Meet the Horses of CARD: Salina

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.

CARD has been active since 1960s. The opening of the present location in G. Ross Lord Park took place in 1979.

It is recognized that the connection between horse and rider is one of mutual trust with the goal of empowerment for the disabled child or adult. Through CARD, horses and riders are brought together in positive, life-changing ways. In fact, it is not uncommon for a non-communicative child or adult to verbally communicate spontaneously with a horse. The horse provides a non-judgmental partnership and a safe space to develop skills.

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Currently, there are 11 horses and one pony in the CARD stable. All of the horses and the pony are invaluable to CARD’s programs in that each brings an individual trait of benefit to a child or adult. Four of the horses and the pony have yet to be sponsored. Splash, Cody and Muskoka were featured recently and today, we feature Salina, the tallest CARD horse.

SALINA is a bay paint mare born in 2010. She stands a stately16.2 hh and arrived at CARD in June, 2024. Salina comes to us from a private home where she lived with her donor since the age of 18 months! Together, this long-term couple did the three-foot hunter classes on the Trillium and A circuits.

Salina’s background as a lesson and show horse make her a great choice for riders working on horsemanship, while her height and average width make her a good choice for leggy riders. Her active but short movement input helps activate the core muscles so important for posture and stability.

Salina is kind and loves being groomed and fussed with, especially by familiar friends! She can be a little introverted when meeting new people but she warms up quickly. Her exceptional grooming manners continue under saddle, where she is attentive and ready to work.
During her training, Salina 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 on the lead work, where she takes comfort and guidance from her leader. We hope to eventually see her join her fellow Horsemanship herd mates, helping riders be independent and off the lead.

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 Salina’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 Salina 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.