Heartland Therapeutic Riding, Inc.

Heartland Therapeutic Riding, Inc. Heartland Therapeutic Riding is a therapeutic riding center serving children and adults with disabilities in the Kansas City area, since 1978.

Heartland Therapeutic Riding, Inc. was founded because of the determination and drive of one mother who refused to accept that an individual with a disability should be excluded from horseback riding, because of their diagnosis. Literally proving where there is a will, there is a way. In 1977, Jean Baum established Heartland Therapeutic Riding after horseback riding was suggested as a potentially helpful (future) activity for her nine-month old daughter, who had special needs. Jean learned more about the benefits of therapeutic riding from Lida McGowan, who founded the Cheff Center for therapeutic riding, in Minnesota. After attending the lecture, Jean was convinced that the Kansas City area would greatly benefit from this type of center. After discovering a staunch opposition to the very idea of individuals with disabilities riding horses, Jean established the first therapeutic riding center in Kansas City. was one of the first therapeutic riding centers in the country, and has earned the status of PATH, Intl. Premier Accredited Center. Heartland currently serves more than 100 incredible riders and has a team of more than 120 amazing volunteers, yet we have never forgotten all of the hard work, determination and dedication that it took to get here. We are committed to helping individuals with disabilities through equine assisted activities and therapies. We strive to change lives, one ride at a time.

Happy Halloween from your friends here at Heartland! Have a safe and fun-filled day🎃
10/31/2025

Happy Halloween from your friends here at Heartland! Have a safe and fun-filled day🎃

Heartland provides equine-assisted services and therapies. HTR offers adaptive riding lessons, ground horsemanship class...
10/28/2025

Heartland provides equine-assisted services and therapies. HTR offers adaptive riding lessons, ground horsemanship classes, occupational therapy utilizing hippotherapy, and equine assisted counseling. These activities and therapies provide physical, cognitive, and emotional growth through the movement of, and the emotional bond created with the horse. We believe that horses can play an important role in helping individuals reach their full potential. Riding and interacting with horses is fun and creates an opportunity for participants to improve their physical, cognitive and emotional well-being. We foster an environment where participants are motivated to reach new levels of courage and confidence. Our weekly riding lessons are conducted by PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors. Hippotherapy sessions are conducted by an occupational therapist certified by the American Hippotherapy Association. Equine Assisted Counseling is conducted by a Licensed Therapist. We operate with the assistance of over 150 volunteers each week and a small herd of specially trained horses.

Volunteer with us and make a real impact!Each week, over 150 dedicated volunteers—from students and professionals to sta...
10/23/2025

Volunteer with us and make a real impact!

Each week, over 150 dedicated volunteers—from students and professionals to stay-at-home parents and retirees—come together to support our mission. Whether you’re walking alongside riders as a sidewalker, leading our horses during lessons, helping in the barn, assisting with facility maintenance, or working as part of a group project, there’s a role for you! No prior horse experience or work with disabilities is required — just a willingness to learn, a heart for service, and the commitment to attend orientation and training. Together, we create a welcoming, safe, and joyful space where both riders and volunteers thrive.

Submit your application today!
https://schedule.wranglr.app/volunteer_application?token=dJ3dAmbG4Cmhc283YmV-punYrhVHTYWN

🐴 Is your horse a good fit for HTR? Here’s what we look for in a potential horse:We’re seeking healthy, sound horses (wa...
10/20/2025

🐴 Is your horse a good fit for HTR? Here’s what we look for in a potential horse:

We’re seeking healthy, sound horses (walk & trot required) aged 6–18 years, with a calm, steady temperament and a “been there, seen that” attitude. Horses must be friendly with people, unphased in new environments, be able to tolerate unexpected noises and movements, toys and props, and volunteers walking alongside. We also need horses that have experience or willingness to work in indoor and outdoor arenas, trails, group lessons or equine-assisted therapy settings. Any history of lameness, vices (stall weaving, cribbing, bucking, etc.), or behavioral challenges should be disclosed. Typically, before a potential horse is purchased or donated, the horse undergoes a pre-purchase exam and enters a trial period to ensure compatibility.

If your horse meets these qualities — and you’re open to lease, sale, or donation options — we’d be delighted to see an application via the link!

https://form.jotform.com/243534915640053

Happy Horse Highlight Friday!Meet Banjo, a seasoned Quarter Horse gelding with a big heart and an even bigger personalit...
10/17/2025

Happy Horse Highlight Friday!

