Champlain Adaptive Mounted Program (CHAMP)

Address: 57 East Shore Road, PO Box 27
South Hero, VT 05486 Phone: (802) 372-4087 Email: info@vtchamp.org Website: http://www.vtchamp.org/

NARHA Premier Accredited Center

Jean Desranleau – Director

CHAMP is a non-profit, volunteer driven, PATH Premier Accredited Center providing year round horse assisted activities and therapy with dignity and respect for all. CHAMP adapts and develops programs to meet the needs of children and adults with physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioral challenges. CHAMP works in partnership with other organizations to develop specialized programs. The Champlain Adaptive Mounted Program, CHAMP is a Premier Accredited Center Program of PATH, the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc.  To achieve and maintain this designation CHAMP. is required to institute stringent regulations to ensure that “basic standards for health and safety to promote the well-being of all participants and horses” are followed. Accreditation status is reviewed on a regular basis by NARHA and an Annual Statement of Compliance must be submitted. CHAMP also adheres to the NARHA Code of Ethics for Centers and confidentiality is of paramount importance. CHAMP at Good Hope Farm holds two 8-week sessions a year, beginning in April and September. Session 30 minute classes take place on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday afternoons – Noon, 1, 2, and 3PM. Riders are asked to arrive on time, appropriately dressed (long pants, sturdy shoes), their safety helmet (supplied by CHAMP) in place and ready to mount. Volunteers assist the rider to mount and the tack is checked for fit by an instructor before the lesson. Each rider progresses according to his or her own skill and comfort level, and a horse leader and up to 2 side-walkers are available to be with the rider at all times.  Payment for the full 8-week session is required at the first lesson. Applications for scholarships are available upon request. CHAMP “Ride with a Sibling Program”: 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 horses together.  We tailor teaching and activities to the needs of both riders, ensuring that fun and learning occurs for each. We have several sibling pairs who ride regularly at CHAMP.  CHAMP encourages other families to participate in this opportunity for siblings to be active, to learn and to play together. CHAMP at Good Hope Farm offers a wide range of individual lessons for CHAMP and able-bodied children and adults.