Not Just A Pony Ride

Hosted by HETRA

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176

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Ever wanted to know more about Equine-Assisted Services (EAS) and Therapies? Join us as we explore the industry. Hear valuable education for instructors & therapists, insight into business strategies, and all the reasons why horses are so impactful for our mental & physical health. This podcast is presented by Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA), with over 35 years of experience in the EAS industry. Get all of our resources here: https://notjustaponyride.my.canva.site/linkinbio

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October 30, 202623 min

169. Navigating Equine End of Life: A Guide for EAS Centers

Navigating the end-of-life journey for a horse is one of the most challenging yet essential responsibilities horse owners, caregivers, and equine professionals face. In this episode of Not Just A Pony Ride, we are joined by guest Shelby Schult for a compassionate and insightful conversation on equine end-of-life planning.Together, we explore how to recognize quality-of-life indicators, establish objective benchmarks for humane decision-making, and navigate the practical and emotional steps involved in saying goodbye. Whether you're currently caring for an aging horse or simply want to be prepared for the future, Shelby shares valuable guidance to help you navigate these moments with clarity, grace, and peace of mind.Key Takeaways & Highlights:Meet Shelby Schult: Background and insights on supporting horse owners through end-of-life considerations.Recognizing Quality of Life: Key physical and behavioral indicators to monitor comfort, mobility, and overall well-being.Objective Decision-Making: How to work with your veterinarian and care team to determine when it's time to make the call.Logistical Preparedness: Planning burial, cremation, or rendering options in advance to alleviate stress during a crisis.Navigating Grief & Herd Dynamics: Managing emotional loss, supporting remaining herd members, and honoring your horse's legacy.Resources & Links:🎧 Subscribe & Listen: Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!🌐 Learn More: Check out our website and full resource libraryhttps://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/HETRAUniversity

October 16, 202626 min

168. Stall 'n Treat: Community, Costumes & Horses

Welcome to Episode 168 of the HETRA Podcast! In this episode, we dive into one of our favorite annual community events: Stall 'n Treat.Join us as we discuss how combining festive costumes, horse-loving community members, and inclusive fun creates a safe, memorable, and accessible environment for our participants, families, and supporters. Whether you are curious about organizing inclusive community events or want a peek behind the scenes at HETRA, this episode is packed with inspiration!What You'll Learn in This Episode:Community Engagement: How events like Stall 'n Treat strengthen connections between participants, families, and volunteers.Creating Inclusive Events: Tips for hosting accessible, sensory-friendly community gatherings around horses.Costumes & Horses: How to ensure safety, comfort, and fun for the horses and participants during festive activities.Behind the Scenes at HETRA: The preparation and teamwork required to bring large community events to life.🚨HETRA University Live: October 24th, 20268:00am-5:00pmSt. Charles Illinois Register Here: https://pci.jotform.com/form/252226497568166 Resources & Links:🎧 Subscribe & Listen: Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!🌐 Learn More: Check out our website and full resource libraryhttps://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/HETRAUniversity

October 2, 202616 min

167. The Purpose of the Pause: Session Break Weeks

In this episode of the Not Just A Pony Ride Podcast, we dive into the strategy and importance behind Session Break Weeks in adaptive riding and equine-assisted service programs. Taking an intentional pause isn't just about taking time off, it's a critical tool for maintaining high standards of care, preventing team burnout, and ensuring long-term sustainability for both staff and our hard-working therapy horses. In this episode, we cover: Preventing Burnout: Why scheduled breaks are essential for instructors, therapists, and volunteers to rest and recharge. Equine Welfare: Giving our therapy herd dedicated downtime to rest, undergo routine care, and stay mentally fresh. Program Strategy: Using break weeks for team meetings, continuing education, and administrative catch-up. Maintaining Quality: How intentional pauses directly improve rider outcomes and session consistency. 🚨HETRA University Live: October 24th, 2026 8:00am-5:00pm St. Charles Illinois Register Here: https://pci.jotform.com/form/252226497568166 Resources & Links: 🎧 Subscribe & Listen: Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode! 🌐 Learn More: Check out our website and full resource libraryhttps://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/HETRAUniversity

September 25, 20267 min

Short 166. What is HETRA University Live?