Meet Banjo, a seasoned Quarter Horse gelding with a big heart and an even bigger personality. Born in 1999 and joining HTR in April 2022, Banjo brings years of experience and wisdom to our program. This handsome bay gelding once worked as a cutting horse, expertly separating cattle from the herd—a skill that shows off his intelligence and focus.

Although Banjo is mostly retired from our program, he still channels that same dedication into helping participants build confidence, trust, and connection through some of our equine assisted counseling and horsemanship sessions!

Big shoutout to Dechra Veterinary Products’ Regulatory Affairs Team for giving our barn and Henry’s Garden a little extr...
10/14/2025

Big shoutout to Dechra Veterinary Products’ Regulatory Affairs Team for giving our barn and Henry’s Garden a little extra sparkle! ✨ Fresh paint, smooth mats, and big smiles all around — thank you for making a difference at Heartland! 💛🐴

10/14/2025

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Metcalf. Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?I fell in love with horses before I was old enough for kindergarten. My own mom (who […]

🐴💚 Comfort matters — for our horses and our riders!Having a saddle that fits properly helps keep our therapy horses comf...
10/10/2025

🐴💚 Comfort matters — for our horses and our riders!

Having a saddle that fits properly helps keep our therapy horses comfortable, healthy, and happy in their work. A well-fitted saddle allows them to move freely and do their important job — carrying and supporting our riders with care.

Thank you to Karen Withstandley with The Refined Equine, LLC for making sure our equine partners can feel their best! 🐎💫

Our OT's have cooked up some new programming for January 2026! Check out the info below to learn more.
10/09/2025

Our OT's have cooked up some new programming for January 2026! Check out the info below to learn more.

🐴💚 A big THANK YOU to the Johnson County 4-H Club! 💚🐴We’re so grateful for your hard work in making and donating fly spr...
10/06/2025

🐴💚 A big THANK YOU to the Johnson County 4-H Club! 💚🐴

We’re so grateful for your hard work in making and donating fly spray for our therapy horses here at Heartland. Your thoughtful contribution helps keep our horses comfortable and happy during their lessons — especially on these warm, buggy days!

It’s always inspiring to see young community members giving their time and creativity to support our therapeutic riding program. Your kindness truly makes a difference, not just for our horses, but for all the riders who benefit from their partnership.

From all of us (and the horses!) at Heartland — thank you, Johnson County 4-H! 🐴🌞💚

🎉🐴 A BIG thank you to Brighton! 🐴🎉For her birthday this year, Brighton chose to celebrate in the most generous way — ins...
10/05/2025

🎉🐴 A BIG thank you to Brighton! 🐴🎉

For her birthday this year, Brighton chose to celebrate in the most generous way — instead of receiving gifts for herself, she asked her friends to donate for our therapy horses!

Her thoughtful idea turned into a wonderful collection of supplies that will directly support the horses who make such a difference in our program. Brighton even stopped by to deliver the items in person and spend time with a few of our horses. 💙

We are so grateful for Brighton’s kindness and creativity in giving back — what an inspiring way to celebrate a birthday!

Address

19655 Antioch Road
Overland Park, KS
66013

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Our Story

Heartland Therapeutic Riding, Inc. was founded because of the determination and drive of one mother who refused to accept that an individual with a disability should be excluded from horseback riding, because of their diagnosis. Literally proving where there is a will, there is a way. In 1977, Jean Baum established Heartland Therapeutic Riding after horseback riding was suggested as a potentially helpful (future) activity for her nine-month old daughter, who had special needs. Jean learned more about the benefits of therapeutic riding from Lida McGowan, who founded the Cheff Center for therapeutic riding, in Minnesota. After attending the lecture, Jean was convinced that the Kansas City area would greatly benefit from this type of center. After discovering a staunch opposition to the very idea of individuals with disabilities riding horses, Jean established the first therapeutic riding center in Kansas City. Heartland Therapeutic Riding, Inc. was one of the first therapeutic riding centers in the country, and has earned the status of PATH, Intl. Premier Accredited Center. Heartland currently serves more than 100 incredible riders and has a team of more than 120 amazing volunteers, yet we have never forgotten all of the hard work, determination and dedication that it took to get here. We are committed to helping individuals with disabilities through equine assisted activities and therapies. We strive to change lives, one ride at a time.