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

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

Seizures are more common than many people realize—and in equine-assisted services, being prepared can make all the difference. In this episode, we break down five essential things every EAS professional should understand about seizures, from recognition to response, so you can create a safer, more confident environment for your participants, staff, and horses.Learn more details about Seizures and how they impact us in the EAS industry in the webinar:  “Understanding Seizures: Balancing Safety with Inclusivity”. https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/rsL2VZTL/checkoutLearn more about Killian Insurance Agency and what Jon can do for you here: https://farmequineinsurance.com/

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 Humans Research Foundation Conference and HETRA University Live. We discovered that themes from both events aligned—showing that new research is beginning to support the real-world experiences and educational approaches many programs are already implementing.We also share how attending conferences like these continues to shape our thinking at HETRA, including a few policy updates prompted by ongoing learning and a commitment to evolving with best practices in the field.Learn more about Killian Insurance Agency and what Jon can do for you here: https://farmequineinsurance.com/

In this episode, we welcome back Jeff Arnold, Founder of Leadership Adventures, for a powerful conversation about what it really takes to build the next generation of leaders in the EAS industry. Expect to here more on:When we talk about “next generation leaders,” we’re talking about all of us. What the Next Generation of EAL Leaders Actually WantsAfter surveying and working with more than 60 centers, Jeff and his team have identified clear patterns in what emerging leaders are looking for:Clear expectations (at both the big-picture and daily-task level)Coaching and developmental feedbackDefined growth paths and career planningAuthentic community and collaborationCuriosity builds engagement. Judgment shuts it down.Staying Resilient Leadership in a Changing World. With leadership transitions happening across 20-, 30-, and 40-year-old centers, resilience isn’t optional—it’s essential.Resources:The EAL Community of Practice Jeff shares more about the growing EAL Community of Practice, an online professional space designed for collaboration, CEUs, shared learning, and authentic dialogue across methodologies. Learn more at:   equineassistedlearning.org2026 EAL Summit – Learn. Share. Lead. The next EAL Summit will take place in November 2026 in the Western Pennsylvania mountains. Abstract submissions are open now through mid-to-late March. More details:  equineassistedlearning.orgListen to the NJAPR episode 87 with Jeff here:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/1jzeTIwz1WIFKQ4bZoxyFA?si=Rmi3hLc3Qjyr4NSr14CcwAJoin us for HETRA University Live online or in person March 6-7:   https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/HULStridesForward  

In equine-assisted services, our horses make everything possible—but funding their care can be one of the biggest ongoing challenges programs face.  In this episode, Edye Godden CEO of HETRA shares practical, sustainable ways to fund the horses who serve our participants, including campaigns and sponsorship models that are impactful without placing constant demands on staff time.  A highlight of the conversation is HETRA’s creative and highly successful Horse of the Year Race—a campaign that has become instrumental in funding horse care while building meaningful relationships with donors.  This episode is full of realistic ideas, mindset shifts, and proven strategies to help you support your herd in a way that’s both effective and sustainable.Get access to HETRA’s sponsorship levels and details at Patreon:  patreon.com/notjustaponyrideEdye’s Trail to Sustainability Mini Course:https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/TrailtoSustainabilityMiniCourseJoin us for HETRA University Live online or inperson March 6-7:   https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/HULStridesForward  

Are you asking all the right questions when it comes to coverage for your EAS centers?  Don't get caught in a loop hole without coverage! Jonathan Killian with Killian Insurance Agency is back on the podcast to help us understand this complex topic.  Jon is sharing what he's learned and trends he has noticed since he started specializing in coverage for equine assisted services. Tune in to episode #93 to hear more from Jonathan about coverage for EAS. https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/GFruiXo0C0bConnect with Jon and Killian Insurance Agency! https://farmequineinsurance.com/HETRA University Live Workshop, March 6-7 in Gretna, NE  Get more details including the detailed agenda and register now! https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/HULStridesForward  Follow us on social and plug in here:  https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/HETRAUniversityLinks

n this episode, Shelby and Kaiti unpack a realization that genuinely surprised them. Of all the education we have provided recently around equine welfare, we assumed the biggest hurdle would be whether people wanted to make changes and what changes to make. What we discovered instead was something very different — and much heavier. Most people do want to improve welfare practices, but feel stuck behind barriers that seem out of their control.We talk honestly about what those barriers look like in the real world: leadership resistance, lack of buy-in, tight budgets, and the quiet frustration of knowing better but feeling unable to do better. This conversation isn’t about blame or finger-pointing — it’s about naming the reality so many professionals are living in and validating that tension.This led us to build the curriculum that we did with the upcoming HETRA University Live Workshop, March 6-7 in Gretna, NE  Get more details including the detailed agenda and register now! https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/HULStridesForward  Link for more information and to join us in the new mini course: Trail to Sustainability: Securing Your Programs Future  https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/TrailtoSustainabilityMiniCourseFollow us on social and plug in here:  https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/HETRAUniversityLinks

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 conversation is designed to support transparency, safety, and collaboration. We talk through how seizure information helps staff make informed decisions that protect participants, horses, and everyone involved—without creating unnecessary barriers to participation.In this episode, we cover:What information families are asked to share—and how it’s usedHow PATH Intl. standards influence mounted participation decisionsWhen riding may be paused and what alternative programming can look likeHow HETRA communicates seizure-related information respectfully and appropriately to staff and volunteersThe balance between risk management, inclusion, and participant dignityAs always, we share our forms and policies as examples, not prescriptions—and encourage every center to adapt them to their own program needs with appropriate legal guidance.Get a copy of HETRA’s Seizure Disclosure Form here:  https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/SeizureDisclosureFormRegister for the ‘Understanding Seizures in EAS’ webinar happening March 12, 2026 at 12:00PM CT:  https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/RbtDggGP/checkout

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, Justin and Elizabeth.  This episode is an honest exploration of how research, lived experience, and open-minded dialogue can (and should) coexist. We talk about the tension many of us feel between “this is how I’ve always done it” and “what if there’s more to learn here?”—especially when it comes to horse welfare, human outcomes, and best practices that continue to evolve.  We challenge you to examine how experience can be both a strength and a blind spot, and why curiosity—rooted in respect, not judgment—is essential for moving our industry forward. You’ll hear reflections on:What “respectful curiosity” looks like in practiceWhy research isn’t meant to replace experience—but to deepen itHow staying open can improve outcomes for both horses and humansThe value of gathering diverse voices in one learning spaceHHRF Conference, Kissimmee, FL Feb 28-March 1:  https://www.horsesandhumans.org/conferencesLink for more information about the NEW mini course launching January 15: Trail to Sustainability: Securing Your Programs Future  https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/TrailtoSustainabilityMiniCourseFollow us on social and plug in here:  https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/HETRAUniversityLinks

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 leader in equine-assisted services for over 30 years—shares five lessons she wishes she’d known sooner. Drawing from her experience, Edye offers grounded, honest insight for executive directors, program leaders, and emerging nonprofit professionals. Edye’s conversation blends practical leadership wisdom with the perspective of someone who has stayed rooted in mission, people, and horses—while navigating real-world challenges.Link for more information about the NEW mini course launching January 15: Trail to Sustainability: Securing Your Programs Future  https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/TrailtoSustainabilityMiniCourseFollow us on social and plug in here:  https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/HETRAUniversityLinks