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Education

HETRA University Live! Vol. 3: Happy, Healthy, Sane & Sound

As the EAS industry continues to expand and diversify, it is of utmost importance to keep the needs of our equine partners at the forefront of the movement.  Get a comprehensive look at all aspects of successful equine welfare within an EAS program including, but not limited to: appropriate equine selection (evaluate what your program needs and what to look for), proper training, conditioning and integration into programming (including appropriate workload management and effective handling techniques), regular health assessment and maintenance and other management best practices (including saddle fit and setting weight limits) and much more. By prioritizing the physical and mental health of our equine partners, EAS programs can ensure a sustainable and fulfilling experience for both the horses and the participants.

The truth is, equine welfare strategies are hard to learn while sitting in a desk at a regular conference.  We believe in the power of hands-on practice with equine skills and a dynamic, collaborative environment where we can learn from each other and solidify our skills for effective implementation.

Attendees should expect a combination of valuable hands-on experience with horses, classroom-based education and individualized coaching to help solidify workshop content. 

When: Friday, March 14th - Sunday, March 16th, 2025

Where: HETRA Campus 10130 S. 222nd Street, Gretna, NE 68028

Who Should Attend?

  • Equine Operations Managers, Equine Staff or volunteers in charge of equine management practices 
  • Instructors, Therapists or those aspiring
  • Executive Directors, Program Directors
  • Volunteer Managers

FULL REGISTRATION:  $150

Full Registration includes:

  • Access to hands-on opportunities such as practical saddle fit, horse handling and more throughout the weekend. 
  • One-on-one mentoring with HETRA staff to help you troubleshoot specific cases and investigate how strategies learned may integrate with your center/staff/resources.
  • Follow-up resources and support provided at 3 and 6 months post-workshop.

Audit Only + Lunch $70:  Access to all sessions as an observer only, no hands-on components. With lunch provided on Friday and Saturday. 

Virtual Conference $70: New this year! Please note that the hands-on components of this conference will be difficult to broadcast live virtually and are not guaranteed. Please see the agenda for details on which sessions may be impacted. Recordings will not be provided, this is a live only virtual option.

Virtual Option includes:

  • Virtual access to classroom presentations.
  • Digital downloads of handouts that are available.
  • Select access for observation of hands-on components of workshop, again not guaranteed due to the dynamic nature of sessions.
  • (1) one-on-one virtual mentoring session with HETRA staff to help you troubleshoot specific cases and investigate how strategies learned may integrate with your center/staff/resources.

Limited full and partial scholarships are available, on a first come first serve basis. Please apply for a scholarship here.

Topics to include:

  • Set Yourself Up for Success: Evaluation and Intake of EAS Horses
  • The Weight of Responsibility:  Setting Weight Limits for Mounted EAS*
  • Practical Saddle Fit for the EAS Horse*
  • Equine Sustainability in EAS:  Conditioning and Maintenance
  • The HETRA Method of Leading: Using the “Magic Wand”*
  • Categorizing Horses & Volunteers: Development for Success
  • Integrating Horses into EAS Programming and Continuing Development for Success
  • Individualized Coaching for a Successful Equine Welfare Program 
  • Equine Strategic Planning*
  • Avoiding Equine Burnout
  • Dynamic Connections: Exploring the Relationship of Horse and Rider*

*Includes live horses and/or hands-on skill development

Accommodations in the Gretna Area

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