Curious about HETRA University Live? Join us in this quick episode of the Not Just A Pony Ride Podcast as we explain what HETRA University Live is and why it's a valuable resource for all EAS professionals!Register Now for our upcoming HETRA University Live!📍 Where: Honey Bridge Ranch- Home of HorsePower Therapeutic Riding in St. Charles, Illinois 📅 Date: October 24th⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM🎟️ Early Bird Registration: $60https://pci.jotform.com/form/252226497568166

September 18, 202646 min

165. The Balancing Act: Being a Part-Time CTRI

Wearing multiple hats is a challenge familiar to so many in the Equine Assisted Services community, yet it’s something that isn’t talked about enough. Whether you’re full-time, part-time, or a dedicated volunteer, balancing your roles takes heart and intentionality. In this episode of the Not Just A Pony Ride Podcast, we dive into the real world experiences, strategies, and unique rewards of serving as a part-time Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI). Whether you are juggling a separate full-time career, managing family commitments, or stepping into adaptive riding instruction on a flexible schedule, balancing your passion for equine-assisted activities with personal boundaries is key. Key Topics Covered •The Part-Time Perspective: Why many instructors choose a part-time path in therapeutic riding and the unique advantages it brings to both instructors and centers. •Balancing Work & Life: Tactical tips for managing your schedule, avoiding burnout, and maintaining energy for every lesson. •Continuing Education & Growth: How to keep your CTRI credentials current and continually develop teaching skills on a part-time schedule. •Building Strong Connections: Effective ways to stay integrated with your center's team, volunteers, and riders when you aren't on-site full-time. Looking for continuing education units (CEUs) to keep your knowledge fresh and your certification up to date? This one day event is an incredible opportunity you won’t want to miss! While HETRA has hosted many conferences at our main site in Nebraska and traveled across the country to present for PATH Int'l, AHA, and HHRF, we are now taking our education on the road to you! This full-day workshop focuses entirely on Equine Welfare because our programs simply cannot thrive if our horses aren't happy, healthy, sane, and sound. Earn 7 CEUs in just 1 single day Early Bird Rate: Under $60 (that’s less than $10 per session!) Date & Time: October 24th | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Location: Honey Bridge Ranch (Home of Horsepower Therapeutic Riding), St. Charles, IL Spots are limited, so don't wait, head to the link to lock in your early bird registration today! https://pci.jotform.com/form/252226497568166

September 11, 202621 min

164. Replay- "Scheduled Ground Week"

Don't be afraid to try new things! This week on the podcast we are talking about a new policy we implemented at HETRA - scheduled "ground weeks". During this week, all participants who participate in a mounted program move to ground based activities for the week. This gives our horses a break and our participants new opportunities to grow in their skills. Listen in to hear how we implemented this new routine and what fun, different things our instructors and therapists were up to during this week! Follow us on social and plug in here: ⁠https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/HETRAUniversityLinks⁠

