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 Friday!
12/19/2025

Happy Friday!

What is Adaptive (Therapeutic) Riding?As with all activities involving horses, Adaptive Riding improves the cognitive, p...
12/17/2025

What is Adaptive (Therapeutic) Riding?

As with all activities involving horses, 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. Lessons focus on an individual’s abilities and goals. As participants learn horsemanship and riding skills, they gain a sense of freedom and independence, interact with peers, and learn new skills in a fun-filled environment. The motion of the horse can be very therapeutic. 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.

Think we would be a good fit for you?

Here at HTR, each class is 45 minutes for the duration of a 16 week session. Due to the generosity of donors, we are able to keep our fees lower than our costs. The fee per lesson is $45. Scholarships are available and no rider will be turned away due to inability to pay. Please email info@HTRkc.org for questions regarding rider eligibility, the application process, and scholarship qualifications.

12/12/2025
Did you know winter grooming is extra important? ✨A clean coat helps horses stay warm, healthy, and comfortable — especi...
12/10/2025

Did you know winter grooming is extra important? ✨

A clean coat helps horses stay warm, healthy, and comfortable — especially during Kansas temperature swings!

Thank you to our volunteers who keep our horses looking and feeling their best all season long. ❄️🧡

Volunteers are the heartbeat of Heartland. 💙Each week, Heartland benefits from the generosity of over 150 volunteers. Wi...
12/08/2025

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!
https://htrkc.org/volunteer-opportunities

*LAST DAY TO PLACE ORDERS IS TOMORROW, DEC 4th*Grab your favorite Heartland merch while it’s available! The online store...
12/03/2025

*LAST DAY TO PLACE ORDERS IS TOMORROW, DEC 4th*

Grab your favorite Heartland merch while it’s available! The online store is officially live — but only for a limited time.
🛒 Shop here: https://heartlandtherapeuticriding.company.site/
⏰ Store closes: December 4th
🎁 Delivery: Items will arrive at the barn before Christmas!
Don’t miss out — get your Heartland gear today! 💙🐴
Have questions? Just let us know!

A big THANK YOU to all who donated to the program this Giving Tuesday♥ It costs almost $250 to provide one ride. Our pro...
12/03/2025

A big THANK YOU to all who donated to the program this Giving Tuesday♥

It costs almost $250 to provide one ride. Our program relies on donations to maintain the property, feed horses and provide services with minimal fees for riders. Thanks to your generosity, we are able to continue to provide financial support to students who would be otherwise unable to take lessons here at our barn!

🐴 Horse Spotlight!Meet our handsome gray Quarter Horse gelding Cash, born in 2016 and already settling beautifully into ...
12/03/2025

🐴 Horse Spotlight!
Meet our handsome gray Quarter Horse gelding Cash, born in 2016 and already settling beautifully into life at HTR. He joined us in January 2025 after serving as a trusted lesson horse in a small riding program. We’re so excited to have him in our herd and can’t wait for our riders to get to know him! 💙✨

It's officially Giving Tuesday! Keep our riders in the saddle by supporting the Hunter McPhail Scholarship Fund. A contr...
12/03/2025

It's officially Giving Tuesday! Keep our riders in the saddle by supporting the Hunter McPhail Scholarship Fund. A contribution of $1440 will sponsor a rider for one year. Every dollar helps.

Heartland is committed to offering our services to all individuals who qualify, regardless of their financial circumstances. Assistance is provided for those who qualify through our Hunter McPhail Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship Fund bridges the gap for those needing financial assistance. Thanks to the generosity of donors, no one is turned away due to their inability to pay.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/peer-to-peer/b9d45b97-b69e-4f66-a494-a4c03022b4ee

Every dollar counts🫶🏼 Support our program by funding lessons for students who are otherwise unable to afford them!
12/02/2025

Every dollar counts🫶🏼 Support our program by funding lessons for students who are otherwise unable to afford them!

12/02/2025

We hope you all are staying warm on this snowy winter day! Sessions at Heartland have been canceled due to weather but here’s a horse resource to help get you through the cold ❄️

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.