Heartfelt with HETRA: Special Edition
Edye Godden‘s 35 Years of Heart, Horses, and Vision
Where It All Began
Thirty-six years ago, HETRA was little more than a dream in motion, guided by a small group of participants, a few horses, and an unwavering belief in what could be. Just one year into that journey, HETRA gained something it did not yet know it needed most: Edye Godden.
Edye began her HETRA story in 1991 as a volunteer and occupational therapy student, offering her time, her curiosity, and her deep love of horses. What began as an act of service soon revealed itself as something far greater—a calling. This unfolded as HETRA relocated to Edye’s family barn in Valley and marked more than a change in scenery. It set in motion a relationship that would shape the future of the organization in profound and lasting ways.
Building a Foundation of Care
After graduating from Creighton University with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, Edye continued working part-time with participants at HETRA. She became PATH International certified (then NARHA) as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor and, alongside Katherine Smith, used their talents as Occupational Therapists to shape HETRA’s therapeutic services and the partnership between horses and humans—supporting physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. Even in those early years, Edye saw possibility where others saw limits.
In 2001, following the birth of her second daughter, Edye made a defining decision that reflected both her devotion to family and her unwavering commitment to HETRA. Rather than returning to traditional work, she joined forces with Erin Bevington and Katherine Smith to expand the organization she loved. This allowed her to remain present with her family, while helping HETRA grow with intention and care. Soon after, services expanded into Omaha, extending HETRA’s reach and impact to even more participants.
Leadership Rooted in Action
Edye’s leadership has always been grounded in action. In 2007, she was honored with the PATH International Region 7 Instructor of the Year Award, recognizing not only her technical skill but for the heart she brings to every arena, barn aisle, and relationship she touches. In 2016, she earned her Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist (HPCS) certification, placing her among an elite group of professionals worldwide. Today, Edye remains the only HPCS-certified therapist in Nebraska and Iowa, a powerful testament to her commitment to excellence and lifelong learning.
Yet even these achievements tell only part of Edye’s story.
Those who know her describe a leader who listens deeply, leads with quiet intention, and shows up consistently for others. In 2013, she received the “Caring for Others” Award from Woodmen of the World, an honor that reflects what so many already knew: Edye’s work is rooted in compassion.
Growing with Purpose
In 2014, HETRA moved to Gretna. At the time, the organization consisted of five full-time staff members and 20 horses. Adaptive Riding had always been the foundation, with therapy services growing alongside it. Under Edye's guidance, each addition was thoughtfully developed to meet real community needs.
Today, the impact is undeniable. HETRA now employs 22 full-time and 15 part-time staff members, cares for a herd of 30 active horses, and offers a comprehensive range of programs including Adaptive Riding, Adaptive Carriage Driving, Therapy Services, Life Skills, Equine-Facilitated Mental Health, and many other specialty programs. From veterans and first responders to seniors, caregivers, and young adults with special needs, each program is thoughtfully designed to meet individuals where they are. Supported by 410 dedicated volunteers, HETRA serves thousands of participants each year, each one welcomed with dignity, respect, and hope.
The Heart and Soul of HETRA
No one understands HETRA’s journey better than its founder. Steve Henthorn shares what Edye’s leadership has meant since the very beginning:
“Thirty-six years ago I started HETRA with a couple clients and horses. One year later I had the good fortune of meeting Edye. She joined the team and the magic started. She took this organization from its humble beginning to where it is today. She is the heart and soul of HETRA. She has put together the team and has shepherded it to where it is today. Without Edye, and the team she built, HETRA would not be here today.”
For participants and their families, Edye’s leadership is felt most clearly in the everyday moments.
"It takes a special person to balance the role of instructor and friend. Edye has been a part of our family and Ella’s story for 15 years and we are grateful for her support, time and patience teaching Ella to ride and work safely around horses. Ella has learned so much from the doors Edye has opened for her and we will be forever thankful for everything. You have given Ella a safe space where she has built her self-confidence, can truly be herself and always feels loved and included. Words cannot express the gratitude we have for you." - Jenn and Darren Osten
Edye’s “Why” at HETRA
When Edye speaks about HETRA, she rarely talks about titles or milestones. Instead, she talks about why. Why horses. Why this work matters. Why it has shaped her life as much as she has shaped the organization.
Horses have been part of her story since childhood, teaching responsibility, patience, and connection. Through seasons of joy and moments of deep loss, horses remained a steady presence. After the devastating loss of her husband, Brian, it was the barn that became her refuge. In the quiet presence of horses, Edye found healing, understanding, and the space to breathe again. They asked nothing of her, yet gave her everything she needed.
That lived experience, of being met exactly where you are, became the heart of her work. Edye believes horses do not see diagnoses, labels, or limitations. They see the person standing in front of them, worthy of connection and capable of growth.
Because of Edye, that belief lives at the core of HETRA. And because of her why, thousands of individuals have been met with dignity, compassion, and hope—one horse, one moment, one stride at a time.
A Legacy Still Unfolding
As we celebrate Edye Godden’s 35th anniversary with HETRA, we honor more than years of service. We honor a vision carried forward with resilience, a leadership style rooted in trust and teamwork, and a legacy built with heart. Through Edye’s guidance, thousands of lives have been touched: participants and families, volunteers and staff, each forever changed by the compassion she brings to this important mission.
Thank you, Edye, for believing in the power of horses to heal. Thank you for believing in people before they believe in themselves. And thank you for 35 years of reminding us that what happens here is, and always has been, Not Just a Pony Ride.
