Horses of Hope
Baxter Springs, Kansas
Horses of Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with farms in Baxter Springs, Kansas and Rogersville, Missouri. It offers therapeutic riding, in-hand and educational horse programs, and equine-assisted mental health. Its website says it serves children, adults and families in Southeast Kansas and Southwest Missouri.
- Therapeutic horseback riding ("Ride Em'")
- Hippotherapy (listed)
- Equine-assisted mental health
- "Ranch Hand" therapeutic in-hand program
- "Healthy As A Horse" educational program
- Horse Powered Reading and Horse Powered Math
- Nature-based activities ("Nature of Hope")
- Animal-assisted, music and art activities
- Children
- Adults
- Families
- People with mobility needs
- Children on the autism spectrum
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, Horses of Hope has run therapeutic and educational programs for over a quarter of a century. A 2021 Show Me the Ozarks profile says it was founded in 1997 by Shelly McColm and Vallerie Sweeton; the website now lists Shelly McColm and Vallerie Oehme as co-founders. The programs page also lists hippotherapy but does not say which licensed therapist provides it, so ask about this when you call. Hippotherapy is normally led by a licensed physical, occupational or speech therapist.
Besides horses, the farms keep dogs, goats, lambs and donkeys for animal-assisted activities. The site says activities take place on a 40-acre horse farm, using either the Hope Trail or Hope Grove.
The Horses and Staff
The About page lists Shelly McColm as co-founder and executive director. She holds master's degrees in human development and family services and in clinical mental health counseling, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri and Oklahoma. Co-founder Vallerie Oehme, Director of Therapeutic Services, has been a PATH Intl. registered instructor since 1997. The site says its therapeutic riding instructors are all certified or in training through PATH Intl. It does not list the center itself as PATH Intl. accredited.
Location
The Kansas farm is at 6968 SE 20th St, Baxter Springs, KS 66713 (620-674-3458). A second farm is at 3555 S Farm Rd 253, Rogersville, MO 65742 (417-719-5530), just east of Springfield. The site does not say which programs run at which farm.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I get started?
Call the Baxter Springs farm at 620-674-3458, email shelly.horsesofhope@gmail.com, or use the contact form on horsesofhope.com. The website does not describe a waitlist or intake process.
How much does it cost?
Call 620-674-3458 to ask about current rates. A 2021 news profile said therapeutic riding was available to people with Missouri Medicaid; confirm whether that still applies. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Is Horses of Hope a nonprofit?
Yes. Its website says it is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and ProPublica lists Horses Of Hope Riding Center in Baxter Springs (EIN 74-2851003) as a 501(c)(3).
Location
Baxter Springs, Kansas 66713
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.