The Heartland Hoofbeat

The Heartland Hoofbeat
Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy
15th Annual Blue Jeans & Dreams Benefit
Mark your calendars!
Put on your hats and boots for an evening of entertainment
Veteran Open House
country style with great food, friends, and entertainment for
the 15th annual “Blue Jeans and Dreams” benefit held at the
HETRA barn. Join Host Couple Jamie and Ted Friedland as
we celebrate a tremendous year of success and raise
sponsorship dollars for the HETRA students.
Saturday April 18 - 2:00 - 4:00
Veterans, their families and
support networks are welcome.
Blue Jeans & Dreams
May 2, 2015
Make your reservations today
at www.HETRA.org!
Omaha Gives
May 20th, 2015
Go to omahagives24.org and
make a donation to support
HETRA!
Event Sponsors:
The Friedland Family Foundation
Smiling Turtle Art Spot
Pictured left:
Host Couple:
Jamie & Ted Friedland
Rosie and Alex
This is one event you won’t want to miss! Your reservation to Blue Jeans and Dreams
opens the doors to an incredible night of food, friends, and fundraising! FUN!
Don’t forget to wear your BLING! Prizes will be awarded for the Best Hat,
Fanciest Boots and Blinged Out Belt Buckle!
SAVE THE DATE!
Little Britches Horse Show
August 15, 2015
5 pm:
Doors open to watch the Kentucky Derby!
Cocktail hour and Silent Auction begin!
6:30 pm
Prime Rib Dinner - served by Chef Don Lerdahl, and Silent Auction
Interested in touring the
Gretna Barn?
Go to events page of HETRA
website to sign up for a tour!
8 pm:
Special Presentation - Student Demonstration – Live Auction
9 pm:
Dance to the music of Crossfire
The HETRA Tack Shack is now
open! We are stocked with
many great items!
Open: M-F - 9am - 5pm
weekends by appointment
Follow us on Social Media
HETRA
10130 S. 222nd St.
Gretna, NE 68028
(402) 359-8830
www.HETRA.org
Issue 43
Make individual reservations or reserve a table for 8
for Blue Jeans and Dreams at www.HETRA.org
$65 per person (prior to April 17)
$550 per Table of Eight
$75 per person (after April 17)
$650 per Table of Eight
The Blue Jeans and Dreams committee would like to thank the 2015 sponsors:
Area ($2,500): Br oadmoor Apar tment Communities, Henr y & Aleta Neuhaus, CAT/
Nebraska Machinery, Country Lanes & The Burbs, and Proxibid. Gold ($1,000): Seim
Johnson, Union Bank & Trust Company, C&A Industries, SCHEELS, US Assets, Josh & Nikki
Evert, Marathon Commercial/Investment Real Estate, Hanger Clinic, and Helget Home Care.
Silver ($500): UNMC Chancellor ’s Office, Nebraska Medicine, Jackson Lewis LLP, First
National Bank, Big “O” Photo Booth, Equine Quarterly, Lundbeck, LLC, Radiant Life
Pediatric Chiropractic Office, and The Wolfson Family. Bronze ($250): Sid Dillon Chevrolet
Blair, Stricklett & Associates, No Frills and Bag N Save Supermarkets, Aurelius Investigations
and Consulting, E&K Consulting, Pleasure Lakes, Inc., Boys Town Pediatrics, Nebraska
