Champions Retreat is the culmination of our efforts to procure a facility for retired race horses and to share equine therapeutic benefits with those in our community that may be in need. We are dedicated to helping retired racehorses find their next career, or a safe, happy retirement by promoting the virtues of the breed to our local area. We are home to six resident Thoroughbreds, retired from racing on West Coast tracks.
Surrounded by towering conifers and flanked by two creeks, this secluded, peaceful setting provides the perfect environment to connect with horses and nature. Through experiences, we have seen that mental or physical challenges can respond favorably to equine interaction.
Champion’s Retreat includes indoor and outdoor arenas, oversized stalls, three separate pastures with shelter plus miles of groomed riding trails on site and in the adjoining national forest land.
Our team of OTTBs range in age from 8 to 25 years, and are generous, big hearted animals that are happy to share their unique personalities with visitors. Just feeding a carrot to a kind, gentle horse can be a transforming event.
Please contact us if you would like to schedule a visit.
Matt and Candace Chew are lifelong horsemen who left California’s racetracks for a quieter life in North Idaho, where they founded Champions Retreat in 2020.
Matt, a third-generation trainer with over 400 race wins, is known for his unwavering commitment to doing right by the horse and has long volunteered in therapeutic riding programs. Candace brings decades of experience in Thoroughbred aftercare, having served as president and vice president of the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA) for over 12 years, and combines her professional background of graphic design at Santa Anita Park with a passion for helping both horses and people.
Together, they are creating life-changing experiences - especially for foster youth - through the healing bond between horses and humans.
