HETRA University Live

Strides Forward

Next Steps in Equine Welfare

Join us for this live workshop!

By weaving together leadership, communication, advocacy, and hands-on equine experiences, the workshop underscores one unifying truth: when horses thrive, programs thrive—and every EAS participant benefits.

This two-day workshop places equine welfare at the heart of every conversation. Drawing on HETRA’s 35+ year experience and past HETRA University Live workshops, we’ve learned that even unexpected topics—like leadership and communication—are essential to advocating for our horses and ensuring their needs are prioritized in both care and budgets.

Why HETRA?

At HETRA, we know what it takes to lead a thriving nonprofit and a high-performing equine-assisted services program—because we’ve been doing it for more than 35 years. Growing from a single participant per week to over 160, we have firsthand experience in every stage of program development. This depth of experience means we understand the challenges and opportunities at every level of an organization—making our insights practical and applicable for centers both large and small. As the only PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in Nebraska, we’ve built a reputation for excellence not just in safety and quality of services, but in how we lead, grow, and sustain a nonprofit organization.

Our education isn’t theory—it’s experience. We’ve been where you are and we are headed to the same place! We’re excited to share practical strategies and inspiration to help you move forward with confidence, sustainability, and vision.

Friday, March 7th

8:00 AM - Registration & Check-In

8:30 AM - Meet the HETRA Herd: Welfare in Practice

9:45 AM - The Weight of Responsibility: Equine Weight Limits

11:00 AM - Managing Stress for Sustainability

12:00 PM - LUNCH PROVIDED

1:00 PM - Protecting Horses, Supporting Riders: Balanced vs. Unbalanced Participants

2:45 PM - Protecting Horses, Supporting Riders: Practical Application and Advocacy

4:00 PM - Managing Tough Conversations + Equine Experience for Professional Development

5:30 PM - Dismiss for Networking Event at a Local Venue

Saturday, March 8th

8:30 AM - Check-in

9:00 AM - The Horses’ Advocate: Elevating Equine Welfare and Public Perception of Your Herd

10:45 AM - Funding the Foundation: Supporting Equine Partners in EAS Programs

11:45 AM - LUNCH PROVIDED

12:00 PM - KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Kristin Kastrup, "Harnessing the Power of Your People"

1:00 PM - The HETRA Method of Leading: Using the “Magic Wand”

2:15 PM - Building a Strong Volunteer Team: Boundaries, Expectations, and Engagement

3:30 PM - Conditioning Corner: Pathways to Longevity and Success

5:00 PM - Workshop End

Click here to see the detailed agenda with session descriptions and presenter information.

REGISTRATION

$150 - EARLY BIRD [Price increases February 1st]

Full Registration

Full, in-person workshop experience at the HETRA campus in Gretna, NE.

Includes lunch on Friday and Saturday and light snacks/refreshments.

$80

Virtual Experience

Join us online!

Virtual access that includes audio/visual of all presentations.
Access to PowerPoint presentations.
Digital downloads of handouts that are available.
Observation of horse activities during the workshop, access may be limited due to the dynamic nature of sessions.

This isn't our first rodeo...

This marks the fourth workshop from HETRA University, where we’ve proudly welcomed participants from across the country to our barn in Gretna, NE.

Our team brings a wealth of experience, yet we approach every workshop with an open mind, eager to learn from each attendee. We believe every participant contributes unique insights, and we foster a spirit of collaboration where every perspective is valued.

What have previous attendees said about HETRA University Live Workshops?

I'd come back anytime. So well done, professional and on point. This was such a well done weekend!

Thanks to your whole team who contributed to this workshop! I look forward to joining more informational
sessions in the future! Also, thanks for offering a virtual option! The HETRA team were very accommodating to allow us [online] to feel part of the workshop...

Thank you for all the educational content you are putting out. HETRA is my go-to for education and CEU's and the first place I look when I need ideas for my own center. Keep up the great work.

Welcome to Gretna!

Area Accommodations

Holiday Inn Express & Suites: Omaha I-80

16175 Stevens Pointe

Gretna, NE 68028

Comfort Suites - West Omaha

2500 S 192nd Ave

Omaha, NE 68130