The Smile Factory

Larry Cudmore • January 28, 2026

At Champs Heart, we do everything we can to start where a child will be comfortable. Sometimes a child is excited about the thought of a horse, but when the time actually comes, they are a little bit reluctant so we want to try to ease them into this. This Equicizer horse I named champ to carry on his legacy even though he passed away in 2018. So we have this mechanical horse that works off of a big spring and can hold up to 600 pounds. Then we have a little electric saddle that simulates the motion of a horse at different speeds that help children with balance, develop core strength and getting comfortable to the movement of a horse. We also try to make this a family experience as much as possible, but that’s becoming harder and harder all the time with so many children wanting to ride. We still do it we can when space allows.

Ashley has been coming to Champs Heart for quite a while and see what her parents have to say:

"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"

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