Therapeutic Program
Riding Sessions
Families and volunteers describe CHAMP as welcoming, enriching, vibrant, caring, patient, and joyful. That spirit shines through every lesson — reflecting the experiences of our riders and those who love and support them.
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At CHAMP, equine-assisted activities and adaptive riding lessons help children and adults with disabilities build confidence, strength, and joy through the healing partnership between horse and rider.
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Riders can join individual or group sessions, each tailored to their goals and comfort level. Every lesson is supported by a caring team — a certified instructor, a horse leader, and up to two side-walkers — ensuring safety, encouragement, and connection.
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Our participants include individuals with physical, emotional, behavioral, or cognitive challenges. Everyone progresses at their own pace, guided by patience, trust, and the quiet magic that happens when a horse and human move together.
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Please arrive on time wearing long pants and sturdy shoes. Helmets are required — CHAMP will gladly provide one if needed.
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Thanks to generous donors and grants, rider fees remain affordable, allowing more individuals to experience the life-changing joy of therapeutic riding.
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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
​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 bring unique family challenges. Families often face extra demands on their time and resources, making it hard to find activities everyone can enjoy together.
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At CHAMP, we noticed that many brothers and sisters sat on the sidelines, watching their sibling ride — and wishing they could join in too.
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In response, CHAMP created a Sibling Riding Opportunity that invites brothers and sisters to ride, learn, and share the experience together.
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These sessions promote fun, inclusion, and understanding for the whole family — ensuring everyone has the chance to grow, connect, and experience the joy of horses.
Work Experience
CHAMP works directly with individuals and partner organizations such as Bridges and Champlain Community Services to provide meaningful work experiences for people with disabilities in a supportive, hands-on environment.
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Participation helps build valuable skills — including following directions, completing tasks, reliability, attention to detail, and confidence. Participants also gain a stronger sense of focus, pride, and purpose while contributing to the care and comfort of CHAMP’s riders and horses.
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Every hour spent at the barn builds self-esteem and creates a sense of belonging through meaningful work that truly makes a difference.
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CHAMP welcomes applications for the Work Experience Program from individuals and agencies.