Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine Huddleston M.Ed., Executive Director.
Hi Catherine , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
At Northland Therapeutic Riding Center, we believe in the incredible power of horses to heal, empower, and inspire. Since we opened our doors in 2000, we’ve been a place where children, teens, and adults with physical, emotional, or behavioral challenges come to find strength, build confidence, and experience joy through their connection with horses.
We’re located on 32 beautiful acres in Holt, Missouri, just north of Kansas City. It’s a peaceful, welcoming space where barriers are broken, milestones are celebrated, and every victory—big or small—truly matters.
As a PATH Premier Accredited Riding Center, we offer equine-assisted programs designed to meet each participant’s unique needs. Our certified instructors, dedicated volunteers, and a herd of 14 amazing teaching horses work together to serve 80- 85 participants each session. Whether in mounted or unmounted classes, the focus is always on growth, connection, skill development, social interactions and so much more.
At NTRC, every lesson represents a step toward possibility. Every interaction builds trust. And every horse plays a role in transformation.
Together, we’re creating a place where courage thrives, challenges are met head-on, and lives are changed—one hoofbeat at a time.”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We sometimes wish the journey had been smooth—but the truth is, the losses, frustrations, and roadblocks have only strengthened our resolve and deepened our determination. At Northland Therapeutic Riding Center, we serve our community through caring and connection. We celebrate our participants’ growth alongside them and support each person in reaching their goals.
Through the generosity and support of our community, we’re able not only to extend a hand to those who need it but also to accept help when it’s offered to us. It’s often said that it takes a team—but in our case, it’s more than that. We are a community, united in service to one another.
And at the heart of it all are our beloved horses—the true teachers.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Northland Therapeutic Riding Center is proud to be one of only 242 Premier Accredited Centers through PATH International — a distinction earned by fewer than one-third of the 767 accredited centers worldwide. That accreditation reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence, safety, and professional development in equine-assisted services.
There are a lot of places in the Northland where you can take riding lessons, and even several therapeutic riding programs throughout the greater Kansas City area. But there aren’t many that hold the Premier Accreditation through PATH International. That level of certification really represents a commitment to doing things the right way — following best practices, maintaining a safe and professional environment, and continuing to grow as instructors and as a program.
What really sets us apart, though, are our participants and volunteers. Our participants represent a wide range of abilities and diagnoses — from intellectual and developmental disabilities to physical challenges and mental health conditions like anxiety. We’re here to help everyone, no matter their background or ability level, experience the healing and growth that comes from working with horses.
And our volunteers are the heart of it all. They contribute over 800 hours every month to make our program possible. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment allow us to provide safe, impactful, and individualized experiences for every person who comes through our doors. Together — staff, volunteers, participants, and horses — we’ve built a place where confidence grows, independence is celebrated, and lives are truly changed through the power of the horse.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Personally, I’ve been an avid horse person since receiving my first pony at two and a half years old. I consider myself a lifelong student of the horse, having ridden, trained, and shown horses for most of my life. I have dedicated my life to helping people through horses and believe deeply in their power to transform lives—serving as true agents of change, growth, and healing.
I am an Advanced Approved Facilitator for Equine Facilitated Learning through Eponaquest, LLC, and an Equine Specialist through the Polyvagal Equine Institute, with numerous additional trainings. I’ve also authored two books—Through the Eyes of a Horse and Because of My Horse: Learning to Ride Through Life with Courage and Resilience—and host the podcast Horses Helping Humans. Every day, I focus on bringing the lessons of the herd and the wisdom of horses to people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.northlandtherapeuticriding.org/
- Instagram: @northlandtrc
- Facebook: Northland Therapeutic Riding Center
