Horses of Hope Riding Centers is a nonprofit equine-assisted services organization serving communities throughout Southeast Kansas and Southwest Missouri. Founded in 1997, the organization provides therapeutic, educational, and experiential programs that harness the powerful bond between humans and horses to promote healing, growth, learning, and personal development. Over more than 25 years, Horses of Hope has become a respected leader in equine-assisted services, helping children, adults, and families facing a variety of physical, emotional, cognitive, and developmental challenges.
The organization operates two premier facilities: its original location in Baxter Springs, Kansas, and a sister site in Rogersville, Missouri. Both locations offer state-of-the-art equine-assisted therapeutic and educational programs delivered by highly qualified professionals, including PATH International-certified instructors, licensed mental health professionals, and Equine Specialists in Mental Health and Learning.
About This Program
Horses of Hope provides a comprehensive range of equine-assisted services designed to support individuals across all ages and stages of life. Programs combine horses, nature, creative expression, and experiential learning to help participants improve physical abilities, emotional well-being, communication skills, self-confidence, and overall quality of life. The organization emphasizes trauma-informed care and relationship-based learning experiences that foster trust, resilience, and personal growth.
In addition to therapeutic riding, Horses of Hope offers equine-assisted mental health services, educational programs, nature-based activities, animal-assisted interventions, and specialized literacy and math enrichment programs. These services are tailored to the unique needs of each participant and are delivered in a safe, supportive farm environment.
Services Offered
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Equine-assisted mental health services
- Equine-assisted learning programs
- Hippotherapy services
- Equine-facilitated psychotherapy
- Horse Powered Reading® programs
- Horse Powered Math® programs
- Ranch Hand therapeutic in-hand program
- Healthy As A Horse educational program
- Nature-based therapeutic activities
- Animal-assisted therapeutic experiences
- Therapeutic art activities
- Therapeutic music activities
- Trauma-informed counseling services
- Leadership and personal development programs
- Family and group therapy experiences
- Experiential learning and wellness programs
Who They Serve
Horses of Hope Riding Centers may be good for:
- Children
- Teens
- Adults
- Families
- Individuals with physical disabilities
- Individuals with developmental disabilities
- Individuals with autism spectrum disorder
- Individuals with cognitive challenges
- Individuals experiencing anxiety
- Individuals recovering from trauma
- Individuals seeking mental health support
- Individuals with learning differences
- Veterans and military families
- Individuals seeking personal growth and leadership development
- Community organizations and educational groups
Facility and Setting
Horses of Hope operates on two picturesque farm properties. The Kansas location is situated on a 40-acre working horse and small animal farm in Baxter Springs, while the Missouri location occupies a 40-acre property in Rogersville featuring wooded trails, open pastures, and the organization’s signature Hope Grove. Both facilities provide peaceful, natural settings where participants can engage with horses and other farm animals in a supportive environment.
The farms are home to therapy horses, ponies, donkeys, goats, sheep, dogs, and other animals that contribute to the therapeutic and educational experience. These animal partners play a vital role in helping participants build confidence, emotional awareness, communication skills, and healthy relationships.
What Makes Them Unique
Horses of Hope stands out for its extensive experience, highly credentialed staff, and broad range of therapeutic and educational offerings. The organization combines therapeutic riding, equine-assisted mental health services, literacy and educational programming, nature-based activities, and creative therapies within a single integrated model. This multidisciplinary approach allows participants to access individualized services that address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs.
Another distinguishing feature is the organization’s long-standing commitment to excellence. With PATH International-certified instructors, licensed counselors, Equine Specialists in Mental Health and Learning, and decades of experience in equine-assisted services, Horses of Hope has become a trusted resource for families, healthcare providers, educators, and community organizations throughout the region.