Equine Veterinary Clinic, Sally Gilbreath Counseling PC, WIT Capital Management, D.A.
Davidson & Co., Ed & Susan Stuchlik, Performance Chiropractic, ConstellationWest, Vickie
Wrobleski, and Big Rig. (as of print date)
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information on sponsorship
or to reserve your seats to Blue Jeans and Dreams contact Lisa Shkolnick,
Development Associate at 402-359-8830 or lisashk@hetra.org, or visit our website at
www.HETRA.org.
April 2015
Program & Facility Expansion Update
HETRA’s Program and Facility Expansion Campaign is well underway, and
HETRA would like to take this special opportunity to thank the following
Foundations, Grants, Businesses, Organizations and Individuals for their
generous pledges, contributions and donations to HETRA.
Program and Facility Expansion Campaign
(Grants, Pledges and Donations $1,000 and above are listed as of print date)
Mustaches for Kids Omaha
The Harper Family Foundation
HDR Foundation
Union Pacific Foundation
The Perrigo Company Charitable
Foundation
Git – R – Done Foundation
The Friedland Family Foundation
Thiry-O'Leary Foundation
Clifton B. and Anne Stuart Batchelder
Foundation
Merck Foundation
Carl & Kimberly Falk
Jim & Kathy Helget
Grant & Sara Janke
Glenn Uffelmann &
Dr. Lynn O’Hanlon
Mike & Jan Doiel
Gail & Shane Graeve
Diane Duren & Drew Collier
Chris & Betsy Murphy
Steve & Janet Henthorn
Cindy & Scott Makinster
Daren & Teresa Konda
Carol Gendler
Lee Gladding
Brenda Helget
Karen Sedoris
Dr. Rick & Kyle Black
In Honor of Shirley Sladovnik
Tom Cramer
Chip & Rita Borgstadt
Edye Godden
Teal Family
Ben & Alissa Wormington
Kris & Marc Bowman
Lisa & George Stillahn
Anonymous (2)
Big Ass Fans
E&K Consulting
DaVita Health Partners, Inc.
Flat River Corp
McDonald Home Improvement
CAT Nebraska Machinery
TRK Construction
Mike & Pat Teal
Kathy Sangimino
QLI
Jeanette Janke
A Note from our Co-Chairs:
With our recent move to Gretna from the Valley and Omaha barns, HETRA’s programs and services are rapidly
growing. At our new facility, our capacity and ability to reach out to even more individuals with disabilities or those
who have experienced life changing events is expanding . . . each and every day!
We have recently reached our first milestone in our Program and Facility Expansion Campaign; raising $1,000,000 in
an overall $3,000,000 campaign. We want to personally thank every individual, foundation, grant, business and
organization for your generous support of the Program and Facility Expansion Campaign. These donors have
personally brought us to this “defining moment” in our Campaign. We recognize and thank them for their investment
in HETRA’s future.
Additional Program and Facility Expansion Campaign information will be presented soon. In the meantime, if you
would like to join our “defining moment” donors, please contact HETRA at 402-359-8830.
Sincerely,
Carl & Kimberly Falk
Program and Facility Expansion Campaign Co-Chairs
Special Thanks

