Meet Our Dedicated Horseback Riding Instructors!
Kim O’Connor | Lead Instructor
Kim fell in love with horses in college at the University of Oklahoma. She worked on a small horse farm in exchange for riding lessons. After graduating in 1996, her next involvement with horses was at Heartland Adaptive Riding Center as a volunteer. She volunteered for a few years, and then that was put on hold to work on her business.
In March of 2021, she started volunteering at Great Plains and, that June, became an instructor. Kim owns an Independent Insurance Agency, but her love and passion these days are with the horses and the riders!
In her spare time, Kim spoils her two four-legged kids Charlie and Sam!
“I love to see the smiles on our riders faces when they do something for the first time. I love to help them feel free while in the saddle!”
Kim O’Connor | Lead Instructor
Kim fell in love with horses in college at the University of Oklahoma. She worked on a small horse farm in exchange for riding lessons. After graduating in 1996, her next involvement with horses was at Heartland Adaptive Riding Center as a volunteer. She volunteered for a few years, and then that was put on hold to work on her business.
In March of 2021, she started volunteering at Great Plains and, that June, became an instructor. Kim owns an Independent Insurance Agency, but her love and passion these days are with the horses and the riders!
In her spare time, Kim spoils her two four-legged kids Charlie and Sam!
“I love to see the smiles on our riders faces when they do something for the first time. I love to help them feel free while in the saddle!”
Caitlyn Hetzel | Instructor
Caitlyn has always loved horses and the unique bond you can have with them, whether or not you ride. She started volunteering at another adaptive riding facility (JAKES Club) with her family when she was 8 years old while her older brother was a rider in the program. Caitlyn was able to watch her brother gain confidence, focus, and a new level of independence as a direct result of his horseback riding therapy.
As life went on and she grew up, she filled her time with other activities and obtained a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2019. She now works full time as a manager at an engineering firm but felt the strong desire to get back into volunteering.
Caitlyn started volunteering at Great Plains ARA in June of 2020 and became an instructor in November of 2021 after Kim (Lead Instructor) suggested she could be a good fit for the role.
Caitlyn is currently engaged (YAY!) and planning the wedding in her spare time while also volunteering at a local animal shelter and helping with the youth group at her church.
“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to work with our riders and help them grow in confidence and ability. I love to see them master new skills - physically, mentally, and emotionally!”
Caitlyn Hetzel | Instructor
Caitlyn has always loved horses and the unique bond you can have with them, whether or not you ride. She started volunteering at another adaptive riding facility (JAKES Club) with her family when she was 8 years old while her older brother was a rider in the program. Caitlyn was able to watch her brother gain confidence, focus, and a new level of independence as a direct result of his horseback riding therapy.
As life went on and she grew up, she filled her time with other activities and obtained a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2019. She now works full time as a manager at an engineering firm but felt the strong desire to get back into volunteering.
Caitlyn started volunteering at Great Plains ARA in June of 2020 and became an instructor in November of 2021 after Kim (Lead Instructor) suggested she could be a good fit for the role.
Caitlyn is currently engaged (YAY!) and planning the wedding in her spare time while also volunteering at a local animal shelter and helping with the youth group at her church.
“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to work with our riders and help them grow in confidence and ability. I love to see them master new skills - physically, mentally, and emotionally!”