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.

📸Heartland is looking for a donated iPhone to help us capture the moments here at our program!We are looking for: ✨ iPho...
06/15/2026

📸Heartland is looking for a donated iPhone to help us capture the moments here at our program!

We are looking for:
✨ iPhone 15 or newer
✨ 64GB or more storage
✨ Good working condition (holds charge, decent working speed)
✨ Charging cord not required but appreciated

This phone would be used to:
✨ Take photos and videos of lessons and events
✨ Capture special moments between riders and horses
✨ Create content for our social media and community updates
✨ Help show the impact your support makes possible

If you have a phone you’ve upgraded from and would consider donating, you’d be helping us preserve memories and share the Heartland mission with even more people.

Interested in donating? Send us a message or contact us directly. Thank you for helping us spread our mission!

GUESS THE EYE 👀You all guessed last Monday’s eye correctly… it belonged to Ace!🐴✨This week’s mystery horse once put thos...
06/15/2026

GUESS THE EYE 👀

You all guessed last Monday’s eye correctly… it belonged to Ace!🐴✨

This week’s mystery horse once put those sharp eyes to work watching cows 🤠🐄 (and maybe keeping tabs on everything else happening around the barn too).

Make your best guess, and drop your answer in the comments! Let’s see who really knows our herd. 🐎🧡

We are always so grateful for any donations. Miss Marilyn recently was given a brand new winter blanket! While Marilyn m...
06/12/2026

We are always so grateful for any donations. Miss Marilyn recently was given a brand new winter blanket! While Marilyn may be busy soaking up the sunshine and enjoying these warm summer days, she'll be especially thankful when those chilly winter winds start blowing💨❄

It costs almost $250 to provide one ride. Our program relies on donations to maintain the property, feed and care for our horses and provide services with minimal fees for riders.

Again, THANK YOU for the continued support you all have given us through your donations of materials, funds, and time💗

🐴📚 Educational Wednesday: Matching the Right Horse to the Right RiderDid you know that not every horse is the right fit ...
06/10/2026

🐴📚 Educational Wednesday: Matching the Right Horse to the Right Rider

Did you know that not every horse is the right fit for every rider?

One of the most important parts of our program is carefully matching each rider with a horse that best supports their individual goals, abilities, and needs. While all horses walk, each horse has a unique way of moving. Some have long, swinging strides, while others have shorter, smoother steps. Some horses provide more movement through the rider's hips and core, while others offer a gentler ride.

These differences are especially important in adaptive riding. The movement of a horse can help riders work on balance, strength, coordination, posture, and body awareness. Depending on a rider's goals, we may choose a horse whose movement provides more challenge or one that offers additional support and stability.

We also consider factors such as:
🔹 The rider's size and experience
🔹 The horse's height and width
🔹 The horse's temperament and personality
🔹 The rider's physical, cognitive, and emotional goals
🔹 The horse's comfort and abilities

Finding the right match helps create a safe, successful, and enjoyable experience for both horse and rider. It's one of the many ways our team works to ensure every lesson is tailored to the individual.

💛 Every horse has something unique to offer, and every rider deserves the horse that helps them shine.

🌟 DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT FOR HTR CAMPS! 🌟We're excited to partner with Camps for Kids to make summer camp experiences even m...
06/09/2026

🌟 DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT FOR HTR CAMPS! 🌟

We're excited to partner with Camps for Kids to make summer camp experiences even more accessible for our riders—and right now, every dollar donated is matched dollar-for-dollar!
🎉 Our goal is $5,000, and we're already 20% of the way there!
Every child deserves the joy, adventure, confidence, and lasting memories that come with summer camp. Your support helps provide adaptive activities, camp experiences, and opportunities for our riders to learn, grow, connect, and have fun in a supportive environment.
💙 Thanks to Camps for Kids, every donation made through their website will be matched and returned directly to HTR camps.
📅 Donations must be received by July 31 to qualify for the match.
No gift is too small—every dollar goes twice as far and helps create unforgettable experiences for the children we serve.

👉 DONATE HERE by clicking or copying the link: https://campsforkids.org/.../heartland-therapeutic.../

Guess the Eye!👀If you guessed Rush for last weeks eye, you are correct!This eye belongs to the barn favorite. This horse...
06/08/2026

Guess the Eye!👀

If you guessed Rush for last weeks eye, you are correct!

This eye belongs to the barn favorite. This horse loves a good mud bath and grazing on green grass. Do you know who it is?? Leave your guesses in the comments🐴

Happy Friday💗 Marilyn and Daisy wish you a fun-filled and safe weekend!
06/05/2026

Happy Friday💗 Marilyn and Daisy wish you a fun-filled and safe weekend!

🌟 DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT FOR HTR CAMPS! 🌟We're excited to partner with Camps for Kids to make summer camp experiences even m...
06/04/2026

🌟 DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT FOR HTR CAMPS! 🌟

We're excited to partner with Camps for Kids to make summer camp experiences even more accessible for our riders—and right now, every dollar donated is matched dollar-for-dollar!

🎉 Our goal is $5,000, and we're already 20% of the way there!

Every child deserves the joy, adventure, confidence, and lasting memories that come with summer camp. Your support helps provide adaptive activities, camp experiences, and opportunities for our riders to learn, grow, connect, and have fun in a supportive environment.

💙 Thanks to Camps for Kids, every donation made through their website will be matched and returned directly to HTR camps.

📅 Donations must be received by July 31 to qualify for the match.

No gift is too small—every dollar goes twice as far and helps create unforgettable experiences for the children we serve.

👉 DONATE HERE by clicking or copying the link: https://campsforkids.org/camp/heartland-therapeutic-riding-camp/

🐴Educational Wednesday: Balanced Hooves & the Importance of the FarrierHave you ever taken the time to actually look at ...
06/03/2026

🐴Educational Wednesday: Balanced Hooves & the Importance of the Farrier

Have you ever taken the time to actually look at a horses hoof?

A horse's hooves are the foundation of their entire body. Healthy, balanced hooves allow weight to be distributed evenly through the legs, joints, tendons, and ligaments, helping horses move comfortably and efficiently.

But what exactly is an unbalanced hoof? It occurs when the hoof does not bear weight evenly. This can happen if one side of the hoof grows longer than the other, the toe becomes too long, the heels become too low, or a horse goes too long between trims. When hooves are unbalanced, extra stress is placed on certain parts of the horse's body, which can lead to soreness, changes in movement, and an increased risk of injury over time.

That's where the farrier comes in! Farriers are trained professionals who trim and maintain hooves to keep them healthy and properly balanced. Some horses may also wear shoes for additional protection, support, or traction depending on their individual needs.

At our facility, regular farrier visits are an essential part of keeping our therapy horses healthy, comfortable, and ready to do their jobs. Proper hoof care helps ensure our horses can safely carry riders, participate in lessons, and continue making a difference in the lives of those they serve.

💛 Healthy hooves are more than just good horse care—they're a key part of keeping our therapy horses happy, sound, and successful!

In case you missed our recap of Tux N' Boots👀📸✨Again, THANK YOU to everyone that made this night possible. Because of yo...
06/02/2026

In case you missed our recap of Tux N' Boots👀📸✨

Again, THANK YOU to everyone that made this night possible. Because of you we are able to make this amazing program available to everyone💗 You keep our horses fed, our lights on, and our hearts full.

THANK YOU Phon Wills for such amazing photography and for capturing the magic of the night🤍

https://www.instagram.com/phonwills_photo?igsh=MW9seXdpdXR1ZWN0Mw==

Address

19655 Antioch Road
Overland Park, KS
66013

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