Heartfelt with HETRA: Article Thirty-Two
Brittany Frederick: From One Session to a Calling at HETRA
Ten years ago, Brittany stepped into the HETRA barn for the very first time. She was on military leave in Omaha, preparing to move to Germany, and searching for something grounding and worthwhile to fill her short stay. What she found was more than a volunteer opportunity — it was a calling.
Born and raised in Omaha, Brittany joined the Army at 18, serving as a Military Police officer for eight years. Her career took her across the globe — Hawaii, Missouri, Germany — and through a wide range of roles, from combat MP to law enforcement and eventually Executive Assistant to the Garrison Commander of Rheinland-Pfalz. She was proud to serve, but she knew early on that a 20-year military career wasn’t her path. She wanted to find purpose that felt closer to home.
Brittany caught a glimpse of purpose in 2015, during her very first sidewalking shift that left an unforgettable impression. She watched a rider sit taller, speak with newfound confidence, and smile with pure joy — all while the horse moved with steady patience and quiet connection. In that moment, she realized she had stumbled upon something life-changing.
When Brittany returned to Germany, her focus shifted. She began preparing for a future in Occupational Therapy — one that would weave together her professional skills, her heart for service, and the healing power of horses. That vision carried her into the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Austin, Texas. During her clinical rotations, she sought out opportunities to integrate horses into therapy, eventually completing a capstone project on equine-based OT for individuals with PTSD. It was a reflection not only of her academic growth, but also of the peace she and many veterans had found in the barn.
Life moved quickly after graduation. In August 2022, Brittany completed her program, passed her boards, got married, and moved back to Omaha — all within six weeks. And just as naturally, she returned to HETRA. What started as one night a week of volunteering soon grew into a part-time staff position, and by 2025, she had joined the team full-time.
Today, Brittany balances two roles at HETRA: Occupational Therapist and Outreach Coordinator. She leads the Veterans and First Responders Program, building partnerships and sharing her story with others who may find the same sense of healing she once did. But her heart is still in the arena — the place she calls magical — where she helps participants work toward their goals, grow in confidence, and discover empowerment alongside the horses.
Though she didn’t grow up with horses, her love for them has grown deeper with every step of her journey. From barn chores as a child to practicing therapy techniques with horses during her training, Brittany has always found herself drawn back to these incredible animals. At HETRA, she continues to grow in both horsemanship and clinical expertise, surrounded by staff and volunteers who inspire her every day.
For Brittany, HETRA is more than a workplace. It is a place of healing, belonging, and purpose — made possible by the incredible horses who walk alongside us in every session. Looking ahead, she hopes to keep growing within the organization and continue making a a lasting impact in our community— as long as she still gets to spend some time in the arena.
