Riding Sessions
CHAMP at Good Hope Farm offers group or individual therapeutic lessons Monday thru Saturday. 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.
To participate, please download and complete the CHAMP Rider Form on the Schedules and Forms page.
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.
Summer Riding Camp
CHAMP offers summer camps for riders of all abilities age 6 and up. Each camp session runs for four days, Monday through Thursday. Campers may sign up for full day 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., or half day 8:30 – 12:00. Campers are welcome for one week or for multiple sessions.
Campers ride several CHAMP school horses each week and have two riding lessons each day, rain or shine. Campers also obtain hands-on experience grooming and tacking horses, helping with light chores, and education on equine care and health. Games and craft activities are included.
All riding lessons are taught by certified instructors.
To participate complete the Summer Camp Registration Form on the Schedules and Forms page.
Work Experience
There’s always work in a barn.
Champlain Adaptive Mounted Program (CHAMP) is best known as a therapeutic riding program for children and adults of all abilities. CHAMP has also become an increasingly popular site for persons with disabilities who want to get work experience in a supportive but challenging environment. We currently have several adults who come to the barn each week to do work such as feeding, watering and cleaning stalls or assist 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 is guided by a CHAMP barn staff member.
The Work Experience Program provides an opportunity for meaningful work in a supportive environment. Participants enjoy being able to work with horses in an outdoor rural setting. Their work is appreciated and is of great assistance to the CHAMP program. 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 joy of making a contribution to the welfare and comfort of CHAMP riders and horses.
CHAMP welcomes applications for the work experience program from individuals and agencies. We welcome the help and the opportunity to support the enhancement of work-related skills. For more information call (802) 372-4087 or email info@vtchamp.org.