engaged in a session. We’ll explore 10 practical, research-based tips for strengthening working memory that you can start using right away in your arena.
Register now for the Neurodivergent Mini Course: https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/NeurodivergentEducation
In this episode of Not Just a Pony Ride, we’re talking about one of the most critical skills for every Equine-Assisted Services team—emergency dismounts. Whether it’s a sudden horse reaction, a participant complication, or an environmental hazard, having a clear plan of action can make all the difference in keeping participants, volunteers, and horses safe. Expect to hear conversation around:
Creating a plan of action – why it’s essential and how to ensure every team member knows their role
Emergency Dismount Scenarios – What if your rider is independent? What if a horse is loose? What if There are other teams in the arena?
Practice & preparedness – how to build confidence so that everyone can act quickly and safely when it matters most.
Plan of Action emergency dismount example is available on Patreon!: www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride
Learn more about the EAS Workshop, HETRA University Live: Level Up and Lead! https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/hul-level-up-landing
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In this episode, we explore how a horse’s unique conformation and natural movement patterns directly influence the rider’s experience, posture, and progress. Kaiti Otte, OT will discuss why we may pair different participants with certain horses including how different diagnoses and impairments may impact those decisions.
Learn more about the EAS Workshop, HETRA University Live: Level Up and Lead! https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/hul-level-up-landing
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The world of equine-assisted services is always evolving—and sometimes that means letting go of long-standing tools we’ve relied on for years. In this episode of Not Just a Pony Ride, we dive into the recent ban on peacock stirrups, a staple in many EAS programs, and explore what this change means for safety, accessibility, and your organization’s budget. We’ll discuss:
Get our tips and example verbiage we used to apply for a grant to replace our peacock stirrups over on Patreon!: www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride
Check out options for safety stirrups and LOTS more at https://freedomrider.com/
In this replay from episode #21, we’re diving into maintaining our Steady Eddy’s. We all have them and we love them - but how do we balance keeping them happy, healthy, sane and sound with our budget? Shelby Schult, HETRA’s Program Director explains how we do that at HETRA including discussing conditioning regimens, vet work, nutrition supplements and more.
GLC Joint Supplement: https://kbchorsesupplies.com/glc-direct/
Equine Sustainability Mini Course: https://hetra.org/education/register-for-webinars.html
This episode is proudly sponsored by Freedom Rider: https://freedomrider.com/
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In this episode, we dive into the challenges of having tough conversations in the equine-assisted services industry with leadership coach Cindy Schwarz from Ears Up Leadership. Why do we avoid hard discussions, even when they’re necessary? Cindy brings clarity and compassion to the topic, exploring the impact of scarcity mindset, our deep desire to be seen as "nice," and the emotional dynamics at play in tightly knit communities. Whether you’re running a program, working on a team, or just trying to speak up more effectively, this episode is packed with insights to help you lead with integrity and courage.
In this episode, we cover:
Book recommendation from Cindy: Crucial Conversations (Amazon): https://a.co/d/10xbCFX
Reach out to Cindy and learn more about her business at Ears up Leadership: https://www.earsupleadership.com/
Learn more about HETRA University Live: Level up and Lead here: https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/HULLevelUp
This episode is proudly sponsored by Freedom Rider: https://freedomrider.com/
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In today’s episode, we’re diving into social stories — those short, purposeful narratives designed to help people better understand specific situations, events, or tasks. You’ve probably heard of them, especially in the context of supporting neurodivergent children, including those with autism, ADHD, or challenges with transitions and change. Social stories can be incredibly powerful tools — if they’re done right. But writing them isn’t just about being creative; it’s about being intentional.
That’s why today, we’re breaking down:
What to expect at your first evaluation video “social story”: https://hetra.org/programming/participant-resources/getting-started.html
Access to the Neurodivergent mini course and other HETRA University webinars: https://hetra.org/education/register-for-webinars.html
Patreon link for the social story handout: www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride
This episode is proudly sponsored by Freedom Rider: https://freedomrider.com/
Follow us on social and plug in here: https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/HETRAUniversityLinks
In this episode, we explore how meaningful experiences and community connections can bring light and joy to older adults facing life-limiting illnesses. We’re honored to highlight our partnership with the Dreamweaver Foundation, an local organization dedicated to fulfilling dreams for seniors. Together, we’ve created unforgettable moments —where horses help bridge the gap between isolation and connection.
