The Heartland Hoofbeat

The Heartland Hoofbeat
Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy
Making Gretna Our New Home
Mark your calendars!
Course A Student &
Volunteer Dates
January 5 - March 29, 2015
Student & Volunteer Openings
Available!
Open Arena Riding
Bring your horse out and ride
in the large indoor arena! Go
to the HETRA Website to sign
up for days & times
SAVE THE DATE!
Blue Jeans & Dreams
May 2, 2015
Host Couple: Jamie & Ted
Friedland & Event Sponsor
The Friedland Family
Foundation
SAVE THE DATE!
Little Britches Horse Show
August 15, 2015
Interested in touring the
new Gretna Barn?
Go to events page of HETRA
The HETRA Tack Shack is
now open! We are stocked
with many great items!
Open: Mon - Thurs 9:00am 8:00pm, Friday 9:00 - 4:00
Follow us on Social Media
HETRA
10130 S. 222nd St.
Gretna, NE 68028
(402) 359-8830
www.HETRA.org
Issue 42
As many of you know, in June of 2014,
HETRA moved from two separate barns in
Valley and Omaha to one central, larger
location in Gretna. This move has been key
to our continued growth and success in
providing equine assisted therapies and
activities that improve the quality of life
both physically and emotionally of adults
and children with disabilities. Our new 25
acre location is well suited for expanded
programing in Hippotherapy, Therapeutic
Riding, Therapeutic Carriage Driving, Day Camps, and much more. HETRA is proud to
announce our initial fundraising efforts have been met with several generous and crucial
grants and donations.
Mustaches for Kids Omaha granted $251,000, which included a “Flash Match” of $5000
from the Friedland Family Foundation. The Mustaches for Kids donation enabled
HETRA to sign a lease for the property and supported the initial expenses of the move.
The Harper Family Foundation has awarded HETRA a grant for $175,000. This has
been allocated for the down payment on the new HETRA property.
With winter upon us, it was crucial to make several improvements to our indoor arena to
ensure the safety and comfort of all involved in HETRA sessions. To this cause, the
HDR Foundation has generously donated $81,550 to fund the heating and insulation of
our indoor arena. TRK Construction, a company based out of Kansas City, MO, was
one of the first to donate. They made an in-kind donation of the design and installation
of our ADA accessible men’s and women’s restrooms in the barn. The donation was
valued at $46,000.The Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation came to the “stable”
with a $10,950 grant. The Merck Foundation gave a $2,125 grant. Both of these
wonderful grants were allocated to the new Outpatient Therapy Clinic. Larry the Cable
Guy’s Foundation, Git-R-Done, got it done with a $6,900 donation toward the new
outdoor electric water sources. This will ensure our therapy horses stay well hydrated all
year long.
The commitment of so many individuals, foundations, and companies to donate
equipment, skills and services to HETRA’s Program and Facility Expansion Project has
been tremendous. Our need for a new tractor was met with a generous donation from
HETRA volunteer Mike Teal. He donated a refurbished 1953 Ford Jubilee which
enables us to rake and drag the indoor arena so that the footing is level and safe.
Likewise, HETRA volunteer Stan Wattnem has enhanced the safety and security of our
barn by installing lights at our main entrance as well as to the outdoor horse pens. This
allows people and horses to move around safely in the evening.
If you are interested in learning more about HETRA’ s Program & Facility Expansion
Campaign, please contact Jodi Teal at Jodi@HETRA.org or (402) 359-8830.
February 2015
Student Success Story
Cory has been riding with HETRA since 2011. When he started, Cory required two side
walkers and a leader during his lessons. Since then, Cory has progressed so much that he
requires a leader only for his warm ups and rides independently at the walk and trot for
most of the lesson.
Over the years, all of his instructors have seen significant improvement in Cory’s balance,
posture, and patience. He loves to show off his skills to everyone who comes to see him
ride. In August Cory proved what a great rider he has become by winning gold and bronze
medal at Nebraska Special Olympics for independent walk only stock seat and
independent walk only trail.
Everyone at HETRA is so proud of how hard Cory has worked to become the rider he is
today. Keep up the good work, Cory!
Special Thanks
A special THANK YOU to the following foundations, grants, businesses and individuals who made the following
donations:

The Becker Family Foundation and The Swanson Foundation for their
generous donations supporting HETRA.

