Equine Healing for The Hopeful Heart

Our Community of Hope in Action

These aren't just statistics—they're families finding hope, veterans discovering peace, and an entire community united around the transformative power of horses.

300

Monthly Participants

2,200

Volunteer Hours

250

Monthly Volunteers

22

Horses Ready

to Serve

At Champ's Heart, we believe in the transformative power of connection—between horses and humans, between hearts and healing, between community and hope. Located in the heart of Idaho Falls, we provide free equine healing experiences for children with special needs, veterans, first responders, and their families.

Our Story

Born from one man's journey through cancer and his profound connection with a gentle horse named Champ, we're now a thriving community of over 250 volunteers serving more than 300 participants monthly.

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Our Programs

From our Children's and Warrior Programs to our newest Bridle Up Hope partnership—we meet each person exactly where they are with compassion and care.

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Get Involved

Whether you give your time, talent, or treasure, you're helping write stories of lasting hope and healing .

Ways to Give

At The Heart of all We Do

Our incredible volunteers and community partners make every moment of healing possible, giving over 2,200 hours monthly to serve families in our community with love and dedication. In this heartfelt video, hear directly from the amazing people who make Champ's Heart a reality and discover why so many describe their volunteer experience as equally healing for them. If you're looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in your community, we'd love to welcome you into our volunteer family.

Volunteer

Larry's Hitching Post

Keep up with Larry and all his feel-good updates!

Man in cowboy hat and red plaid shirt smiles next to a brown horse, both outside near trees.
Person on horseback rides down a dirt path. Blue sky and green fields in background.
By Larry Cudmore September 17, 2025
In December of 2016, my doctor told me that I had a raging, aggressive prostate cancer and I should start treatment as soon as possible. Guys, don’t let anybody tell you, like I was told, that “Prostate Cancer is no big deal. It is slow growing, and you will die from something else.” That is how I responded to my doctor, and he said, “Well, that’s true for about 80% of men. But you are in the 20% group.” I went and talked to another doctor, showed him my numbers, and he said, “Well, without treatment, statistically this aggressive cancer will kill you in about 18 months.” Prostate Cancer is the second leading killer of men. I questioned both of my doctors because I didn’t feel sick. Two more doctors at Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City confirmed the diagnosis. So, 2017 was a year of countless trips to Salt Lake City for a surgery they couldn’t complete, the implanting of 44 radioactive seeds in my tumor, and 26 treatments of radiation into my pelvic area which added up to 15,000 rads of radiation. In January of 2018, I was informed that I was in remission, but the cancer would most likely be back in 5 years. Well, they were spot on. The cancer has returned with spots on my lung, close to my heart, as well as my right hip. My medicine is holding it back and thankfully my insurance is paying the $20,000 a month price tag for the medicine. Up to this time I had been a pastor for 39 years but with the effects of my treatment, I had no energy to return to being a pastor. I was having trouble with my eyesight plus I was struggling with my balance and falling down a lot. With such life changing news, I never remembering thinking “Why me?” but the question of my life was “What now?” There was no anger at God. Life is just what happens to you when you are in the midst of making other plans. (quote from John Lennon) So when you get a second chance at starting a new chapter in your life, how do you decide what that second chance will entail? Well, I loved horses and had a few children with some disabilities in my church who I had brought out to play with my horses. It felt good to see these children forget about their challenges for the moments of time they were encountering the horses. This time was not a burden for me but joy. It was giving my life a new purpose. Over the next 17 months this would evolve into the starting of a nonprofit my daughter named “Champs Heart”, because Champ was the first horse that I shared with all these children. So, I am so thankful for a second chance in life. It comes to us in many ways. Some people think of it in terms of retirement. Others a change of jobs. A new marriage. Moving to a new location, etc. I am 75 years old now, and I have come to believe that how you finish your life is more important than how you start your life. Sure, a lot of starting points shape you and determine so much, but you also have to decide how you are going to use your past to live in the present and shape your future. In any sporting event, the score at the end is always the most important thing, right? What will you do with your second chances, however many you get? Consider the passion you have in your life. Golf? Horseback riding? Fishing? Hunting? Quilting? Painting? Writing? Wood working? etc. What’s your passion in life? And then think about how you can use that passion to shape another’s life, be a significant change factor in another’s life? Is there some way to pass along your knowledge, your gifts, to another whose life will be significantly shaped by you. You don’t have to start a nonprofit. That was never a plan for me with my second chance. That was never in the cards. But it seems God had other plans for my second chance. What might his plans for you include as you think about the desires and passions God has planted deep within you. Success in life is good, but I think significance is the most important good. How will you live your life in a significant way? I would love to hear back from your thoughts on second chances. Hope you will join me again next week at “Larry’s Hitching Post”
Family of nine poses on porch: parents holding toddler, other children smiling.
By Laurie Jellison July 29, 2025
The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.
Young boy with a blue helmet, smiling, driving a powered wheelchair outdoors. Red shirt. Barn in background.
By Laurie Jellison July 29, 2025
There are so many good reasons to communicate with site visitors. Tell them about sales and new products or update them with tips and information.
Pink horseshoe graphic with the words

Partner Spotlight Section

Our mission is made possible through the generous support of local businesses, foundations, and community partners who share our vision of healing through horses. These champions help us serve families at no cost, ensuring that financial barriers never stand between someone and the healing they need.

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What Participants Say About Us

“My daughter's journey with Champ Hearts has been nothing short of miraculous. When we first stepped into the stables in September 2023, I could feel her fear and uncertainty. As a non-verbal child with autism, the world can be overwhelming, and animals were a source of immense anxiety for her. But Larry and the Champ Hearts team approached her with kindness, patience, and understanding.


Two years of gentle interactions, soft whispers, and loving care have led to a moment that will forever be etched in my heart: Today, Aashvi kissed a horse. It's more than just a gesture; it's a testament to the power of compassion, dedication, and the unwavering support of the Champ Hearts team. To see my daughter grow more confident around animals is a dream come true. I'm forever grateful to Champ Hearts for being a safe haven where Aashvi can thrive. Thank you for giving my child the gift of connection and joy.”

Champ's Heart Rodeo 2025

Socials with Heart

See the daily moments of joy, breakthrough, and community that make Champ's Heart so special. Follow along as we share behind-the-scenes glimpses of our horses, highlight our incredible volunteers, and celebrate the families we're honored to serve.

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