Not Just A Pony Ride

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

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 w...

153.  Replay:  What Goes Into Thorough Participant Evaluation? 

28 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We’re bringing back one of our favorite “oldie but goodie” episodes—because the topic is that important. Thoughtful, thorough evaluation of in...

152. Five Things Every EAS Professional Should Know About Seizures

21 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Seizures are more common than many people realize—and in equine-assisted services, being prepared can make all the difference. In this episode, we b...

151. When the Stars Align:  Thoughts on Research, Education and Real Experiences

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we welcome back Edye Godden to reflect on two recent events that sparked important conversations in the EAS industry: the Horses and ...

150. The Next Generation of EAS Leaders: What do they want?

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Listen to the NJAPR episode 87 with Jeff here:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/1jzeTIwz1WIFKQ4bZoxyFA?si=Rmi3hLc3Qjyr4NSr14CcwAGet connected with L...

149. How do we fund our horses?  Campaign and Sponsorship Ideas

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In equine-assisted services, our horses make everything possible—but funding their care can be one of the biggest ongoing challenges programs face. ...

148. Insurance for EAS Centers: Trends and Important Questions with Killian Insurance

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

HETRA University Live Workshop, March 6-7 in Gretna, NE  Get more details including the detailed agenda and register now! https://hetrauniversity.myk...

147. Making a Change in Your Center? It's more complicated than we thought!

31 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

n this episode, Shelby and Kaiti unpack a realization that genuinely surprised them. Of all the education we have provided recently around equine welf...

146. Seizure Disclosure Form

17 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we walk through the Seizure Disclosure Form and policies used at HETRA, explaining not just what we ask, but why it matters.  This co...

145. Staying Respectfully Curious with HHRF

09 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The first installment of a quarterly check in with HHRF!  We’re joined by HHRF CEO, Pebbles Turbeville and 3 members of the HHRF community: Jo, Jus...

SHORT 144. Five Things I Would Tell My Younger Executive Director Self…

29 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What would you tell yourself if you could go back to your earliest days as an executive director?In this episode, Edye Godden—CEO of HETRA and a lea...

143. REPLAY Positive Culture in EAS Staff with Edye Godden, CEO

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the replay of this popular episode,  HETRA CEO Edye Godden is sharing with us how HETRA manages a healthy work culture. Tune in for real-world too...

142.  Anticipatory Balance - both horses and humans have it!

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 In this episode, we dive into the fascinating concept of anticipatory balance—the body’s ability to predict movement before it happens. It’s a...

SHORT 141. This Isn’t “Equine Therapy” - Edye Breaks Down Real Terms & Real Work

29 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this new series of short episodes - we hear from Edye Godden, OT, CTRI & HETRA’s CEO, for a candid conversation about language, ethics, and p...

140. 10 Ways we Use our Equicizer in EAS

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into one of the most versatile tools in our program—the Equicizer, our mechanical horse who works just as hard as our live ...

139.  Live! - Does Balanced vs. Unbalanced Rider Ability Matter for Equine Weight Limits?

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Live from the PATH Intl. International Conference – Denver, CO!In this special episode recorded live in front of a studio audience, we dive into a l...

138. Gravitational Insecurity and Fear While Mounted

01 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Kaiti Otte, OTD, OTR/L, PATH Intl. CTRI, builds on a topic recently explored in our Neurodivergent Mini Course—understanding how th...

137. Partnering with a Hospital for Equine Assisted Therapy with Rachel Elder of Agape

01 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 work...

136. Horses as Partners in Mental Health

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 iss...

135. Evaluating Potential EAS Horses

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

134. TEN TIPS for Improving Working Memory for EAS Participants

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For many participants in equine-assisted services (EAS), challenges with memory can impact everything from following multi-step directions to staying ...

133. Emergency Dismounts in EAS: What’s your Plan of Action?

06 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 dis...

132. Pairing Horses & Riders: Movement & Conformation

30 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore how a horse’s unique conformation and natural movement patterns directly influence the rider’s experience, posture, an...

131. Safety Stirrups: What options are right for your center?

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

130.  Maintaining the Senior Horse - REPLAY

08 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 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 ke...

129. Having Hard Conversations in EAS: Why is it so hard? with Cindy Schwarz

25 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into the challenges of having tough conversations in the equine-assisted services industry with leadership coach Cindy Schwar...

128. Writing Social Stories:  Helping participants through new, changing or difficult tasks

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 In today’s episode, we’re diving into social stories — those short, purposeful narratives designed to help people better understand specific s...

127. Granting Wishes and Dreams in EAS with Kelly Jacobs from Dreamweaver Foundation

11 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 In this episode, we explore how meaningful experiences and community connections can bring light and joy to older adults facing life-limiting illnes...

126. The Ultimate Non-Profit Tip Roundup with The Papillion Community Foundation - REPLAY

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 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 E...