American Quarter Horse Foundation provided funding for American
Hippotherapy Association (AHA) Training to be conducted on site for
therapists this fall.

PATH, Intl & US Department of Veteran’s Affairs for funding 40 Veteran
Equine Service for Heroes sessions.

American National Bank, Gretna Branch, for raising funds for our Drive to
Ride Teams, supporting student sponsorships.

EQUI-TEE MFG donated 3 “state of the art” manure forks, which come in
handy for cleaning stalls.
HETRA Executive Director, Edye Godden accepts a
gift from American National Bank, Gretna.
HETRA Honored to Introduce Two New Board of Directors Members
HETRA is pleased to announce the newest appointments to the board of directors: Alex Hayes and Dr. Lynn
O’Hanlon. Both appointments to the HETRA Board bring new experience and expertise to our program and
facilities.
Retired Police Chief Alex Hayes was hired in October of 2013 by Mutual of Omaha as the Corporate Director of
Physical Security. Prior to accepting this position, Alex served on the Omaha Police Department. Over the course of
his career, Alex has supervised and commanded the Homicide Unit, Crime Analysis Unit, and Narcotics/Intelligence
Unit. He has worked in the Gang Unit, Uniform Patrol and Child Victim/ Sexual Assault Unit. Alex has a Bachelor’s
Degree in Criminal Justice from Bellevue University and is a graduate of the FBI National Executive Institute.
Dr. Lynn O’Hanlon graduated from UNMC, and completed her pediatric residency and sub-specialized in
neonatology at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, MO. Her family moved back to the Omaha metro area and
now live on an acreage where they raise horses, sheep, and an assortment of other animals. Lynn has a son working
and attending school in Florida, and a daughter in middle school who has a passion for horse jumping.
“I am honored to join HETRA’s board because I believe full heartedly in their mission,” Lynn expressed. “In my
career as a neonatologist, I take care of fragile infants many of whom will go on to require long term PT/OT therapy
because of their newborn experience.” Lynn also owns horses and knows firsthand the physical and psychological
benefits of interacting with horses.
Issue 42
February 2015
Life Skills Training Program begins with Integrated Life Choices
HETRA is pleased to coordinate life skills training opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Our HETRA facility
provides wonderful, meaningful and engaging opportunities for adults with disabilities to get on the job training as
well as experience in a work environment. Life Skills training helps clients improve their
skill set, expand their comfort zone, and allow them to contribute to the community.
HETRA is presently working in collaboration with Integrated Life Choices. ILC clients are
learning about daily job responsibilities at HETRA including everything from cleaning stalls
and tack as well as the operation of our Tack Shack. Under the supervision of HETRA’s
vocational coordinator and ILC job coaches, clients receive a tutorial, perform a variety of
assignments, and follow a checklist of responsibilities and duties during their life skills
session. ILC clients are demonstrating responsibility and determination; performing duties
with great care to completion.
Ultimately, the goal of life skills and vocational training is for the client to learn the skills
and personal interaction protocols of the work environment, and to be able to apply those
skills so they may transition from requiring a job coach present to independence on the job
site. If you are an organization who works with adults with disabilities and are interested in
learning more about HETRA’s life skill training opportunities, please contact Cassie Ford, at ILC Clients cleaning saddles
cassie@hetra.org. HETRA would also like to thank Meyer Foundation for Disabilities for funding HETRA staff
salaries for this pilot program.
Drive to Ride Teams raise funds for Student Sponsorship
The 2014 Drive to Ride Campaign raised an impressive $43,618 this year, all from the efforts of our student families.
They reached out to the community, their friends, co-workers and businesses to raise these much needed dollars which
