Champ’s Heart is the inspiring product of a man’s battle with cancer and his hope to change lives.
When Pastor Larry Cudmore was diagnosed with cancer in 2016, he made it his mission to help others.
Executive Director Emily Sellers said Larry’s struggle turned into a unique ministry of serving others through horse encounters.
“He found purpose while going through his own battles,” she said.
Located in Ammon, Champ’s Heart offers an equine-based ministry to children with limited abilities, veterans, and their families. It gives them the opportunity to feel safe while connecting with horses, and experience independence in a calm, welcoming environment.
The charity holds many different programs and services, which include grooming horses, horse riding, painting on horses, sleigh rides, and games.
The program for kids with special needs is held on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. There’s a hero program for first responders on Tuesdays. Fridays are for the veterans, and Wednesdays are when the volunteers provide therapy to the horses.
“The horses absorb quite a bit of the anxiety and depression that some of our participants bring,” Sellers said. “These animals absorb so our participants can relax. Wednesdays the horses are put through a therapy treatment called Myofascial to help relieve the tension.”
Champ’s Heart also partners with other organizations for high risk teens, First Responders and children who have lost parents or siblings. Horses offer such a unique healing if you allow them too.
The Children Program is available for those between 2 and 20 years old. They also have special lifts and saddles available for participants with traumatic brain injuries.
Sellers stated that they are working to raise awareness for the Warrior Program, which provides services for veterans.
“We want to be there for our veterans and create a comfortable environment for them,” she said.
Thanks to donations, sponsorships, and support from the community, Champs’s Heart can offer these services at no cost.
“Our primary goal is to continue providing these services to veterans and their families free of charge,” Sellers explained. “We strive to help them connect with the healing power of horses.”
Those interested in volunteering with Champ’s Heart can visit champsheart.org for contact information, applications, and training manuals.
“Currently we have over 200 active volunteers and they are giving more than 2,200 service hours per month,” Sellers said “Our volunteers are a crucial factor for our program.”