EP41 – Healing Through Horses — How Connected Horse Is Reimagining Dementia Care with Paula Hertel & Judy Vared

Simplify Senior Transitions Podcast

What if a dementia diagnosis wasn’t the end of the story — but the beginning of a new kind of connection?

In this powerful episode of the Simplify Senior Transitions Podcast, host Dale Corpus is joined by Paula Hertel and Judy Vared of Connected Horse, a nonprofit that offers equine-assisted workshops for people living with dementia and their care partners.

You’ll learn how their innovative approach helps families move from despair to activation — empowering seniors and their loved ones to rediscover joy, purpose, and dignity through meaningful experiences with horses. With over 30 years of senior living expertise, Paula and Judy share practical insights, emotional stories, and a new lens on what’s possible after a diagnosis.

Whether you’re a caregiver, professional, or just someone who cares about aging well — this episode will leave you inspired.

💬 What We Cover in This Episode
• Why equine-assisted therapy is so effective for memory support
• The emotional impact on both seniors and their care partners
• What a typical Connected Horse workshop looks like
• How their programs restore dignity, purpose, and hope
• Ways families and professionals can get involved
• Why this work is transforming the narrative around dementia care

👥 About Today’s Guests

Paula Hertel, MSW
Paula has over 30 years of executive experience in senior living, specializing in operations, development, and strategic planning. She serves on the Board of Directors and co-chairs the Education Committee for the California Assisted Living Association while leading Senior Living Consult, her consulting practice. Paula also co-founded Connected Horse, a research-supported equine-assisted program helping people living with dementia and their families find engagement, support, and joy.
📧 Contact Paula: [email protected]

Judy Vared
Judy brings over a decade of leadership and experience in senior living marketing to the Connected Horse team. Before her work in senior living, she taught in East Bay schools. Judy combines a compassionate approach with deep expertise in outreach and workshop coordination, helping expand Connected Horse programs nationwide to empower those affected by cognitive challenges to live with hope and connection.
📧 Contact Judy: [email protected]

🔗 Learn More About Connected Horse
🌐 Website: www.connectedhorse.org
📧 General Inquiries: [email protected]
🎥 Overview Video: https://youtu.be/8-Jc17KRc8U

📞 Work with Dale
If your loved one is considering senior living and you need to figure out what to do with their home — let’s talk!
👉 Schedule a FREE consultation and learn more about my services at: www.simplifyseniortransitions.com
📲 Have a quick question? DM me on Instagram: @soldbydale

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