Our Charity
The mission of Heartland Therapeutic Riding, Inc (HTR) To improve the quality of life of those with disabilities and diverse needs through Equine-Assisted Services. They are committed to changing lives, one ride at a time. At Heartland Therapeutic Riding (HTR) they know that a vital sense of freedom is experienced when riding a horse. The horse’s rhythmic movement and the rider’s response to the gait combine to form a symbiotic partnership that creates a powerful opportunity to increase potential for personal fulfillment. Because the horses are in sync with a rider’s slightest movement and respond accordingly, the equines foster an incomparable level of teamwork and a sense of accomplishment with their human charges.
Founded in 1977 and lead by a volunteer board of directors, Heartland Therapeutic Riding is Kansas City’s first therapeutic riding program designed to assist individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, spinal bifida, autism, development delay, Down Syndrome, emotional disorders, sight and hearing impairments and neuromuscular and orthopedic challenges.Each week, 95 riders from around the Kansas City area attend HTR to ride and achieve goals they once only dreamed about attaining. Adaptive riding provides a sense of freedom and mobility to the riders that’s rarely experienced elsewhere in their lives. The horses introduce riders to a new world, a world that’s full of possibilities and hope! HTR riders live with physical, emotional and/or intellectual challenges. Some of their disabilities are clear and evident to the eye, but some are not. The riders make physical and emotional strides during their riding sessions that are taught by instructors who are focused on what they can accomplish, not on their limitations. The results are remarkable!
HTR offers Adaptive Riding, Equine Assisted Counseling, and Occupational Therapy utilizing Hippotherapy. Hippotherapy is provided by a licensed therapist for children 2-18+ years old. Equine Assisted Counseling is provided by a clinically licensed mental health counselor for ages 8 and up. Adaptive riding is available to rider of any age with disabilities. Our instructors and volunteers facilitate physical and emotional wellness in a safe, structured, and fun-filled environment. HTR has been in operation since 1977, making it the most established non-profit therapeutic riding center in the Kansas City area. They are recognized as a Premier Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.). All of the HTR instructors are PATH certified, ensuring the program’s quality and safety.