HETRA University

HETRA University Education for the Equine-Assisted Services community that is applicable, accessible and affordable.

🎙️Home of the Not Just a Pony Ride Podcast! 🎙️

Great partnerships don't happen by accident, they happen by design. 🐴Pairing horse temperament and experience with the r...
08/24/2026

Great partnerships don't happen by accident, they happen by design. 🐴

Pairing horse temperament and experience with the right leader skill level protects safety while setting both up to thrive. That’s why we break down our leader levels from Blue (foundational) to Platinum Plus (advanced troubleshooting).

A clear system = better team communication and happier horses. 💙

How does your program structure horse/handler pairings? Let us know! 👇

08/22/2026

Step by step with Cassidy Godden! 🐴✨ Watch closely as she demonstrates proper positioning and technique when approaching the mounting block with Georgie:

Key safety details to watch for:
1️⃣ Controlled one step at a time
2️⃣ 2ft distance from the horse’s head entire time
3️⃣ Her hand is 18-24 inches away from the lead rope clip
4️⃣ Final position: 2ft + away, diagonal to the right eye, wand at the chest, slack in lead rope

Perfect positioning keeps every participant and horse safe! ❤️

Tired of frustrated handlers and mixed signals on the lead line? 🐴 Line up your team for success with Rethinking the Lea...
08/21/2026

Tired of frustrated handlers and mixed signals on the lead line? 🐴 Line up your team for success with Rethinking the Lead Line: Why the Magic Wand Works!

Led by Emma Bunda (PATH Intl. CTRI), this comprehensive webinar shows you how to swap lead line confusion for clear, confident communication across your whole team.

What’s inside:
✨ The core mechanics of the "Magic Wand" tool
✨ Training strategies for volunteers, staff, and leaders
✨ Systems to keep your entire barn on the same page

🚨 7-DAY RENTAL ACCESS
Gain instant, 7-day unlimited access on our educational platform right after checkout.

👉 Tap the link to rent the webinar and transform your leading framework today!
https://hetrauniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/MWT9bUBE


Spot the error! 🧐 What is wrong with this leader’s positioning at the mounting block?Small details in positioning can ma...
08/19/2026

Spot the error! 🧐 What is wrong with this leader’s positioning at the mounting block?

Small details in positioning can make a huge difference in safety during mounting. 🐴

Drop your guess in the comments below! 👇

We’ve been talking all week about how effective leader practices can be for your program, now it’s time to get the exact...
08/18/2026

We’ve been talking all week about how effective leader practices can be for your program, now it’s time to get the exact internal tools we use!

Our Leader Level Certification & Leader Practice Forms are officially available on Patreon for purchase even if you are NOT a subscriber (but you totally should be!😉)📋

Document 1: Leader Certification Forms
• Comprehensive Skill Checklists: Detailed breakdowns covering warm-ups (crossovers, backing, square setups), mounting block positioning, tack checks, arena tracking, and trotting.

• Standardized Grading System: Easy-to-use rating scale (Excelling, Proficient, Needs Improvement, Did Not Observe) to track progress accurately.

• Ground Handling & Safety Rules: Specific evaluations for halter/lead use, trailer tying, 3-stage cinching procedures, and horse body language awareness.

• Arena & Communication Metrics: Evaluates volunteer focus, arena spacing around sidewalkers, and proper correction techniques.

• Sign-Off & Feedback Section: Dedicated spaces for staff notes, targeted training recommendations, and final certification sign-offs.

Document 2: Leader Practice Form
• Objective 1–5 Rating Scale: Standardized parameters for fundamental handling skills and real time body energy adjustments.

• Immediate Coach & Volunteer Feedback: Dedicated space for staff observations and leader self reflection after every session.

Stop guessing how to structure handler feedback, grab these templates on Patreon to set both your horses and volunteers up for success! ⬇️

Head over to our Patreon page to purchase and download both documents today to empower your team! 🔗
https://www.patreon.com/collection/2331699

08/17/2026

Wondering how to create continuing education inside your program that benefits everyone? Welcome to Leader Practice! 🐴

Here’s a look at what real time feedback sounds like during a session. In this clip, we’re focusing on foundational skills like whoas, walk-ons, walk-ups, and easys.

A big focus? "Body energy" (or "feel"). We show leaders how to read their horse’s body language and adjust their own energy on the spot for smoother, safer interactions!

Remember: Positive feedback is just as important as constructive feedback when building confidence for both leaders and horses! 💬✨

What is your favorite way to give constructive feedback during lessons? Share your thoughts! 👇

🚨 LAST CHANCE FOR HETRA MERCH! 🚨Our store closes tomorrow at midnight! Don't miss out on grabbing your official HETRA ge...
08/15/2026

🚨 LAST CHANCE FOR HETRA MERCH! 🚨

Our store closes tomorrow at midnight! Don't miss out on grabbing your official HETRA gear before it's gone.

Once the clock strikes 12, the store is officially locked! ⏰👇

🛒 Tap the link in our bio to order yours before it’s too late!

https://stores.inksoft.com/hetra/shop/home


Leader Practice = happier horses, confident volunteers, and safer lessons! 🐴✨Wondering how to create continuing educatio...
08/14/2026

Leader Practice = happier horses, confident volunteers, and safer lessons! 🐴✨

Wondering how to create continuing education inside your program that benefits everyone?

In Episode 162 of Not Just A Pony Ride, we dive into what Leader Practice really looks like and why your program needs it.

Listen now!🎧👇
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1muu0ew4KEryWhSWoxl5Yg?si=A46Vod9rQs6b5gsc0pR2-Q


Whether you’ve been teaching for two weeks or two decades, we’ve all faced the learning curve and so have our volunteers...
08/13/2026

Whether you’ve been teaching for two weeks or two decades, we’ve all faced the learning curve and so have our volunteers! 🐴

As instructors, therapists, equine managers- we’re constantly balancing rider goals, equine welfare, and volunteer management. When it comes to supporting new leaders in your sessions:

What is the #1 thing you find yourself correcting in sessions?

What skill feels the hardest to teach effectively?

What is the most common habit you see in new leaders?

Share your experience (or favorite teaching hacks) in the comments! 👇

Later in the week, we’ll show you how we navigate some of these exact scenarios in real time! 🎥✨


Kinda chic to elevate our industry every single day. Which slide resonates most with you? 🐴✨
08/12/2026

Kinda chic to elevate our industry every single day. Which slide resonates most with you? 🐴✨

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10130 S 222nd Street
Gretna, NE
68028

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