In this episode, we’ll cover:
Learn more about the Dreamweaver Foundation here www.dreamweaver.org or @dreamweaverfoundation on Facebook and Instagram
This episode is proudly sponsored by Freedom Rider: https://freedomrider.com/
Follow us on social and plug in here: https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/HETRAUniversityLinks
In this replay from episode #61, we’re diving into a powerful roundup of non-profit wisdom with highlights from our conversation with the former ED from the Papillion Community Foundation. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is your go-to guide for aligning your mission, building the right board, and leveling up your fundraising game.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
This episode is an edited collection of Joe’s best advice, want the full conversation and more about the Papillion Community Foundation? Go back and listen to [Episode #61].
This episode is proudly sponsored by Freedom Rider: https://freedomrider.com/
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Isabela Amaral is the proud mother of Fred Ginman — a resilient boy born extremely premature, diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, who now inspires others through his story of overcoming physical challenges. Together, they co-created the children’s book “I Can, I Want To, and I Will!” — a powerful, heartwarming affirmation-based book that encourages children to believe in themselves no matter their circumstances. She believes in the power of love, creativity, and community to create a more inclusive and hopeful world.
Amazon Link to their book: https://a.co/d/6N67coRConnect with Isabela and Fred at www.empowerkidsminds.com
This episode is proudly sponsored by Freedom Rider: https://freedomrider.com/
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In this episode, HETRA CEO Edye Godden is sharing with us how HETRA manages a healthy work culture. Tune in for real-world tools and reflections to help you lead with intention and keep what matters most at the center.
Expect to hear:
Also, hear what tools we have used for staff development too!
Link for more information about HETRA University Live: https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/HULLevelUp
This episode is proudly sponsored by Freedom Rider: https://freedomrider.com/
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In this episode we are taking a look at an equine-assisted group program that specializes in helping those who are healing from eating disorders. Teresa Ryan BSN, RN is here to give us a look inside the inpatient program that partners with Take Flight Farms and Barb Cotten, LMHP - who is also on the episode - sharing about the equine programming they offer.
Tune in to hear:
Learn more about EAGALA on episode 42. Meet EAGALA! https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/MZRbOm8dzSb
Learn more about Take Flight Farms: https://omahaequestrian.org/take-flight/
Learn more about the eating disorder program at Children’s Nebraska: https://www.childrensnebraska.org/specialties/eating-disorders-program
This episode is proudly sponsored by Freedom Rider: https://freedomrider.com/
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EAS services are different than going to soccer practice or getting therapy in an outpatient clinic. When we miss a session in EAS, there are many assets still at stake- volunteer time, scheduling time, getting the horse ready, allocating resources to different places to balance work loads etc. How do we give our participants grace while protecting our sustainability?
Expect to hear:
Link to get our cancellation policy at Patreon: patreon.com/notjustaponyride
This episode is proudly sponsored by Freedom Rider: https://freedomrider.com/
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Learn all about a unique program at HETRA and how it has grown and developed in this episode with Edye Godden, OTR/L, PATH Intl. CTRI and the CEO of HETRA. We wanted a program for our participants that weren’t exactly ready to transition to adaptive riding, but wanted more independence. It could be that the participant needs skilled intervention occasionally for things like the mount/dismount, posture, position, communication, behavior or mental health — but that they are ready to learn more horsemanship skills, wallah the Group Activity Program (or GAP Program) was born!
This episode is proudly sponsored by Freedom Rider: https://freedomrider.com/
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Seasoned psychotherapist Carol Odell's memoir “Girl, Groomed: A Therapist’s Memoir of Trauma” (She Writes Press, April 22, 2025) is an unflinching exploration of her journey to confront and heal from the complex trauma of childhood sexual abuse within the world of Virginia’s equestrian show-jumping circuit. Carol shares with us the impactful ways that horses helped her heal, including her unique experience in an equine-assisted therapy program.
57. Polyvagal Theory: The Science of Feelings Safe & Equine Connection: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/sCq6DZecuSb
Connect with Carol Odell and get her book, “Girl Groomed: A Therapist’s Memoir of Trauma” at www.carolodellmsw.com
This episode is proudly sponsored by Freedom Rider: https://freedomrider.com/
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Part of managing our horses physical and mental health during lessons is making sure our participants are prepared for their next jump in horsemanship. Let’s talk about when to introduce the bit and bridle! How do we stay fair to our horses while helping our participants improve their independence? Expect to hear:
NEW Mini Course Launching May 1st! Equine Welfare: Sustainability & Success - learn more and register now here: https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/EASEquineWelfareMiniCourse
Get the Level 2 Participant Skill checklist with a subscription to Patreon, learn more here: patreon.com/notjustaponyride
This episode is proudly sponsored by Freedom Rider: https://freedomrider.com/
Follow us on social and plug in here: https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/HETRAUniversityLinks