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.

Clover's Story

July 23, 2026
In 2019 little Clover was one of the first girls that came to Champs Heart with her mom and dad. When she first saw the horses, she screamed in fear and wanted nothing to do with it. It took a while, but we finally got her on a horse with her mom and after a couple of times around the Arena, she settled down. She had wires sticking out of her head so I couldn’t put any helmet on her but now seven years later, she came back with her mom and dad or in the military and paid us a visit. Look at her now she was one of the Early magic results of the discovering how horses could change peoples lives for the better.

The First Smile in a Long Time

June 30, 2026
Today a mom pulled me aside to tell me something I won't forget. Her daughter has been carrying a lot lately, in pain and so sad, and her hair is falling out from all the medication she's on. The mom asked me to keep her daughter close in my thoughts. Then she said something that stayed with me: she hadn't seen her daughter smile like this in a very long time. That smile happened here, with one of our horses. We don't always know what someone is carrying when they arrive. So many disabilities are invisible. You can't see them by looking at a person, and you'd never guess the weight a child might be holding underneath a quiet face. A girl who looks like any other kid might be in pain every day, worried about her body, tired in ways most of us can't imagine. That's part of why this work matters. The horses don't ask anyone to explain themselves. They meet each person exactly where they are, no questions asked. And sometimes, for a child who hasn't had much to smile about, that's enough to bring one back. If you know a family who could use a place like this, we'd love to welcome them.

Ashley's Story

June 24, 2026
Some families come to Champ's Heart unsure of what to expect, especially when a child has a disability and riding feels like a big unknown. The Rumsey family was in that spot a few years ago. Here's what Wade and Katy had to say about their daughter Ashley's time with us. Over the last few years, Our daughter Ashley has participated in the Champs Heart horse therapy. We appreciate Larry and the staff on how well they have been organized each time we come and how kind they have been to our daughter Ashley. Ashley has Downs Syndrome and we were worried if she would be able to handle the horse riding. It has been an amazing experience. She looks forward to each opportunity to go and ride. It has helped her be more confident, improved her balance, and to be safer and more comfortable around the horses. They say often at Champs Heart, it is a ‘smile factory’. It does put a smile on your face! Thank you Champs Heart! We are fortunate to have them apart of our amazing community!! The Rumsey’s: Wade, Katy & Ashley
Pink horseshoe graphic with the words

Partner Spotlight

Champ's Heart is proud to partner with Bridle Up Hope to bring life-changing experiences to girls and women ages 12 and up in our community.


Bridle Up Hope blends the healing power of horses with The 7 Habits® to build hope, confidence, and resilience through horsemanship, life skills development, and service. Since 2013, over 3,000 participants have experienced transformation globally, with 9 in 10 calling it life-changing. Through this partnership, we're extending healing and hope to even more individuals in our region.

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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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Promote Your Brand, Make a Difference

When corporate partners display their logo on the screens inside our arena, they're doing more than showcasing their brand. They're standing witness to moments that change lives.


Picture this: A child with autism takes their first confident steps alongside a gentle horse. A veteran experiencing PTSD finds peace in the rhythm of hoofbeats. A first responder rediscovers joy after years of carrying others' trauma.


These transformations happen every single day within these walls, and your company can be part of every one of them.

This is where healing happens. Our arena serves as a sacred space for over 300 participants each month, including children with special needs, veterans, first responders, foster youth, and their families, all receiving equine healing experiences that restore hope and rebuild confidence, completely free of charge.


When you secure a sponsorship with Champ's Heart, your logo rotates on our arena's digital display throughout every session, every program, every healing moment of the year. You're not just gaining visibility. You're telling your customers, employees, and neighbors that your company stands for something bigger than business as usual.



And the impact goes beyond the screen. Each sponsorship directly funds the sessions that bring foster youth and veterans through our doors each week, communities that rely entirely on the generosity of partners like you to access these experiences.