Heartland Therapeutic Riding, Inc.

01/19/2026

“Heartland has become ever so much more than I ever dreamed it would be.” - Jean Baum

When doctors suggested swimming or horseback riding to Jean Baum after telling her that her then 9-month old daughter might not walk, Jean decided to investigate therapeutic riding. Her friend Marge Allen invited her to a lecture by Lida McGowan who founded the Cheff Center for therapeutic riding in Michigan. After hearing Lida speak, Jean was convinced that Kansas City needed a therapeutic riding program. However, no one in Jean’s circle of equine friends was willing to take on the project. They were unnerved by the prospect of having children with disabilities on their property, much less riding horses.

In 1981, Heartland purchased 27 acres at 133rd and Antioch, where the program grew under the leadership of Jean—and later Patti Kortkamp—who was asked by Jean to run things when Jean moved from Kansas to Virginia. In the mid-1990’s, the property was sold and Heartland moved further south to its current location of 78 acres. The facility was specifically built for therapeutic riding and was formally dedicated in 1998.

Heartland is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center. Heartland was one of the first accredited therapeutic riding centers in the US. Today, there are more than 850 PATH Intl. accredited centers!

01/16/2026

Guess the Nose!

If you guessed Ace for the post on tuesday, you're correct! How could anyone not recognize that signature 'stache♥

This nose is constantly sniffing and moving, interested in everything that's going on around it! She has a goofy personality and is often seen walking some of our smaller riders around in the arena. She loves going fast and goes crazy for a nice long trot in our hayfield!

Do you know who is attached to this nose?👀 Leave your guesses below!

01/15/2026

What is Adaptive (Therapeutic) Riding?

Adaptive Riding improves the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of our riders. Heartland’s PATH Intl Certified Instructors teach adaptive riding skills to individuals aged 4 to adult with diverse special needs. The rhythmic movement of a horse mimics a human gait and moves the rider’s body in a way that improves balance, strength, muscle control and tone, flexibility and coordination. Lessons focus on an individual’s abilities and goals. Learning horsemanship and riding skills allows for a sense of freedom and independence, a chance to interact with peers, and learn new skills in a fun-filled environment!

01/15/2026

✨ It’s a new season of giving! ✨

Please consider supporting our program this year. As a nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of people like you to keep our doors open and our mission moving forward. Whether you give through volunteering your time or by purchasing an item from our wish list, every contribution makes a meaningful difference. We are deeply grateful for your continued support—thank you for being part of our community! 💛

https://www.myregistry.com/organization/heartland-therapeutic-riding-bucyrus-ks/5235370

01/13/2026

HTR is looking for another barn staff member to help care for our awesome herd of horses. Please share to help us spread the word!

01/13/2026

Guess the Nose!

Did you guess whose nose was posted on Friday?? If you commented Summer, you were correct!

Today's nose is a little bit different. It features a distinguished mustache that is very good at sniffing out treats. Who is attached to this nose??👀 Comment your guess and follow to see the answer posted!

01/09/2026

Guess the Nose!

Did you guess whose nose was posted on Tuesday?? If you commented Rush, you were correct!

Lets keep it going. This nose was a dressage horse before coming to HTR. The nose now happily totes around independent riders in our program and can always be caught doing stretches with an instructor for treats. Do you know whose nose this is??👀 Leave a comment below and the answer will be posted Tuesday!

01/08/2026

✨ It’s a new season of giving! ✨

Please consider supporting our program this year. As a nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of people like you to keep our doors open and our mission moving forward. Whether you give through volunteering your time or by purchasing an item from our wish list, every contribution makes a meaningful difference. We are deeply grateful for your continued support—thank you for being part of our community! 💛

https://www.myregistry.com/.../heartland.../5235370

01/07/2026

HTR is looking for an Adaptive Riding instructor to join our team!

01/07/2026

Karen Withstandley with The Refined Equine, LLC stopped by to help us find the perfect saddles for some of our horses!

A properly fitting saddle is important because it protects the horse’s comfort, movement, and long-term health. It evenly distributes the rider’s weight, allows the horse to move freely, and helps keep both horse and rider safe and balanced!

Thank you again Karen for all that you do for us here at Heartland❤️

01/06/2026

Guess the Nose!

It's one of our gorgeous grays. This nose loves pets and always nickers at you when you enter the barn. Who do you think it is??👀 Leave a comment and follow us to find out the answer on Friday!

01/05/2026

Volunteers are the heartbeat of Heartland. 💙

Each week, Heartland benefits from the generosity of over 150 volunteers. Without the collective dedication of our volunteers, Heartland simply wouldn’t exist! Our volunteer team includes students, professionals, stay at home parents and retirees who all come together to share their skills, talents and energy for the common purpose to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Interested in joining our volunteer family in 2026? We’d love to have you! 🤍 Click on the link to submit your application today!

Join us in making a difference in lives today. Your donation sustains our programs and supports those we serve.