When doctors suggested swimming therapy or riding to Jean Baum after telling her that her then 9-month old daughter might not walk, Jean decided to investigate therapeutic riding. She went to her friend Marge Allen, who had invited Lida McGowan to lecture on therapeutic riding. Lida, who learned about therapeutic riding in England, founded the Cheff Center for therapeutic riding in Minnesota. After hearing Lida speak, Jean was convinced that Kansas City needed a therapeutic riding program. However, even in her wide circle of horsemen friends, nobody 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 about 27 acres of land 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. Sandy Rose and Joni Roeseler, who are current members of Heartland's Board of Directors, were both involved in these early years as volunteer coordinators. In the mid-1990's, real estate developers became interested in Heartland's property on Antioch. Eventually, the bids became so high that the Board determined they should sell the property and move farther south. The sale enabled Heartland to buy 78 acres of land at 19655 Antioch Road. Patti and the Board worked with Morton Buildings to construct a facility designed specifically for therapeutic riding, and the new barn was formally dedicated in 1998. Heartland is now recognized as a PATH Premiere Accredited Center for therapeutic riding. They have 75 riders and 120 volunteers each week they are in session. In late 2004, Heartland played a major role in hosting the national meeting of PATH in Kansas City. Back in the 1970's, a friend of Jean's suggested that the idea of having children with disabilities ride horses was ridiculous. Heartland is one of the first of the now more than 800 accredited therapeutic riding centers across the United States. And, as Jean recently said, "Heartland has become ever so much more than I ever dreamed it would be." The History of Heartland Therapeutic Riding   Heartland Therapeutic Riding, Inc. is a 501c3 organization. Donations are tax-exempt. Please consider helping Heartland through your Donor Choice option with the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign. 19655 Antioch   P.O. Box 391 Stilwell, KS 66085 913.897.3939 913.685.7433 Fax htr@swbell.net  Back in the 1970's, a friend of Jean's suggested that the idea of having children with disabilities ride horses was ridiculous. Heartland is one of the first of the now more than 800 accredited therapeutic riding centers across the United States. Jennifer MaGee, Director Susanne Root, Volunteer Coordinator Esther Martin, Equine Manager Peggy Kongs, Physical Therapist   Susie Seib, Occupational Therapist  Instructors Esther Martin Lisa Kelly Eva Prince Barn Managers Cheryl Galyean Cathy Guthrie Amy Otten Jamie Rattray Mickey Riley Linda Shields Kelly Tarwater Pam Wolff Our therapists are certified by the American Hippotherapy Association. Our riding instructors are certified by PATH. What We Do Heartland Therapeutic Riding provides equine-assisted therapy through the movement of and human interaction with the horse. Early intervention hippotherapy is provided for special needs children by a physical or an occupational therapist. Therapeutic sports riding is available for children and adults with disabilities. It is taught by Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International-certified instructors. Both programs utilize motor planning, cognitive planning, and sensory integration in the design and implementation of each class session.   Who We Serve Heartland accepts participants who exhibit physical or cognitive disabilities. Each individual is evaluated before being accepted into Heartland's programs. Our clients' disabilities include cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism, developmental delay, Down Syndrome, mental retardation, deafness, blindness, emotional disorders, and many neuromuscular and orthopedic problems. Heartland does not discriminate as to sex, creed, color, or ability to pay. Clients are accepted with their doctor's written permission. Heartland has a limited amount of scholarship funding for clients unable to pay the full fee. Why We Do It Horseback riding is a helpful therapeutic tool in improving balance, coordination, and strengthening muscles. The action of the horse's back simulates the action of walking in the rider's pelvis. Horseback riding uses all the muscles in the body. Activities emphasizing cognitive, behavioral, psychological, and physical goals of each participant provide the rider with skills leading to successful adaptive riding. How We Function Heartland Therapeutic Riding employs an occupational therapist and a physical therapist certified by the American Hippotherapy Association to conduct our intervention therapy program. Certified therapeutic riding instructors conduct the sports riding program. We operate with the help of more than 120 volunteers each week. We maintain a herd of approximately 20 well-trained, sound and patient horses with extensive riding or show experience. Our History Our Team Our Facility Our Board of Directors       Who, Why, What & How   Our Team Our Board of Directors Janice Thome, Chairman Stan Woodworth, Vice Chairman Ronald Adrian, Treasurer Joni Roeseler, Asst Treasurer Wyatt Rosner, Secretary Jenny K. Sullivan, Development Sandy Rose, Nominating Mike Adams, Facilities Nancy Beaver Vinita Canright Pam Cowan Tracy Frank Robert Holcomb, MD Rob Holland Parrish Lucas Shorty McKenny Vicki B Messbarger Arthur Stern Bill Stuart, DVM Jennifer MaGee, President Advisory Board Jon Baum                Hilary Watson Jim Brainard            Norm Fretwell Vicki Brown