Idaho Falls Participants

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My name is Leah Haapala, I am a small business owner in Teton Valley and I am also in recovery. THere was a time in my life when I felt completely lost. Recovery isnt just about stopping something- its about learning how to live differently. 

Being around horses have always been one of the only things that truly quiets the noise in my head. They pull me out of sel-obsession and into presence. They ground me and fill me with a sense of wonder at the same time. Horses dont care about your past. They respond to who who you are right now- your calm, your clarity, your honesty. 

The Mustang Recovery Challenge feels like a powerful reflection of the recovery process: patience, setbacks, teamwork and humility and earned progress. I want to grow in all of those area. I want to be a part of something bigger than myself. 

At 51 years old Chris Schmidt is stepping into a new chapter defined by growth, resilience and purpose. After living in Las Vegas for 40 years, he relocated to Idaho in 2018 in search for change and a fresh start. 

Chris recently celebrated 2 years of sobriety on February 26 2026. After nearly 3 decades of methamphetamine addiction. His recovery journey has been one of perseverance, humility and determination. Through commitment and hard work, he has rebuilt his life one day at a time. 

Although he has no prior horse experience. Chris is deeply excited and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this program. He approaches it with an open mind, a willingness to learn and a strong belief in personal growth. For Chris, this experience represents more than learning something new- it symbolizes trust, responsibility and connection and continued healing. 

He is proud of how far he has come and looks forward to building new skills, meaningful relationships and a future grounded in purpose, 

My name is Woody, and I am currently in recovery, working to rebuild a life based on responsibility, structure, and purpose. 

Horses have been a lifelong passion of mine, and prior to 2012 I was actively involved in training horses and teaching rides of various experience levels. Being accepted into the Mustang Recovery Challenge program in a meaningful opportunity for me to reconnect with that passion while continuing to grow personally in my recovery journey. 

I am grateful for the chance to work with both horses and people again, and I look forward to developing great confidence, patience and leadership through this experience. 

My name is Jason Jarvie, and I am a professional horse trainer with over 20 years of hands-on experience dedicated to developing confident, dependable horses and strong horse-rider partnerships. I own and operate Starting a Horse Out Right, where I focus on building a solid foundation in every horse through patience, consistency, and clear communication.

I specialize in colt starting, as well as training ranch, trail, and cutting horses. My approach emphasizes trust, respect, and long-term reliability. I believe every horse learns differently, and I tailor my methods to meet each horse where it is, creating calm, willing partners prepared for real-world work and riding.

Beyond my training business, I am proud to work alongside my wife of 12 years in our family operation, Rose Mountain Alpines. Together we share a commitment to hard work, integrity, and a lifestyle centered around animals and the outdoors.

I am also proud to be sober for over a year and a half, and love helping others who struggle with addiction .  A commitment that has strengthened my focus, discipline, and dedication to both my work , community ,and my family. These values guide how I do business and how I work with every client and horse.

When I’m not training, I enjoy  helping others experience victory over addiction. As well as fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors with my wife . Horses are not just my profession—they are a lifelong passion.