The beginning
In November of 2003, a core group of volunteers and the founders met and voted to begin a new program. The name, “Helping Hands”, was proposed and adopted for their dream. The Cappo family provided a large contribution which made it possible to get HHTRC off the ground. The donation paid for incorporation and insurance through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH – formally known as NARHA). The PATH rules and regulations were complied with, in order to appropriately launch the program.
Quick Growth
HHTRC programming began at a small four stall facility in Grain Valley where we leased 20 acres. With the help of several strong and talented people, we built another seven stall barn accommodating our growth. In the following two years we added such amenities as a wooden lean- to for hay and an outdoor riding pen. HHTRC grew significantly and provided classes two nights a week for twelve weeks during the summer. Ten students quickly grew to 30, and the core group of volunteers expanded to near 35. Since lesson nights became very hectic with a number of students and volunteers trying to work in a quaint and busy barn, the Board of Directors began discussing the next step on their wish list – purchasing their own barn. With its own barn, the program could operate several nights a week, for an extended period of time.
Relocation to Greenwood
Following two years HHTRC purchased an equestrian Facility and home on Stringtown Road in Greenwood, MO. Since they now had room for their own horses, it quickly went from 7 horses, to 12 horses, in just a year and a half. The number of riders also steadily increased, from the original ten to 90, and lessons were given four days per week. Twenty acres of pasture enabled the students to take small trail rides, and the flat front pasture contained an arena for equitation lessons. In January 2008, HHTRC visionary board began action on a five year strategic plan to accommodate the students waiting to get into the program.
By 2010, the Therapeutic Riding Center had dramatically expanded its staff and volunteers and increased its programming to six days per week, year-round. There are currently 9 full-time and 6 part-time staff members and over 60 weekly volunteers.
HHTRC “At a Glance”:
2003 HHTRC becomes incorporated and provides services.
2004 HHTRC Instructors become PATH Certified. Program assets are complete including horses, tack, location and funding.
2005 HHTRC becomes an accredited center with PATH developing and adhering to over 140 policies in administration, programming, and facility. Risk management manual is developed
2006 HHTRC relocates to larger facility including full offices, kitchen, 14 stall barn and waiting area for parents. Providing services to over 30 individuals on the waiting list.
2007 HHTRC provides first of many national instructor workshop and certifications, develops ten in-house operational manuals, Executive Director becomes PATH Region 7 Director, First full-time employee hired.
2008 HHTRC staff increases to four full-time employees
2009 HHTRC develops United Way Board Governance policies and is approved by an independent review team becoming the first and only United Way of Greater Kansas City Equine Program in Kansas City
2010 HHTRC develops five year strategic marketing plan, hires four full-time development staff in marketing, resource development, grant writing and accounting. Begins outside collaboration and contracts within our community.
2011 –HHTRC relocates to a full-service dressage facility including a competition size dressage indoor and outdoor arena. This 20 acre facility enables us for further development and growth to our program.
2012- The Best is Yet to Come!
