Champlain Adaptive Mounted Program

ABOUT US

Executive/Administrative Director, Jean Desranleau on the right

and other volunteers helping Natalie to mount for her ride.

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On April 1, 2008, CHAMP took over as managers of Good Hope Farm. We have begun renovating the facility and are offering boarding and lessons for all able-bodied riders as well as continuing our historic program for children ad adults with special needs. A variety of summer camps are being offered this summer as part of CHAMP's new expanding program for all riders.

      Since 1987 CHAMP has been a therapeutic resource, providing horseback riding experiences for people with special needs from both Franklin and Chittenden Counties amd the Champlain Islands. The achievement of our goals depends on the generosity of many people. While some volunteer to work directly with the horses and riders, others contribute a wide variety of services and financial support.
      Carol Melcher and Julie Horrigan met at a Riding for the Disabled Seminar in 1986, discovered they were both moving to Vermont and decided they wanted to continue working with the program. In the spring of ‘87, with the whole-hearted support of the Yates family, who then owned the Contentment Farm, they founded CHAMP, the Champlain Adaptive Mounted Program, to provide riding lessons for children with special needs from The Folsom Elementary School in South Hero. At that time CHAMP was the second such program operating in Vermont. Word spread about the program. Parents, teachers and physical therapists asked how their children could be included. With the continuing support and enthusiasm of the Yates and their horse boarders, Carol and Julie found and trained volunteers and CHAMP expanded its program. CHAMP now provides a holistic, recreational, therapeutic horseback riding program for children and adults with a wide range of physical, mental and emotional challenges. Focusing on each rider's individual capability, we build on strengths and adapt to limitations so each participant learns to ride to the best of his or her physical, mental and emotional abilities.
      Good Hope Farm in South Hero (formerly Contentment Farm) and owner Anne Zolotas continues the Yates family tradition of support for our program. CHAMP is now the leasor and manager of the farm. Chittenden Bank, NorthCountry Federal Credit Union, Franklin-Grand Isle United Way, Grand Isle Rotary Club, Eastern Star, trail riding organizations, local churches and many individuals have helped CHAMP make a difference in the lives of numerous physically and mentally challenged riders.
      CHAMP, a non-profit organization, is one of only two premiere accredited centers by NARHA, The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, and using NARHA certified instructors. Currently, CHAMP conducts two six-week sessions: one in the spring, another in the fall and a four day session in the summer of each year. CHAMP is expanding lesson times in a limited way(see calendar for dates and times). CHAMP reaches out to children, teenagers and adults with special needs throughout the Champlain Valley. CHAMP riders have participated in the local Special Olympics and we have been represented by a coach and two riders in The World Games Special Olympics.
      We also make an important contribution to able-bodied people who are the necessary volunteers in the program. Students in Physical Therapy and other college courses, high school students giving time for their community service requirements, 4-H members, adult professionals and seniors have learned courage and determination from watching and assisting people with special needs mounting a horse from a wheel-chair or crutches and successfully riding the horse. Some of our younger volunteers have chosen to become therapists after participating with CHAMP All have been enriched by the experience.