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. The motion of the horse’s walk is similar to the human gait and the swinging, repetitive motion improves balance, coordination, strength and muscle tone while gently mobilizing the joints.
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 and Cody were featured recently and today we feature MUSKOKA, CARD’S ‘bilingual’ horse. Muskoka is also awaiting sponsorship.
Muskoka is a Canadian-bred gelding born in 2001 who looks bigger than his 16.1 hands. Muskoka arrived at CARD in 2012 and is on loan by his owner, Scot Stewart.
Bred, raised and trained until the age of three in Quebec, Muskoka made the long journey to Ontario in the middle of a snowstorm! All of Muskoka’s original voice commands were learned in French, and his dad, Scot, has kept many of them up while also teaching Muskoka English voices aids.
Muskoka comes from a trail riding background with a base in natural horsemanship. He has a wide base and lateral rotational movement, but with a long step. His body type makes him a very versatile therapy mount, and his incredible movement input remains consistent, even when he’s walking slowly. This is unique, because many horses have a change in their movement when working at slower paces.
Muskoka excels in the lead classes with both children and adults, where his patient and steady personality, along with his wonderful movement, benefit riders with low tone or high sensory-input needs. Muskoka is a very cooperative ‘dude’ but he definitely knows who his special people are and can often be heard giving a low and throaty whicker when they pass by.
Muskoka is one of the quieter members of the Paddock 3 Posse and generally the voice of reason; he won’t start trouble – but he won’t put up with his buddies causing it, either!
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 Muskoka’s case, CARD welcomes a donation of any amount. Donations quickly add up.
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. Your donation to Muskoka will enable young riders with disabilities to develop muscle tone and focus, thereby enhancing their health in important ways.
We at CARD thank you for your support.