125. Power of Positive Affirmations with Isabela Amaral and Fred Ginman

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Isabela Amaral is the proud mother of Fred Ginman — a resilient boy born extremely premature, diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, who now inspires others...

124.  Creating a Positive Culture for your Staff

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 he...

123. Healing from Eating Disorders with the Help of Horses with Barb Cotten, LMHP and Teresa Ryan BSN, RN

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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.  Te...

122. No Show and Cancellation Policies in EAS

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

121. An EAS Program to Fill a Need:  What is the GAP Program at HETRA?

09 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 H...

120. Healing from Sexual Abuse: Trauma, Horses and Resilience with Carol Odell

02 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Seasoned psychotherapist Carol Odell's memoir “Girl, Groomed: A Therapist’s Memoir of Trauma” (She Writes Press, April 22, 2025) is an unfli...

119. When do we Introduce the Bridle for our Participants?

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Part of managing our horses physical and mental health during lessons is making sure our participants are prepared for their next jump in horsemanship...

118.  What are Fidgets? How do we use them in EAS? with Abi Cross, OTS

11 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into the world of fidgets — what they are, why people use them, and how they can support focus, regulation, and sensory nee...

117. Discharging & Retiring Horses from EAS Programming

04 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 We all have a Steady Eddy in our barn. We love them and hate to retire them, but what happens when we need to? What happens if we have a horse who j...

116. All About Interactive Vaulting with Amanda Bubb

22 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Amanda Bubb is on the show to talk with us about all things Interactive Vaulting! One of the things she loves is that vaulting is that it is a great w...

115. The Ins and Outs of Equine Lease Agreements 

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We just got back from PATH Intl. Region 6 Conference in White Bear Lake, MN (shout out to the River Valley Riders for hosting a great event).  During...

114. HETRA University on the Road:  Themes from HHRF & Region 7 Conferences

01 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

HETRA University was busy flying around the country for education this last weekend!  Shelby Schult took a team to Main Stay Therapeutic Riding in Ri...

113.  All About Therapeutic Carriage Driving: PART TWO with Amy Causey

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

112. All About Therapeutic Carriage Driving with Amy Causey: PART ONE

08 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

PART ONESo 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 ...

111. What’s in your tack room?

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

 Shelby and Kaiti are talking about tack room essentials including what kind of equipment is in HETRA’s tack room as well as how we stay organized ...

110. Scheduling Volunteers

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

109. Which instructor journey is right for you?  “Homegrown”, external mentorship or higher education? with Erin Cardea 

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

108. REPLAY!  Understanding ADHD in EAS

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

107. Meet ARCH!  A Framework & Community for Facilitating Mental Health

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 i...

106.  How do we get participants to learn skills quickly?: Learning Styles & Teaching Strategies

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone has heard of the different “learning styles”, we may know what they are - auditory, visual and kinesthetic - but how do we actually apply...

105. How do you say “thank you” more authentically?

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It takes a village for our centers to be successful, how are we thanking that village?  Our board of directors, sponsors, donors, volunteers, staff…...

104. Are you missing this critical piece of a lesson?: Defining Skill Progression

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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-...

103. REPLAY: Setting Weight Limits for EAS Horses

16 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Equi...

102. What does McDonalds have to do with EAS? Thoughts on Running your Non-Profit as a BUSINESS with Joe Wappelhorst, ED of SIRE

08 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

101. Understanding Diagnoses in EAS: Muscle Tone - Hypertonia vs. Hypotonia 

01 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today we are gong to look at tone.  Everyone has heard it… high tone, low tone, fluctuating tone, spasticity … what does all that even mean!? Spo...

100. What is the Importance of Staying Adaptable as a Center? 

18 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

99.  Teaching Effective Therapeutic Riding to Those with Mental Health Concerns with Hallie Sheade, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S

11 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As an adaptive riding instructor, you might find yourself in an uncomfortable situation you don’t know how to navigate with your participants.  It ...

98. It’s time to focus on Equine Welfare in EAS

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 mov...

97. What goes into a thorough participant evaluation?

20 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Evaluation of incoming participants is an important piece of the puzzle in so many ways. It helps your participant be as successful as they can be, bu...

96. A Global EAS Community with Vera Lantelme-Faisan, President of HETI

13 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 professiona...

95. What is Executive Functioning? An Essential Part of Learning Explained

06 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 k...

94. I want to get into the EAS Industry, but where do I start?

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

93. INSURANCE. What do we NEED to know for EAS? with Jon Killian of Killian Insurance Agency

16 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ou...

92.  Dallas, Texas: HETRA University on the Road!

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 pre...

91. What is Hippotherapy? A Collaboration with ‘All Things Sensory’

19 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 som...

90. EFP & EFL Certification with the HERD Institute

12 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

89.  Does Confidentiality Matter in our Barns? Yes!

29 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

 How is your center protected when it comes to confidentiality?  It is important both legally an ethically to maintain proper confidentiality when w...

