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 occupational therapist and PATH Intl. CTRI, Dr. Kaiti Otte, discuss the symptoms and precautions that will apply to us in Equine Assisted Services, and highlights some teaching strategies that can help our participants with Down Syndrome be as successful as possible with their equine partners. Other Episodes in the Series: Understanding Cerebral Palsy: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/nVpBW0Wl0Gb Understanding ADHD: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/8xoTJXWl0Gb Follow us on social: https://notjustaponyride.my.canva.site/linkinbio This episode is proudly sponsored by Equicizer: https://equicizer.com/ References: CDC Statistics: de Graaf G, Buckley F, Skotko B. People living with Down syndrome in the USA: BIRTHS AND POPULATION. May 2022. https://go.dselink.net/us-population-factsheet.  Visual Impairment Stats: Creavin, A.L., & Brown, R.D. (2009). Ophthalmic abnormalities in children with Down syndrome. Journal of Pediatrics Ophthalmology and Strabismus, 46, 46-82. Hearing Loss Stats: Shott, S.R. (2006). Down Syndrome: Common otolaryngologic manifestations. American Journal of Medicinal Genetics Part C (Seminars in Medical Genetics) 142C, 131-140. Accelerated Aging Stats: Lott, I.T., & Dierssen, M. (2010). Cognitive deficits an associated neurological complications in individuals with Down Syndrome. The Lancet Neurology, 9, 623-633. AAI Information: Cohen, W.I., for the Down Syndrome Medical Insterest Group. (1999). Health care guidelines for individuals with Down syndrome. Down Syndrome Quarterly, 4, 1-15.
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 who isn’t using their words quite yet, there are lots of ways we can help these “emerging communicators”. Emily Harringon is a Speech-Language Pathologist that is currently working toward her PhD. She is researching this population of communicators and is going to share her wisdom with us in this episode! Expect to hear: How do we tell if my participant doesn’t understand me or if they just don’t want to? How can I help my participants that aren’t speaking yet? Specific tips on how to model, scale and assist participants struggling with early communication. Discussion about behaviors as communication and how to troubleshoot the meaning. Follow us on social: https://notjustaponyride.my.canva.site/linkinbio This episode is proudly sponsored by Equicizer: https://equicizer.com/
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 one she introduced her concept of “protector leadership” and she starts her list of actions that we can do to help horses feel more safe. In this episode she will finish that list and talk to us more about about desensitization, which is a hot topic for us EAS folks-- including how we transition trust with qualified horse staff to our volunteers and building positive experiences for our horses. Expect to hear: How to access horses “Learning Modes” Concepts on desensitization Integration into EAS lessons Is it a “spooky horse?” or just not correct training for that horse’s personality? How do we transition building trust with staff to building trust with volunteers? Protecting horses from unnecessary stress www.lynnacton.com Get her book "What Horses Really Want" on Amazon. To learn more about the processes we have in place to keep our horses happy in their jobs: Webinar, Avoiding Equine Burnout To learn more about how we structure and train our leaders & other volunteers: Webinar, Volunteer Structure and Training Schedule This episode is proudly sponsored by Equicizer: https://equicizer.com/
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' natural social order (cooperation) worked far better than the dominance model of interactions. She then wrote a book and founded a method called “Protector Leadership” with helping horses feel safe as the foundation. In PART ONE you can expect to hear several things including 3 of Lynn’s 7 point checklist for helping horses feel safe. Stay tuned for the next episode to hear part two. Expect to hear: List of characteristics to help horses feel safe: (1) Human Body Language (2) Watching for Equine Emotions (3) Using ‘Learning Modes’ to engage desired response. Social leadership, herd dynamics and why who you THINK might be the leader, might not be. Thoughts on round penning Alternatives to the traditional “pressure-release” model of training. Thoughts on desensitization, integrating horses to new environments Get more from Lynn at www.lynnacton.com This episode is sponsored by Equicizer. https://equicizer.com/
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: never settling, always being open to change, thoughts on valuable mentorship and learning from each other in the industry. Expect to hear: Challenges HETRA has experienced and what challenges Edye foresees for EAS industry as a whole including horses, donations, grant funding and volunteer recruitment. Thoughts on how HETRA has grown without adding additional staff time or arena space requirements Why does HETRA focus so much on education? Tell us about YOUR 2023 here! Resources mentioned: Mini Webinar: Finding Grants Podcast Episode Sign up for the Equine Strategic Planning Webinar here: https://www.tfaforms.com/4851528
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 adaptations we can make and what things we need to be looking out for to keep our participants with CP safe and comfortable while enjoying their equine partners. Get the Common Diagnoses Webinar free by subscribing to our NEW Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride
Steph Pharr has a unique career as a neurodiversity consultant and psychological educator for the equine-assisted services field. She is here to tell us why it is so important to educate ourselves about Neurodiversity and gives us some tips on creating an inclusive environment including focusing on strength based language. We have an important discussion about “masking” and “stimming” and Steph provides her personal perspectives and experience with self-advocacy under the neurodivergent umbrella. Reach Steph at stephie.pharr@gmail.com Sign up for “Equine Strategic Planning” LIVE webinar scheduled on January 11th, here: https://www.tfaforms.com/4851528 Join us for HETRA University Live! All the details here: https://hetra.org/education/pre-conference-hetra-university-live.html This episode is sponsored by Freedom Rider: https://freedomrider.com/
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 it’s even a good grant for me? What the heck is a 990? Get all your questions answered in this advice packed episode from a true veteran of the grant writing world, Lucy Charvat, HETRA Grant Manager and PATH Intl. CTRI. Resources from this episode: Episode 37: All Things Grants Episode 38. How Can Community Foundations Strengthen Your Organization Episode 61. Board Management, Donor Relations and Fundraising Events Guide Star Grant Station Information about free Grant Station through PATH Intl. Join us for HETRA University Live! All the details here: https://hetra.org/education/pre-conference-hetra-university-live.html Become a member of our exclusive educational club at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride This episode is sponsored by Freedom Rider: https://freedomrider.com/
