CARD is a therapeutic riding centre located in North York, Ontario, that is dedicated to improving lives of children and adults with special needs, through quality therapeutic riding programs. CARD horses are the therapists and we cannot do this without them.
Currently, there are 11 horses and one pony in the CARD stable. Four of the horses and the pony have yet to be sponsored. Splash, Cody, Muskoka and Salina have been featured recently and today we feature Tia, the racehorse that never raced.
With its small staff and large number of volunteers, from 125–135 each week, CARD supports between 85-98 students on a weekly basis. Benefits to the rider include balance improvement, better coordination and range of motion in joints and limbs, enhanced communication skills, confidence and self-esteem.
CARD’s herd of therapy horses is considered our most important asset. Each therapy horse is carefully selected for temperament and movement to offer a specific type of movement (smooth, bumpy, lots of movement or minimum movement) to maximize the benefits of therapy for each disabled rider. CARD’s horses range in size in order to accommodate the range of riders we work with.
Tia is a bay Thoroughbred mare, born in 2013. She stands 14.3hh. She is on loan from Theresa Gilligan and arrived at CARD in November 2021. Sweet and people-oriented, Tia is a racehorse that never raced!
Tia made her way to her current owner and became a farm favourite, where she lived outdoors in a small herd, with occasional stints in beginner classes for camps. At CARD, Tia is enjoying stalled-life again, and transitioned well to being an “indoor” horse once more. She loves watching all the barn happenings.
During her training, Tia had no issue with the class props and she was completely on board for any work that involved halting or slow walk! She excels in lead work, where she takes her comfort and guidance from her leader.
HOW TO HELP
A single horse sponsorship is $11,000 per year. That level of support is always welcome, but we also find that many donors like to contribute partially to the care of a particular horse. In Tia’s case, CARD welcomes a donation of any amount. Donations quickly add up.
For Tia, perhaps an individual or group of individuals who had a successful season at the track would be interested in supporting her. Your donation to Tia will enable young riders with disabilities to develop muscle tone and focus, thereby enhancing their health in important ways.
CARD also has many donors who do a monthly donation through Canada Helps. Donations can be made through the CARD website, on Canada Helps, or directly by cheque to CARD.
Please visit the link below:
www.card.ca
There is a DONATE NOW button on the front page.
We at CARD thank you for your support!