Thank you to Kiwanis Club of Omaha for a Student Scholarship Grant of $1,320

A special thanks to the many memorial donations received from
Dunham+Company employees, family and friends in memory of
Eileen Dunham.

Thank you to Midlands Community Foundation for a grant which
will help fund the printing and postage for this newsletter.
Issue 43
April 2015
Life Skills Training Program Continues with Omni Behavioral Health
Over the past several months, HETRA has been facilitating meaningful and engaging life skills training opportunities
for adult individuals with disabilities. These clients receive on the job training as well as experience in a work
environment; helping clients improve their skill set, expand their comfort zone, and prepare them to contribute to the
community.
OMNI Behavioral Health is our newest partner in HETRA’s Life Skills program. OMNI provides sub-acute
community-based behavioral health services for individuals with disabilities. Recognizing the importance of
cooperation for improving the living conditions of children, adolescents, adults, and their families in
every community, OMNI promotes those activities which enhance personal autonomy while promoting the spirit of
the global community.
Individual clients and staff from OMNI attend Life Skills Training at HETRA three times per week and perform a
variety of volunteer activities. From cleaning tack and picking stalls to tidying offices and organizing storage areas,
these individuals are demonstrating responsibility and independence. Every day, OMNI clients develop skills such as
following directions, staying on task, completion of check lists, working with other volunteers as well as building
many other important life skills.
One OMNI client informed us he traded in some books and video games at a local store in exchange for a book about
horses. He said ever since he started Life Skills Training at HETRA, he wants to know more about the breeds of our
horses and is using his new book to learn. His favorite HETRA horse is Sugar because she is always curious about
what he’s doing. Whether in the next stall or across the fence, Sugar is always watching and following him!
If you are an organization who works with adults with disabilities and are interested in learning more about HETRA
vocational training opportunities, please contact Cassie Ford, at cassie@hetra.org.
Summer is Coming!!
HETRA offers a variety of summer camp opportunities for everyone.
Summer is coming so it is time to get
registered as camp openings are filling up fast and are available to all ability levels!
Horse Course 101 - This 5 day HETRA Horse Course combines qualified staff,
experienced horses, and beautiful facilities to create an atmosphere where campers can
practice basic horsemanship, learn about horse tack and general horse care, and enjoy
riding with friends! Each day the one and a half hour lesson will begin with grooming
and tacking under the supervision of a specially trained volunteer. Participants will then
have the opportunity to experience different riding disciplines with a mounted lesson
taught by a PATH International certified riding instructor. Each day will end with a fun
craft or ground activity designed to increase horse knowledge in a fun and interactive
way. At the end of the week, participants will have the opportunity to show off their
skills during a horse show including trophies! Prices are $50 per day or $200 for the
entire week for HETRA Students and $55 per day or $250 for the entire week for nonHETRA Students and requires a nonrefundable $25 deposit at sign up (this is applied
towards the total cost). All camps are from 8:30 – 10:00 AM and 10:15 – 11:45 AM
each day and are offered on the following dates:
June 15 – 19, June 22-26, June 29 – July 3
Miniature Horse Camps
Horse camps are fun for all ages and skill levels! During Horse Camps, students will
learn more about horse handling from the ground. They will be paired with a Miniature
Horse that they will lead through an in hand trail course. They will also learn how to
groom and ready their miniature horse, learn parts of the horse, different horse tack, play
games, make crafts, learn about nature through nature walks, and so much more! Cost: $50 for HETRA Students, $60 for
non-HETRA students
Camp Dates at Gretna Facility from 2:00 - 4:00:
May 23rd , July 25th , September 26th , October 29th
Camp Dates at Jimando Farms from 2:30 to 4:30:
Miniature Horse Camps: Apr il 25, Oct. 3 Driving Days: May 16, June 13, July 18, Aug. 22, Sept. 19, Oct. 10
Students must be at least 5 years old to participate in any Camps. All students must have up to date paperwork. Any student that
needs assistance with toileting or ambulation or may experience behavioral issues will need to have a caregiver present with
them at all times.
Issue 43
April 2015
10130 S. 222nd Street
Gretna, NE 68028
Make your
Reservations!
Blue Jeans & Dreams
May 2, 2015
Dani’s Story
Dani's interest in HETRA started in 2009. She hadn’t been around horses so being at the barn and riding was a new
experience for her. As she got up onto the big horse with the help of HETRA volunteers her fright turned into
delight. She progressed quickly and her confidence grew as she realized she could be in control of the beautiful
horse under her. I watched as her posture became perfect, sitting up so straight and tall.
In addition to her weekly riding lessons, she volunteered at the barn and learned how to respect, clean, and care for
the horses. She also got to know the horses and shared with me the differences in their personalities and
dispositions. Dani attended summer camps and really loved the extra time with not only the horses but the HETRA
volunteers. She has grown to love the leaders. She is inspired while watching them ride the horses.
Dani’s favorite experience was participating in the
Special Olympics last year. The new barn gave her
the opportunity to ride outside, which she loves.
The Barrel Course and Poles were quite
challenging but competing and completing the
events have increased her desire to keep riding. She
knows there is always more to learn and practicing
is key.
I speak very highly of the HETRA organization. I
tell parents, teachers, counselors and friends about
the joy it brings not only her but our family. I love
to see the smiles on the faces of all the students as
they ride. Seeing the smiles and excitement at the
Special Olympics made that my favorite HETRA
experience, too. Thank you for all you do for Dani
and all of the HETRA students.
~Jamie Duckert, HETRA PARENT
Issue 43
The 2014 Special Olympics Equestrian Team and HETRA Staff
April 2015
Event Sponsors:
The Friedland Family
Foundation
Auction Sneak Peak:



Instant Wine Cellar
Disney Theme Park Trip
Garth Brooks Concert
Tickets
Private Catered Dinner
Autographed Heisman
Football
Massage Therapy, Manicures
and Pedicures
Golf, Baseball, and Sports
Packages
Gift Cards Galore: To all
your favorite places!





