Northland Therapeutic Riding Center
Holt, Missouri
Northland Therapeutic Riding Center (NTRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Holt, Missouri, just outside Kansas City. It offers therapeutic riding and other equine-assisted activities for children, teens and adults with physical, emotional or mental special needs. According to its website, NTRC is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center.
- Therapeutic riding
- Mounted and unmounted classes
- Groundwork and obstacle courses
- Caregiver workshops
- Volunteer program
- Children over age 6
- Teens
- Adults
- People with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy or multiple sclerosis
- People with mental health challenges or cognitive disorders
- Caregivers of people with disabilities
More about this center
About the Program
NTRC runs year-round therapeutic riding in 8-week sessions, with weekly mounted and unmounted classes. Classes are led by PATH Intl. certified instructors with help from trained volunteers, and family members may watch from spectator areas.
The center also offers caregiver workshops for parents, foster and adoptive caregivers, educators and professionals who support children and adults with disabilities. The website says the workshops focus on nervous system regulation and practical caregiving tools, using guided discussion, experiential activities and observation of horses and people working together.
The Horses and Staff
The website profiles a herd of horses, ponies and miniature horses, including Quarter Horses, warmbloods, a Morgan and a Tennessee Walker mix, several with past careers on trails or in the show ring. Executive director Catherine Huddleston, M.Ed., leads a team that lists five PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors.
Getting Started
No riding experience is needed. Families start by completing the New Participant Interest Form on the website and paying an evaluation fee. Riders wear long pants, closed-toe hard-soled shoes (boots preferred) and a helmet. Weight limits apply for the safety of horses and riders; ask the center for details.
The website lists a self-pay rate of under $50 per class. A reduced rate of less than $15 per class is available for riders who use certain assistance programs or disability benefits. NTRC says each lesson costs it $250 per rider, with the difference covered by sponsorships, grants and donations. Scholarships are available, and the center says it works to make sure no one is turned away because of cost. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Volunteering and History
Volunteers age 14 and older can serve as horse leaders, sidewalkers, groomers, or helpers with events, office work and facility upkeep after a 2-hour orientation. NTRC was founded in 2000 and moved to its permanent 32-acre home in Holt in 2016.
Location
NTRC is at 13608 Henson Road, Holt, Missouri 64048, on 32 acres just outside Kansas City. Its mailing address is PO Box 1267, Kearney, Missouri 64060. The center holds open houses on the final Saturday of every session, and visitors are welcome.
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 old does a rider need to be?
The center welcomes riders over age 6 at the time of application. No riding experience is required.
How do we sign up?
Complete the New Participant Interest Form on the NTRC website. New riders pay an evaluation fee before starting.
How much do classes cost?
The website lists a self-pay rate of under $50 per class, and a reduced rate of less than $15 per class for riders who use certain assistance programs or disability benefits. For current rates and scholarships, call (816) 808-1209 or email office@northlandtherapeuticriding.org.
Can I visit before enrolling?
Yes. NTRC holds open houses on the final Saturday of every session and says visitors are always welcome.
Location
Holt, Missouri 64048
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.