Therapeutic Program
Riding Sessions
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CHAMP at Good Hope Farm offers group or individual therapeutic lessons. CHAMP serves individuals with physical, emotional, behavior and cognitive challenges. Each rider progresses according to his or her own skill and comfort level. A horse leader and up to two side-walkers are available to be with the rider as needed. Riders need to arrive on time, appropriately dressed (long pants and sturdy shoes). If the rider doesn’t have an approved riding helmet, CHAMP will supply one. Applications for scholarships are available upon request.​
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Lessons 2025
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Lessons will begin on May 1 (weather permitting!)
Lessons are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays at the following times:
Mondays & Thursdays: 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, and 4:45
Wednesdays & Fridays: 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00
No classes will be held on:
Monday, May 26 – Memorial Day
Friday, July 4 – Independence Day
Monday, September 1 – Labor Day
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To Schedule Lessons, Contact:
Jean Desranleau:
Call or Text: 802-233-4893
Email: egdjad1971@aol.com
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Important:
All participants (new and returning) must fill out the required forms before the season begins.
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Cancellations:
If you are unable to attend your assigned class, please let us know as soon as possible. This allows us to offer that spot to another participant who is waiting to ride.
Ride with a Sibling
Having a sibling with special needs can present unique family challenges. Families face increased demands on their time and resources, making it difficult to meet the needs of all members for recreational activities. It is often hard to find programs that all can participate in and enjoy together. Often siblings sit on the sidelines watching their brother or sister ride at CHAMP. We know they want to ride. In response to this need CHAMP offers the opportunity for siblings to ride and interact with riders, ensuring that fun and learning occurs for all. CHAMP encourages families to participate in the opportunity.
Work Experience
There’s always work in a barn.
CHAMP offers opportunities for persons with disabilities to get work experience in a supportive but challenging environment. Tasks may include work such as feeding, watering and cleaning stalls or assisting with CHAMP riding sessions by grooming and tacking horses. Work experience participants must be accompanied by a support person who assists them with assigned activities and works alongside them. More experienced participants may come unaccompanied and their work will be guided by a CHAMP staff member.
Participation enhances work skills such as following directions, task completion, and awareness of the importance of reliability and attention to detail. We see our participants improve their self-esteem and confidence while enjoying what they are doing and experiencing the satisfaction of contributing to the welfare and comfort of CHAMP riders and horses.
CHAMP welcomes applications for the work experience program from individuals and agencies. For more information call (802) 372-4087 or email info@vtchamp.org.