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.

Our family relocated from Utah to Idaho Falls just over three years ago. For most children, such a significant move presents its own set of challenges, but for our daughter, Vanessa, who is autistic, the transition was particularly arduous. The disruption to her established routines and the unfamiliarity of a new environment profoundly impacted her well-being, leading to a dramatic escalation in her depression and anxiety, manifesting in severe panic attacks that were heartbreaking to witness. Adding to Vanessa's struggles, she experienced a profound personal loss. Her beloved maternal grandmother, who had been an integral part of her life and lived with us for many years, saw her health decline. We brought hospice care into our Idaho Falls home, and two years ago, Vanessa's "Grandma" passed away. This bereavement, especially for a child on the autism spectrum who thrives on consistency and deep attachments, was immensely difficult for her to process. The challenges continued to mount throughout the past year. My husband, Vanessa's father, underwent two significant heart procedures, followed by a diagnosis of bladder cancer in November. This series of medical crises naturally cast a long shadow over our household. In parallel, Vanessa herself faced physical setbacks; she broke her nose during a cheerleading practice, necessitating surgery at the end of last December, and was subsequently diagnosed with multiple allergies and asthma. The cumulative stress and anxiety were so severe that she began experiencing hair loss – a visible manifestation of her internal turmoil. Vanessa has been a part of the Champ's Heart family for over two years now, and the transformation we've witnessed is nothing short of miraculous. She has developed an extraordinary bond with one of the horses, Rocko. When Vanessa steps into the arena and connects with Rocko, her entire demeanor shifts. Her face, often shadowed by worry, visibly brightens, a genuine smile graces her lips, and a profound sense of peace washes over her. The therapeutic power of these interactions has been instrumental in helping her manage and significantly reduce her anxiety, allowing her to find an inner calm and peace. Champ's Heart has not just been a program for Vanessa; it has been a game-changer, providing a sanctuary where she can flourish. The joy she experiences during her rides is palpable and deeply moving for us to observe. We are eternally grateful for the sanctuary Champ's Heart provides and for the exceptional dedication and compassion of every single person involved. Written by Vanessa's mother Veronica

“We are so grateful for Champ’s Heart! Our sons have been attending their program for a few months now, and I can’t say enough good things about them. The therapeutic riding has been so soothing and comforting to our boys. The staff are so patient, friendly and so supportive ensuring that our boys are always comfortable, happy and safe!” — Katherina Collins Katherina, thank you so much for your kind words. It truly means the world to us to be part of your boys’ journey. Seeing them feel comforted, confident, and happy during their time with us is exactly why we do what we do. We’re so grateful your family is part of the Champ’s Heart! ~Champ's Heart's Team

Listen to what this mom says about the effect of Champs Heart in the life of Abigail:  “Abigail Rose at 2 years old on August 10th 2023. First time riding Kodiak. She will be 5 years old May 9th. Kodiak is her favorite horse and only horse she rides at Champs Heart. Kodiak and Champ’s Heart has given her so many amazing memories! We recently built a ramp to make our loading block more accessible for wheelchairs and walkers! The families love it!”

Read how our mission consistently brings smiles to Ashley and her family.

Fostering a safe place for children to be themselves in the face of hardship.

An inspiring story of how healing for one child brought healing for a whole family.

A refreshing story of how our horse's brought balance and joy to one child's life.

Be inspired this giving season with this incredible story of transformation.