Saturday, August 5, 2023 LOCATION: Vet School Classroom (morning only) Equestrian Center (afternoon only)
7:30-8am - Registration
Session G 8 – 9am
G1, On a Journey? Use a Map! CE Taking a successful journey requires vision, resources, and planning. The growth and health of your center requires nothing less. This session will help you create a working Strategic Plan to guide you, your staff, board, clients, volunteers, and donors toward a shared vision. You will learn a strategic planning process that ends in a one-page plan to meet your organizational goals. Joe Wappelhorst See bio in session A3.
G2, Routine Care Advice Your Farrier Wishes You Knew CR All What your farrier wants you to know: what constitutes a successful appointment, beneficial care between farrier visits, and building an efficient team. Scott & Sydney Wilkinson See bio in session E2.
G3, The Dollars and Sense of Service Agreements with Schools CE This presentation will provide information on attracting and working with public school systems through service agreements to provide equine assisted service opportunities for their students. Three main objectives will be covered: attracting schools and decision makers; what to include in the written agreement; and preparations for a class. Andi Holland was born and raised in Oklahoma, married an Air Force Officer in 1986, and spent the next 23 years following his assignments, moving nine times from state to state, earning a degree in Communication along the way. Andi has worked in nonprofit management for over 34 years for such organizations as The American Red Cross, Salvation Army and the Oklahoma Historical Society. Andi loves horses and has three of her own, one of whom serves on the Savannah Station Healing Team. She became a Therapeutic Riding Instructor in 2015 and became the Executive Director of Savannah Station Therapeutic Riding Program in the Fall of 2017. Her nonprofit background helps guide Savannah Station through an exciting time of advancement as they fulfill their mission of “Offering hope and healing to people with special needs through the amazing power of the horse.” Andi believes it is a privilege to lead an organization that utilizes the amazing gifts of the horse to impact the lives of all who encounter them.
Session H 9:15 – 10:15am
H1, Epilepsy & Seizure Disorder and Implication for EAS DE This presentation will define epilepsy and seizures, describe the different types of seizures, and review what to do if someone has a seizure. PATH Intl. Precautions and Contraindications for seizures will be reviewed, and considerations for mounted activities will be discussed. Shannon Middleton See bio in session C2.
H2, Equine Strategic Planning CE Strategic planning is an important part of all businesses that is often overlooked, undervalued, misunderstood and overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be! This session will share a step-by-step approach to developing an equine strategic plan that is easily understood and implemented for centers of all sizes! We’ll take a critical look at current equine herds and evaluate the herd for long term, functional, and financial sustainability. Learn to assess programs to develop a targeted approach for equine intake based on specific needs, and, as much as we all dread it, start looking at ethical systems for retiring Steady Eddie in a timely manner. Shelby Schult grew up riding and showing American Quarter Horses in a barn where Adaptive Riding and Therapy Services were being offered every day. Upon graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, she took a fulltime position at Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA) as the Equine Operations Manager and has most recently moved into the role of Program Manager. Shelby is a PATH Intl. CTRI, ESMHL and Mentor. She was also selected as the 2023 PATH Intl. Region 7 Equine Caretaker of the Year. Shelby loves working hands on with participants and volunteers, but her passion lies with the horses. She is driven by building and maintaining an EAS herd that is “healthy, happy, sane and sound” and strives every day to learn from the horses and to share that knowledge with others in the EAS industry.
H3, Resiliency and Center Sustainability Part 1 CE Join Kathy Alm, CEO of PATH Intl., to explore how to navigate the ongoing sustainability of your center through the external changes and internal demands. Learn how to utilize emotional intelligence to address difficult circumstances and challenging times. Understand what you need to build resilience while sustaining your center and your people. Determine where you need to focus your energy for the best sustainable outcome for your center. Connect with other center leaders for future ongoing support. Take away ideas and tools to build resiliency and center sustainability. Kathy Alm began her service as chief executive officer of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) in August 2014. For the previous 16 years she served as executive director of Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center in Woodinville, WA. She grew the previously grassroots organization from a $280,000 annual operating budget to a professional $2.1 million organization. Kathy served as the PATH Intl. board president in the 2010-2012 term, first joining the board of trustees in 2005. She has facilitated numerous workshops and presentations on board, staff, fundraising and strategic planning and enjoys the opportunity to share her experience as well as learn from others. Her dedication to the field of equine-assisted services spans over 19 years with a passion that was ignited the moment she walked through the door at her first therapeutic riding center.