Christina Coxe shares how her life paths have intersected between athletic trainer, CTRI and program manager. We share thoughts on tracts of education for therapeutic riding instructors including the importance of understanding the biomechanics of humans and horses alike. Checkout this episode for an EXCITING announcement. Check out Equi-librium here: www.equi-librium.orgDetails on registration for HETRA University Live! here: https://www.classy.org/event/hetra-university-live/e544602 This episode is sponsored by Freedom Rider: https://freedomrider.com/
Wanting to start a new program? Wanting to figure out how to maintain sustainable programming? This episode is for you! HETRA’s Program Manager, Shelby Schult, sits down with us to discuss the art of program sustainability. Expect to hear information on: Cost of programming Community need Horse Workload & Horse Selection Diversifying your horse herd Business Techniques for Success Resources mentioned in this episode: Evaluation of the EAS Horse Preventing Equine Burnout Potential HETRA Horse Form This episode is sponsored by Freedom Rider: https://freedomrider.com/
This episode is a very special one. HETRA University was on the road to PATH Intl. International Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina October 26-28, 2023 and we met so many wonderful people. During the conference we set up an impromptu live recording of the podcast and ended up with this gem of an episode. You will hear some amazing perspectives on what does “It’s not just a pony ride” mean to you. We had professionals from all walks of the EAS life chime in and boy was it inspiring. This is a great episode to share with someone in your life that wants to know more about what we do and feel the passion that comes a long with it. Thank you to all who participated in this group! Special shout out to the following centers mentioned by their staff: Equest Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship Holistic Riding Equestrian Therapy Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship http This episode is sponsored by Freedom Rider: https://freedomrider.com/
Start your own transition program at your center! Transition Programs are for students with disabilities that need extra time after HS graduation to help develop valuable life skills that will prepare them for independence. We hear from two experts in the field from Gretna Public Schools, Kendra Schneider, Assistant Director of Special Education and Dawna Daily with the Gretna Young Adult Program. They share what makes a great program and what to include for success. Then we hear from Diane Bemis the occupational therapist that manages HETRA’s transition program, “Life Skills”. How can horses help with this process? Listen now! This episode is sponsored by Freedom Rider: https://freedomrider.com/
The Common Ground Project is a unique organization in the Tom Miner Basin near the Yellowstone National Park in Montana that specializes in retreats, workshops and gatherings. More than programs they offer a beautiful space to facilitate relationships and connections with other people, animals and nature. Listen in to hear Daniel’s take on the “Theory of Change” and why coming together can be so healing.Check out The Common Ground Project here: https://www.thecommongroundproject.us/
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 and progressing? Join Cassidy and Edye to hear TONS of examples on creative ways to continue learning even without riding. Even some tips on how to get participants, families and instructors on board with alternative programming. Lots of links and resources provided! Mini Programming Webinar Educational Videos Exercise Video (General) Exercise Video (Adaptive) Story Time with the Minis Horse Communication Curriculum at Patreon This episode is sponsored by Freedom Rider: https://freedomrider.com/
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 mission and is able to communicate it effectively for donor cultivation. He also speaks on organizing unique fundraising events and getting your community involved to support your mission. Also hear tips on: Strategic planning, sponsors vs. donors, and communication with donors. Check out the Papillion Community Foundation here This episode is sponsored by Freedom Rider: https://freedomrider.com/
Haley Sevalstad, the founder of Rising Free Retreats, is here to talk with us about her specialty, women’s retreats. Haley shares her personal journey of getting out of the corporate race and back to a more authentic version of herself. Her experiences have led her to the work she is doing now, helping women find peace in Bozeman, MT. Episode 38. on Equine Gestalt Coaching with founder, Melisa Pierce Check out Haley at https://www.risingfreeretreats.com/ Learn more about Touched by a Horse Equine Gestalt Coaching
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 discuss their presentations and other big themes in education that they saw while at conference. Kaiti Otte shared Sensory and Behavior: Regulation in EAS and Shelby Schult presented Equine Strategic Planning. Sensory Hand out at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride LSTEN: www.lsten.net PATH International: www.pathintl.org Turning Point: https://turningpointriding.org/ ROCK: https://rockride.org/ SIRE: https://sire-htec.org/
Hear Dr. Rebecca Bailey discuss the organization she founded, Polyvagal Equine Institute, and how it is helping people heal and connect through partnership with horses. Horses rely on their nervous systems to make sense of the world around them. By interacting with horses, we can experience nervous systems at work instantly as well as see the impact of two nervous systems connecting. By watching, listening and learning from horses, we can, through mutual interaction, increase awareness of the importance of compassionate connections.Learn more about PVEI here: https://polyvagalequineinstitute.com/
Listen in to hear how HETRA curates their brand including social media, presentations, images, website and more. COO, Erin Bevington explains our detailed photo and social media policy and how HETRA ensures we are always putting our best foot forward when it comes to marketing. Get access to HETRA’s photo policies on our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/notjustaponyride
For 20 years, Stable Strides Farm has been helping hundreds of adults and children. SSF was created to give riders with special needs a place to become competitive and effective horse people. Although competing is not a requirement, many of our riders enjoy going to horse shows with the hope of winning tangible awards. Listen to hear Mandy Cleveland, Founder and Program Director at SSF share how they pair their work providing adaptive riding with competition and the benefits it brings! Learn more at https://www.stablestridesfarm.org/