Not Just A Pony Ride

Hosted by HETRA

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169

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Aug 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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60 recent

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.

July 3, 202620 min

159. Replay- Understanding Diagnoses: What is Stimming?

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: Unbridled Potential: Support for Neurodivergent Participants in EAS.Click here: https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/VvA4ezUS

June 20, 202636 min

158. Funding Dreams: A Look Inside Our Annual Fundraiser

In this episode of Not Just A Pony Ride , we are pulling back the curtain on our biggest and most anticipated event of the year! We sit down with Noah and Kalynn for an exclusive, inside look at everything Blue Jeans & Dreams . Whether you are a HETRA supporter or a fellow therapeutic riding center looking for ideas for your own event, this episode is packed with value. Join us as we talk about what it takes to bring this incredible fundraiser to life, why it is so vital to our mission, and how the community's support directly impacts our participants and therapy herd. From the heart behind the event to our actual run of show and practical tips and tricks for putting on a successful fundraiser, Noah and Kalynn break down how we are working together to fund dreams. Pull up a chair and let's talk Blue Jeans & Dreams! 🐴 What We Cover in This Episode: The Magic of Blue Jeans & Dreams: A look at the history, energy, and mission behind HETRA's premier annual fundraiser. Behind the Scenes with Noah & Kalynn: Inside stories, prep work, and what makes this event so special. Fundraising Tips & Tricks: Actionable insights and takeaways for other centers looking to design and execute their own large scale events. The Run of Show: How we structure the fundraiser to maximize impact, keep engagement high, and successfully fund dreams.

June 5, 202618 min

157. A New Chapter: Welcoming Emma

Change is in the air, and we couldn't be more excited! In this episode, we are pulling back the curtain to introduce the newest voice behind the mic. Join us as we officially welcome Emma to the team as our new podcast host!We sit down with Emma to talk about her background, her passion for Equine-Assisted Services (EAS), and what she is most looking forward to bringing to the show. Whether you are an industry professional, a dedicated volunteer, or a long-time listener, tune in to help us give Emma a warm welcome to the community!Follow us on social and plug in here: https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/...

May 22, 202655 min

156. EAS & Research: Better Together

In this episode we sit down with a powerhouse panel of researchers and practitioners to talk about a groundbreaking, high risk study breaking down the silos in Equine-Assisted Services (EAS). Funded by the Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF), this study is the very first to measure real time neurophysiological brain activity in children with autism while on horseback, while simultaneously tracking the physiology of both the horse and the horse leader. Our guests discuss the incredible value of participatory research, how data driven outcomes are reshaping everyday center programming, and why "humble curiosity" is the secret sauce to successful academic and practitioner partnerships. 🎙️ Meet the Guests Tamara Merritt – Director of Program Innovation and Research at Hearts and Horses (Loveland, CO) Dr. Corey Smith – Associate Professor at Baylor University specializing in neurophysiological monitoring Dr. Claire Thomas-Pino – Senior Lecturer at Hartpury University (UK), Chair of the HHRF Scientific Advisory Council, and HHRF Board Director In this Episode We Cover: - Overcoming Funding Barriers for "High Risk" Innovative Science - From the Lab to the Arena: What Sparks a Researcher's Passion for EAS? - Building a Cross Disciplinary "Dream Team" - Why Having a Dedicated Research Coordinator Matters - Global Research Guidelines & Validating Practitioner Experience -When Research is a Gamble: Staying Open to Unexpected Data - Advice for Centers and Researchers Looking to Connect and Collaborate -Research Informed Programming - Translating Academic Data into Functional Center Resources - Why You Don't Need a Medical Degree to Stay Curious 🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned HETRA Website: https://hetra.org HETRA Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride Funding & Support: https://www.horsesandhumans.org Hearts and Horses Programming & Manuals: Check out the Education tab on https://www.heartsandhorses.org

May 8, 202634 min

155. Navigating a Wait List of Participants

Waitlists are common in EAS programs—but are they always being defined and managed effectively? In this episode, we dive into one of the most important (and often frustrating) operational topics for centers: the waitlist. At HETRA, someone is not considered officially on the waitlist until all required paperwork is complete and they have been evaluated by staff. That means they are truly ready to begin programming as soon as an appropriate opening becomes available. We discuss why this distinction matters and how separating general inquiries from those ready to get on the schedule can create a more accurate picture of demand. We also cover practical strategies for keeping your waitlist organized, including systems for tracking readiness, participant needs, scheduling preferences, and priority placement. Learn how to think creatively about offering meaningful opportunities while participants wait for their ideal program opening. Whether it’s alternate services, short-term options, or different program formats, there are ways to continue serving participants instead of letting them sit stagnant on a list. In This Episode, We Answer: What truly constitutes being “on the waitlist”? How does HETRA define waitlist status? What is the difference between an inquiry and a “ready to be scheduled” participant? How can you provide value while someone waits for a program opening? What systems help keep a waitlist organized and actionable? Who should take priority when openings become available? HETRA Participant Inquiry Form: https://form.jotform.com/242865356075161 More on Our Evaluation Process at HETRA: Episode #153 - What Goes Into a Thorough Participant Evaluation? https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/notjustaponyride/episodes/153---Replay--What-Goes-Into-Thorough-Participant-Evaluation-e3h30jd/a-acibs2v Get help with organizing your waitlist - www.equi-force.com Learn more about Killian Insurance Agency and what Jon can do for you here: https://farmequineinsurance.com/

April 10, 202621 min

154. Scheduled “Ground Week”: Perspectives from a New Routine at HETRA

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 Learn more about Killian Insurance Agency and what Jon can do for you here: https://farmequineinsurance.com/

March 28, 202622 min

153. Replay: What Goes Into Thorough Participant Evaluation?

We’re bringing back one of our favorite “oldie but goodie” episodes—because the topic is that important. Thoughtful, thorough evaluation of incoming participants is a cornerstone of success in equine-assisted services, not only for the individuals we serve, but for our instructors, volunteers, and horses, too. In this replay, Edye Godden, OTR/L, HPCS, PATH Intl. CTRI and CEO of HETRA, shares her perspective on why evaluations are such a critical piece of the puzzle and breaks down the most common barriers that prevent programs from doing them well. From time constraints to uncertainty about what to look for, we explore what might be getting in the way—and how improving this process can lead to safer, more effective, and more impactful sessions for everyone involved. Check out all of education HETRA University here, including our disability education offerings! www.HETRAUniversity.org Learn more about Killian Insurance Agency and what Jon can do for you here: https://farmequineinsurance.com/