Session I 10:30 – 11:30am
I1, The Smallest Gifts CE Gifts come in all sizes and in many forms. When interacting with or training people with disabilities, it is easy to miss the gifts that are all around. After working with people with disabilities for over 30 years, plus having two children with disabilities, this presenter has discovered many gifts are often overlooked. Through this presentation, you will find ways to recognize and celebrate the gifts in your life and in the lives of others. This recognition will help you work with others more effectively. Lori Wieder is the parent of two children with a genetic disability that causes intellectual disabilities and presents like autism in many ways. She earned her BA in Psychology at Oklahoma State, MEd in Community Counseling from the University of Central Oklahoma, and an MS in Teaching English as a Second Language and an MS in Special Education both from Oklahoma State University. To learn more about the legal issues related to special education access she attended the William and Mary School of Law’s Institute of Special Education Advocacy. Lori began her work with people with disabilities in 1990. She has worked as a case manager for individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (many with a dual diagnosis of Intellectual Disability/Mental Illness). She has also worked as a special education teacher and as a special education compliance specialist. Lori is also a board member at Turning Point Ranch where her children have been participants for over 10 years.
I2, On the Path to Data-Informed Decisions CE Nonprofits live off the generosity of others whether they be individuals, communities, businesses or government agencies. Dealing with many funders requires an overwhelming amount of information, from the application process to the annual report. The for profit and government answer to these data requirements is often “Put a data system in place.” However, when your goal is to serve people with unmet needs, it is often hard to justify spending money on complex data systems and the training or staff needed to help your nonprofit organization operate in that manner. Moving from the “gut feeling” to data-informed decision making is a process but it can be made a little easier with someone to guide you down the right path. Find out why data-informed decision making is important for nonprofits, how you can make it work for you and how to do it without breaking the bank. This session will help nonprofits of all sizes assess their environment and find out where they are on the path to making data-informed decisions. Learners will be able to compare, and contrast data-informed and data-driven decision making, assess their nonprofit data culture, and learn to develop a plan to implement a data-informed process. Please bring samples of organization/learning goals and objectives, reporting requirements and/or strategic plans for this session. Miriam McGaugh, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in the School of Marketing and International Business at Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business. She teaches in the Business Analytics and Data Science program.
I3, Resiliency and Center Sustainability Part 2 CE Continuation of session H3.
11:30am – 12pm Travel to the Equestrian Center
12 – 1:45pm Lunch & Keynote with Becky Endicott “Storytelling to Raise Funds” CE
Session J 2 – 3pm
J1, A Slice of the APIE/D Process CE Come get your slice of the Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation and Documentation process! The process that is typically only used in the Therapeutic Recreation (TR) setting is coming to the equine-assisted services world where it will be presented in a way where the process becomes useful for more than just the instructor. Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to outline the utilization of the APIE/APIE-D process, create and describe best practices in program implementation/autonomy, as well as identify new strategic plans and partnerships to better their program and/or organization. Limited to 55 attendees. Corinna Fleming is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist that works full-time at River Crest Hospital and is contracted with MHMR of the Concho Valley Youth Empowerment Services, specializing in mental and behavioral health. Corinna is a PATH Intl. CTRI where she has taught riders of all ages and offers equine-assisted services as a treatment modality for clients when appropriate. Throughout her career she has worked in adaptive recreation, leadership recreation and year-round camp programming.
J2, Teaching in the Moment - Volunteer Training Never Ends CE **MOVED FROM SUNDAY N3** Volunteer orientation and training is vital for every new volunteer. But it doesn't end there - volunteer training happens every day in the arena. With a combined 20 years in the EAS industry, and a program that requires 100+ volunteers a week, we have had challenges, failures and successes that have taught us how to be strong and compassionate when training volunteers. The changes we have implemented have drastically improved our volunteer retention. We will discuss teaching tools, so instructors can provide useful feedback and instruction, in the moment, to volunteers without compromising the lesson or creating hurt feelings. We will share how to keep a working dialogue going between instructors and volunteer coordinators to help those volunteers that might be struggling to find their best place in your program. Julia Stephan is the volunteer coordinator at SIRE-Spring Site. Stephanie Twellman, PATH Intl. CTRI, ESMHL is the head instructor and equine manager at SIRE-Spring Site. Shayna Bolton, PATH Intl. CTRI, ESMHL is the program director and site manager at SIRE-Spring Site.