Fun prizes to be
awarded for best hat,
fanciest boots, and
“blinged-out” belt
buckles.
Click Here to make your Blue Jeans & Dreams Reservations today!! Or send in the form below
___ Enclosed please find my payment of $65 per person for ___ number of tickets. ($75 per person on or after April 17)
___ Enclosed please find my payment of $550 per table, for ____ number of tables which will seat 8 guests. ($650 per table after April 17)
___ I’m sorry I cannot attend but please accept my tax-deductible donation of $______________________.
Your Name_________________________________ Address__________________________________________ City:_________________
State: ___________ Zip:_______________ Phone: ____________________________ Email: ___________________________________
___ I would like to pay by check ___ I would like to pay by credit card
___ Please use this credit card for express checkout at the event in order to expedite the check out process at the event
CC # ________________________________________________ Exp _____________
For more information about HETRA or the Blue Jeans & Dreams Benefit, please visit our website at www.HETRA.org or call us at (402) 359-8830
Please include a list of names of guests attending with you so we can expedite their check in process.
Supporting the HETRA Therapy Horses
Every once in a while, you have the opportunity to do something extraordinary…
this is one of those times.
With over 100 students served each week, and 18 HETRA therapy horses trained and ready to
meet the needs of our students, it’s no wonder that our equine assisted therapy sessions are
thriving and expanding. HETRA sessions are a team approach, with Professional Association
of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Int’l) certified riding instructors or
licensed therapists conducting sessions.
The fact is, we simply could not do what we do without the highly skilled, trained and
patient HETRA horses that serve as the backbone of our mission. The horse’s rhythmic,
repetitive movements work to improve muscle tone, balance, posture, strength, coordination,
flexibility, cognitive skills, and self-esteem of every HETRA student.
Did you know that the annual cost of healthcare, nutrition, feeding, and training of our therapy horses is $3,600 per horse
per year? We take great strides to ensure our therapy horses are always healthy, sound, and ready to work with all of our
students with disabilities. To this end, we depend on the generous donations and sponsorships from our caring community
to help subsidize the expenses associated with our therapy horses.
There are several ways for you to have an immediate impact on our Horse Sponsorship Program.
Horse Penny Race: The dedicated volunteer s, student families and staff have teamed up with a ther apy hor se and
are raising money that is allocated to horse sponsorships. This campaign began in January and runs through May 2nd. The
“horse” that raises the most money in the Horse Penny Race will be crowned the “Horse of the Year, or “HOTY” at the
Blue Jeans and Dreams Benefit on Saturday, May 2nd. The HOTY will also be sponsored for the entire year. Please join
the race and give our Teams a boost in securing horse sponsorship! Every donation counts!
Horse Sponsorships ar e available monthly and annually. Each of our hor ses deser ve to be sponsor ed, and it takes
an extraordinary group of people to lead this effort. Imagine what it feels like to know you’ve sponsored a horse that is
helping an individual with a disability improve physical development such as core strength, balance, posture, and
flexibility. Add to that the great confidence, joy, and sense of pride your horse brings to those individuals.
Many thanks to our current Horse Sponsors:

Edward Jones - Lori Blum - Sponsoring “Red”

Hubbard Feeds, Inc. - Sponsoring “Charm”

Karen Sedoris & Kathleen McGahey - Sponsoring “Stoney”
The following HETRA horses are still in need of sponsorship: Diamond, Jessie, Molly, Rainbow, Rocky,
Shetan, Smokey, Star, Ted, Trixie, Waldo, and the Miniature Horses – Belle & Stormy.
Your name or business
could be here!
To view their full biographies, please visit our website or contact Maggie Olson, Horse Manager at 402-359-8830.
I would like to sponsor a horse! Click Here to make a donation or send in the form below
___ Horse Penny Race Donation in the amount of $______________
___ $300 Sponsors a horse for one month
___ $1,800 Sponsors a horse for six months
___ $3,600 Sponsors a horse for one year!
Sponsors contributing at the one year level will have a
plaque on the horse’s stall of your choice recognizing
your generous donation.
I would like my donation to go to (HETRA Hor se Name) ___________________________
Your Name_________________________________ Address__________________________________________ City:_________________
State: ___________ Zip:_______________ Phone: ____________________________ Email: ___________________________________
Your name or business name as you like it to appear when recognized: ________________________________________________________
___ I would like to pay by check
___ I would like to pay by credit card ___ Monthly ___ One-Time Full Payment
CC # ________________________________________________ Exp _____________
Please return this portion to HETRA at: 10130 S. 222nd Street, Gretna, NE 68028 l (402) 359-8830 l www.HETRA.org