88. What is elopement? Keeping Participants Safe in the Arena 

21 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The kind of elopement we are talking about today means to leave a caregiver’s supervision without permission or warning.  Elopement is a serious is...

87. Everyone is a Leader:  EAL for Staff & Corporate Development 

14 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When we talk about building workshops to help build leadership skills or corporate skills, we first have to define “leadership”.  Jeff defines le...

86. What do we do if we can’t ride? Advancing Horsemanship with Alternative Programming

01 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 roun...

85. How does a school partner with horses for social emotional learning?

24 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 th...

84. What do we do when we need to retire 'Steady Eddy'?

10 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 opti...

83. Understanding Diagnoses: What is Stimming? 

03 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We are adding tools to our instructor toolbox today with another installation of Understanding Diagnoses. This episode is a little different, we aren’...

82.  What should we focus on for Positive Public Perception in our barn?

19 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 hor...

81. Support for Grief and Loss with the Help of Horses with The Collective for Hope

12 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When grief isn't expressed or addressed, it can lead to prolonged states of depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and chronic health iss...

80. How do we make sure sessions are ACTUALLY running smoothly? It’s session observation week! 

05 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sustainability and longevity of our programs is directly linked to high-quality services for our participants.  If our horses are unhappy, our progra...

79. PART TWO:  How do you Manage a Board?  Valuable Advice on Engaging an Effective Board

22 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 g...

78  PART ONE: How do you Manage a Board?  Valuable Advice on Engaging an Effective Board

15 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

77. How do Horses Help Reveal our True Selves?:  Perspectives for Equine Facilitated Mental Health with Cheryl Eriksen

08 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

76. What do our Mini Horses do? Miniature Horse Programming at HETRA

01 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week Cassidy Fredrickson is here to talk all things miniature horses. Our minis are busy at HETRA, from after school programs, mini camps, offsit...

75. Why is Education so Important? Reflections on HETRA University Live

25 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

53.  Understanding Diagnoses: Cerebral Palsy in EAS with Kaiti Otte, OTD, OTR/L

10 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 adaptati...

74. Understanding Diagnoses:  Down Syndrome with Kaiti Otte, OTD, OTR/L

10 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 occ...

73. What if speaking is difficult for my participant?: Emerging Communicators in EAS 

03 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

72. PART TWO: What do Horses Really Want? How to Help Them Feel Safe with Lynn Acton

20 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

71. What do Horses Really Want? How to Help Them Feel Safe PART ONE with Lynn Acton

13 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

70. What's next for EAS? 2023 at HETRA in Review with Edye Godden, CEO

05 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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:  ...

69. What is Neurodiversity?  Creating a Space of Inclusion in EAS

29 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Steph Pharr has a unique career as a neurodiversity consultant and psychological educator for the equine-assisted services field.  She is here to tel...

68.  How do I find a Grant Opportunity?: Get Creative!

15 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

 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...

67.  An Athletic Trainer Finds Therapeutic Riding:  Unique Perspectives

01 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Christina Coxe shares how her life paths have intersected between athletic trainer, CTRI and program manager.  We share thoughts on tracts of educati...

66. The Art of Creating Sustainable EAS Programming 

17 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Wanting to start a new program? Wanting to figure out how to maintain sustainable programming? This episode is for you!  HETRA’s Program Manager, S...

65.  What does ‘It’s not just a pony ride’ mean to you?:  Live from Charlotte, North Carolina

03 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is a very special one.  HETRA University was on the road to PATH Intl. International Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina October 26-...

64.  Transition Programs for Young Adults

20 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Start your own transition program at your center! Transition Programs are for students with disabilities that need extra time after HS graduation to h...

63.  Creating Space for Connection: Healing Through Nature & Horses

06 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Common Ground Project is a unique organization in the Tom Miner Basin near the Yellowstone National Park in Montana that specializes in retreats,...

62. Ground Programming: Thinking Outside the Box!

22 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 an...

61.  Board Management, Donor Relations and Fundraising Events with Joe Hunter, ED of Papillion Community Foundation

08 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

 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...

60.  Come to Peace with Your Pieces: Women’s Retreats

25 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Haley Sevalstad, the founder of Rising Free Retreats, is here to talk with us about her specialty, women’s retreats.  Haley shares her personal jo...

59. HETRA University on the Road!: Oklahoma

11 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

58. Understanding ADHD in Equine Assisted Services

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Listen in to hear occupational therapist and CTRI, Kaiti Otte discuss the differences between ADHD and ADD including symptoms and difficulties that th...

57.  The Science of Feeling Safe:  Polyvagal Theory and Equine Connection

30 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hear Dr. Rebecca Bailey discuss the organization she founded, Polyvagal Equine Institute, and how it is helping people heal and connect through partne...

56. Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Mindful Marketing with Erin Bevington, COO

16 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

 Listen in to hear how HETRA curates their brand including social media, presentations, images, website and more.  COO, Erin Bevington explains our...