J3, Creating Effective Equine-Assisted Services for Veterans: USU/SLC VA Collaboration CE Utah State University is in their fourth year of a strong collaboration with the Salt Lake City VA in providing effective equine-assisted services through the Department of Veteran Affairs Adaptive Sport Grant. This partnership has resulted in four published journal articles and critical pilot data collection for future research of two intervention models. This presentation will cover the key strategies used for development, management and future research in their science-based equine-assisted services program. Judy Smith has served as the Director of Equine & Human Science at Utah State University for the past five years. She completed her Master’s Degree in Leisure Studies with an emphasis in Equine Recreational and Therapeutic Programing at Oklahoma State University. Her love for horses began early in life and she grew up in the 4-H horse program in Washington. For the past 20 years, Judy has been involved in equine-assisted services and is a PATH Intl. CTRI and ESMHL. William (Bill) Marchand, MD is the Director of Research and Equine-assisted Services for the Whole Health Flagship site at the VA Salt Lake Health Care System, located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Bill is certified as a PATH Intl. ESMHL and by EAGALA to provide equine-assisted psychotherapy. He is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Utah School of Medicine and an Adjunct Professor of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences at Utah State University. Bill is a long-term horse person and spends much of his free time hanging out with his Quarter Horse, Goldie. William (Bill) Marchand, MD, LFAPA, Certified by PATH, Intl., Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, Certified by Eagala, Equine-assisted Psychotherapy, Director of Research and Equine-assisted Services, Whole Health Service VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Professor of Psychiatry (Clinical) University of Utah School of Medicine, Adjunct Professor of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences Utah State University
Session K 3:15 – 4:15pm
K1, Equine-Assisted Services, The Grunt’s Perspective CE Brian Paul is a veteran of the 45th Infantry, former Firefighter/EMT, who delivers hope and inspiration by sharing his story of service, struggles with post-traumatic stress and alcoholism as well as his remarkable recovery. Limited to 55 attendees. Brian Paul grew up in Mustang, Oklahoma. He enlisted in the OK National Guard and was activated with his unit to the Murrah Federal Building in April 1995 soon after it was bombed. Brian later became a Firefighter/EMT in the Kansas City area for eight years where he began self-medicating due to the stresses of emergency work. Brian’s life spiraled out of control, and he found himself homeless, divorced, suicidal and fighting both addiction and PTS. After 90 days of in-house treatment, Brian began helping other Veterans and First Responders with similar experiences and in May 2017, founded Veterans for Life USA. He has been sober since November 2015 and has placed over 60 others into lifesaving treatment.
K2, Mini Teams Gallop to Greatness Part 1 CR ESMHL Team up with equines to improve team building, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills! Using equine assisted learning, teams and groups will use natural horse and herd behaviors to accomplish their own goals to improve the individuals and the group. Teams will benefit from improved comradery, leadership and communication skills, kindness and overall confidence. Kelly King is the Executive Director and founder of Flames to Hope Equine Assisted Services and is an equineassisted learning instructor. She is a PATH Intl. ESHML and O.K. Corral Series certified. She has a BA in Business Administration and an MA in Organizational Dynamics. She is also Lean Six Sigma Certified. Melissa Blakenship is the Associate Director of Flames to Hope Equine Assisted Services. She is an equineassisted learning Instructor. She has a BA and MA in Social Work and is Lean Six Sigma Certified.
K3, The Ups and Downs of Posting Trot CR Riding What is the posting trot? Why do we teach this skill? How do you teach this skill? How can you help clients embody the movements they need to develop their balance and coordination for posting? We will discuss the history of the posting trot and consider the facts and fiction on how posting impacts equine partners. Attendees will learn unmounted and mounted strategies beyond saying “up, down” to support riders in learning the what, the why, and the how of the movement. Betsy Kahl, LCSW is a PATH Intl. Advanced Instructor and CTRI. Betsy has taught lessons in New Hampshire, Ohio, and Texas. Betsy is the founder and director of the nonprofit Wonder Horse Ranch, a PATH Intl. member center in Elgin, TX that serves veterans and first responders through balanced, authentic and collaborative horsemanship. She also works as an instructor in the veteran’s program at ROCK, a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center, in Georgetown, TX. Betsy is happy to offer lessons, clinics, and workshops in classical dressage training and Franklin Method Equestrian techniques to equine-assisted services professionals and programs. Betsy completed her undergraduate work at the University of Notre Dame and earned her Master of Social Work at Cleveland State University. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Betsy has studied and practiced animal-assisted therapy, and has been able to partner with horses, dogs, turtles, snakes, and skunks to connect with others and facilitate change.
Session L 4:30 – 5:30pm
L1, Sensory and Behavior: Regulation in EAS DE This session will help instructors understand sensory system dysfunction that can impact our participants with Autism, ADHD, ADD and more. Session participants will learn effective adaptations and strategies to help their participants achieve their goals with their equine partners. The session objectives are to introduce the sensory system; explore behaviors associated with Sensory Dysfunction; learn how to help with meltdowns and stimming; when to refer to a therapist; and case studies and examples of modifications to achieve regulation. Limited to 55 attendees. Dr. Kaiti Otte is a licensed occupational therapist and CTRI at HETRA in Gretna, NE. She has a background in pediatric clinical therapy, focusing primarily on sensory dysfunction and behavior modification.
L2, Mini Teams Gallop to Greatness Part 2 CR ESMHL Continuation of session K2.
L3, Ground Class With Life Skills CE Learn about this groundwork class designed to introduce students to horsemanship skills and learn life skills, and how to implement it. Horsemanship includes grooming, leading, horse nature and characteristics, and horse care. Life skills includes safety procedures, barn chores, putting halters and grooming tools away, following instructions, etc. Blu Phillips & Lesley Shedeck wrote the curriculum and work together to offer this class to their students.