Champlain Adaptive Mounted Program
South Hero, Vermont
The Champlain Adaptive Mounted Program (CHAMP) is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit on Good Hope Farm in South Hero, Vermont. Founded in 1987, it offers adaptive riding lessons and equine-assisted activities for children and adults with physical, cognitive, developmental or emotional challenges. Its website describes it as a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center.
- Adaptive therapeutic riding lessons (individual or group)
- Equine-assisted activities
- Ride with a Sibling sessions
- Barn work experience program
- Hosting for clinics and equine events
- Annual CHAMP Trail Ride benefit
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- People with physical, cognitive, developmental or emotional challenges
- Siblings of riders
More about this center
About the Program
Lessons run from spring through December, weather permitting, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with time slots from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm. Each lesson has a certified instructor, a horse leader and up to two side-walkers. Riders need long pants and sturdy shoes, and helmets are required (CHAMP provides one if needed).
The Work Experience Program gives people with disabilities hands-on barn work, developed with partners Bridges and Champlain Community Services. Brothers and sisters of riders can also join through Ride with a Sibling.
The Horses and Staff
Jean Desranleau, the executive director and program director, is a PATH Intl. Certified Instructor (Registered). She grew up on the farm and has helped develop the program since its start. Instructor Sue Birmingham completed PATH Intl. instructor certification and holds a B.S. in Equine Studies. Erin Bartle is a PATH instructor in training, and Amanda Ryan, who holds a degree in Equine Science from UVM, has taught riders in Vermont and Florida. Pauline Gervais is the volunteer coordinator.
Volunteering
Volunteers side-walk and lead horses in lessons, groom, do barn chores, clean tack, and help with grounds, fundraising, grant writing and social media. No horse experience is needed, and CHAMP provides training. Hours can count toward community service requirements. To start, download the volunteer application from the website or call (802) 372-4087.
Location
CHAMP is at Good Hope Farm, 57 East Shore Road, South Hero, VT 05486, in the Champlain Islands.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I sign up for lessons?
New and returning riders complete the CHAMP Rider Form from the website before the season begins. To schedule lessons, call or text Jean Desranleau at 802-233-4893.
How much do lessons cost?
Lessons are $50 each. CHAMP says rider fees cover about a quarter of program costs, and donors and grants cover the rest. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
When are lessons held?
Lessons run spring through December on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, weather permitting. If you can't attend, CHAMP asks that you cancel as soon as possible so another rider can take the spot.
How do I contact CHAMP?
Call (802) 372-4087 or email info@vtchamp.org.
Location
South Hero, Vermont 05486
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.