September 4, 202628 min

163. Do We Have to Say No? Contraindications vs. Precaution

In this episode of the Not Just A Pony Ride Podcast, we dive into navigating complex participant needs in equine-assisted services. We explore the critical distinction between a true contraindication and a precaution, examining how to evaluate safety without unnecessarily turning participants away.Key Topics Covered:•Contraindication vs. Precaution: Understanding the fundamental differences and why confusing the two can lead to unnecessary turn-aways.•Evaluating Risk & Safety: How to conduct thorough screenings and assess whether adaptions can make an activity safe.•Navigating Difficult Conversations: Practical strategies for communicating with families, riders, and medical professionals when an activity isn't suitable.•Participant-Centered Adaptations: Creative ways to modify sessions and equipment while prioritizing safety and participant well-being.Resources & Links: Keep an eye out for our webinar The Power of Partnership: Integrating Equine Partnership in Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy coming out Tuesday 9/8/2026! This webinar explores how licensed physical, occupational, and speech-language therapists integrate equine movement and ground-based activities into clinical treatment. Participants will learn to distinguish clinical therapy from adaptive riding, review critical safety protocols, contraindications, and equipment modifications, and gain practical insights into building successful clinical partnerships and referral networks.Medical History & Physician's Statement: https://www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride/posts/medical-history-168548504?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link Learn more about HETRA and equine-assisted services: https://hetra.org/education/hetra-university/overview.html Follow us on social media for updates, resources, and behind-the-scenes content!

August 14, 202624 min

162. What Exactly is Leader Practice? (and Why You Need It)

In this episode of Not Just A Pony Ride , we dive deep into What Exactly is Leader Practice, what it looks like, why it’s a game changer for your team and horses, and how implementing structured practice sessions elevates safety, skill, and confidence across your equine-assisted service program. Whether you're looking to refine horse handling consistency, boost volunteer retention, or deepen the bond and communication between horse and leader, dedicated Leader Practice is the foundational tool you might be missing. Key Takeaways from This Episode: Defining "Leader Practice": What sets dedicated leader practice apart from routine warm-ups or basic volunteer training. Benefits for the Equine Partner: How consistent practice reduces equine burnout, improves responsiveness, and keeps your program horses happy healthy sane and sound. Empowering Your Volunteers: Why providing regular, low pressure skill practice builds volunteer confidence and long-term commitment. Safety & Consistency: Creating standard handling practices across your entire program to ensure smoother sessions for instructors, participants, and sidewalkers. Actionable Tips to Get Started: Simple ways to structure and implement leader practice sessions at your facility without overwhelming your schedule. Resources & Links 🐴 See All Our On-Demand Webinars: hetrauniversity.org 🎧 Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

July 31, 202626 min

161. Bridging the Gap: Mental Health in the Arena

In this episode of Not Just A Pony Ride , we sit down with Rebecca Nichols, LMHP , to discuss an essential topic for equine-assisted service providers: navigating mental health in the arena. Rebecca breaks down the boundaries of practice, offering clear guidance on what adaptive riding instructors can and cannot do when addressing mental health concerns in participants. We explore practical strategies for managing mental health in the arena, creating safe environments, supporting participants while maintaining professional boundaries, and recognizing why an instructor's own mental well-being is critical to a safe, effective program. In this episode, we cover: The role and boundaries of adaptive riding instructors regarding mental health How to spot when mental health support is needed and how to handle it responsibly Practical approaches for managing mental health dynamics inside the arena Why our own mental health as instructors matters for our safety, focus, and sustainability Keep an eye out for Rebecca's Webinar that is coming out next week! 🚨 Need Help or Support? If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. • Call or Text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US & Canada, 24/7, free, confidential) • Text HOME to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line • International: Find support in your country at findahelpline.com Connect with HETRA:Website: https://hetra.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HETRAnebraska/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hetranebraska/If you found these strategies helpful, please leave us a review, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow EAS instructors and professionals!

July 17, 202630 min

160. Real Talk: EAS Programming for Veterans & First Responders

Welcome back to another episode of Not Just A Pony Ride, a podcast by HETRA (Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy). In this episode, we continue our powerful conversation with Brittany and Emma, diving deeper into how equine-assisted services support our Veteran community. Tune in to hear about the unique bond between veterans and horses, the profound impact of these programs on mental health and recovery, and what the future holds for veteran services at HETRA.Key Takeaways from This Episode•The Power of Connection: How horses provide a non-judgmental space that helps Veterans process trauma and build trust.•Navigating the Veteran Experience: An open discussion on the transition from military life and how our equine partners can act as a catalyst for emotional healing.•Community & Support: The vital importance of creating dedicated spaces for Veterans to connect with peers who share similar experiences.