support the Student Sponsorship Program. At HETRA, no student will ever be turned away due to their financial
situation or inability to pay. The Student Sponsorship Program enables HETRA to reduce the cost per participant
significantly. All students that participated in the Drive to Ride campaign received one free sessions for use in 2015.
Thank you to ALL of our Drive to Ride Teams. Your support and efforts made a difference, not just for your team, but
for all HETRA students. Thank you!
Team Drew: $31,305
Team Ethan: $5,020
Team Logan: $2,025
Team Molly: $2,000
Team Jack: $1,350
Team Matt: $413
Team Mariah: $340
Team Daniel: $270
Team Arslan: $140
Team Alexis: $135
Team Tristan: $100
Team Gracie: $100
Team Caroline: $80
Team Marissa: $75
Team Zane: $70
Team Maddie: $65
Team Payton: $65
Team Mariyka: $40
Team Lauren: $25
Drew participating in a Hippotherapy Session
Volunteer and Student Recognition Party a HUGE success
There was much jubilation at the 2015 HETRA Volunteer and Student party on Saturday, January 17th held at the
American Legion in Gretna. With over 150 people in attendance, students, families, volunteers, and staff came
together to celebrate an incredible year of success and progress. All HETRA students were presented with a trophy
and certificate for their participation, progress, and positive attitudes over the past year. Way to go, students! All
volunteers were able to convert their cumulated hours to use to “purchase” silent auction items. A very special thanks
to all of our parents, families, businesses, and instructors who brought in gifts for the silent auction! All of you helped
us show our volunteers just how much they mean to you, and to HETRA!
Congratulations to the following Volunteer of the Year Recipients
for outstanding service in 2014
New Volunteer of the Year: Janelle DePuydt
Adult Volunteers of the Year: Maggie Kock and Karen Jorgensen
Youth Volunteer of the Year (18 under): Lauren Patzke
Barn Volunteer of the Year: Julie Lagemann
Family of the Year volunteer awards were presented to:
The Wattnam Family (Stan and Sheryl) and The Kopsa Family (James, Sarah, and Maria).
Awards were also presented to volunteers that turned in
100 + hours of volunteer service in 2014.
Thank you to all our volunteers, we could not do this without you!
Issue 42
February 2015
10130 S. 222nd Street
Gretna, NE 68028
Save the Date!!
Blue Jeans & Dreams
May 2, 2015
2015 “Horse of the Year” Race
Raising Awareness and Dollars to Support HETRA’s Therapy Horses
The HETRA Horse of the Year (HOTY!) Race is off and running.
The dedicated volunteers, student families, and
staff are working hard to raise dollars to help subsidize the annual cost of health care, nutrition, and training for our
Therapy Horses ($3,600 / horse / year).
All HETRA sessions are a TEAM effort with several PATH, Int. certified riding instructors and 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.
The Horse of the Year Race is a fun opportunity for everyone to get involved in the efforts to financially support the
herd of 15 therapy horses. Each horse has a team with a goal of raising a minimum of $1,000 for their horse. Your
generous donation to any of the HETRA Horses will impact their efforts significantly. The team that raises the most
money during this fundraising event will be crowned with the esteemed and coveted title of “Horse of the Year” at
Blue Jeans and Dreams on Saturday, May 2nd at HETRA.
Please join the race and give our Teams a boost in reaching their goal! You can visit the HETRA website at
www.HETRA.org to place your vote or view more about our HETRA herd and this year’s Team Slogans:
Charm:
Sound the Alarm. . . Vote for
Shetan:
Super Shetan!
Charm!
Smokey:
Remember, ONLY YOU can help
Diamond:
Shine bright, like a Diamond!
Smokey win HOTY!
Jessie:
Jessie up!
Stoney:
Stoney Rocks!
Molly:
Marvelous Molly
Sugar:
Sugar: the most important ingredient
Mini Horses: Mini but Mighty!
in any recipe
Rainbow:
Help fill the pot at the end of the
Ted:
Don’t be Misled. . . Vote for Ted!
Rainbow
Trixie
Don’t be Risky . . . Vote for Trixie!
Red:
Move Ahead with Red!
Waldo:
Where’s Waldo’s Winnings?
Rocky:
Join ROCKY on his HOTY tour!
Issue 42
February 2015