Meet the Horses of CARD: Splash

The smallest CARD horse, Splash was a show horse, which makes her well-suited to the CARD program. Horses that have had a lot of exposure to people at busy horse shows do well at CARD because they don’t get bothered by the number of people around them.

Born in 2006, Splash is a 13.1hh, bay-and-white Tobiano Paint mare who was donated by Kate Chapman and arrived at CARD in December 2015.

This little lady showed extensively on the Trillium circuit as a hunter with her previous owner. Accustomed to being shown by kids, Splash is very light and respectful to the aids, which can be a good fit for the smaller CARD riders working on honing riding skills. The years of experience in a busy show environment also made her a steady mount and great for riders starting into horsemanship, while her small steps are perfect for riders in need of quick, active movement. Our petite princess has active but smooth gaits which gets muscles and minds working and makes her a top choice for the riders with low tone or short attention spans.

Scroll to continue with content

Splash is kind and loves being groomed and fussed with, especially by familiar friends. She can be a little wary when meeting new people, but she warms up quickly. The barn volunteers who’ve been asked to give her attention notice when she decided to add them to ‘her’ group of groupies!

“Dahyun loves Splash,” commented Dahyun’s mother, whose daughter has been riding at CARD for one year. “She is still a little girl, so a horse of the right size suited her, rather than a horse that was too big. Plus, Splash was very gentle and well-behaved when she was riding her. Splash has a beautiful hair color, so she felt a bond every time she stroked her soft fur and felt her body heat.”

Splash gets turned out every day and enjoys being in her paddock with Idgie. All CARD horses get groomed daily and work between 6-8 hours a week. Lessons will range from guided walking, occasional trotting, and games that involve different patterns and activities.

Riders at CARD get physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits from riding horses. 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. Other physical benefits include pelvic and spine mobility, postural control, range of motion in joints and limbs, physical stamina, and more.

The average horse walks at a rate of approximately 100 steps per minute. Just five minutes on a walking horse represents 500 neuromotor (effects of nerve impulses on muscles) inputs to the rider. In a typical therapy session, 15 to 25 minutes of equine movement may be incorporated, which represents 1500 to 2500 neuromotor inputs to the rider.

Cognitive benefits include communication skills, attention span and structured thinking. 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 helping to build confidence and self-esteem.

HOW TO HELP

There are a variety of ways for you to help support Splash and her work. An annual sponsorship covering all her feed, farrier, and medical costs for the year is $11,000, but CARD is happy to accept donations in any amount to support our work – they quickly add up! Donations can be made through the CARD website directly or by cheque to CARD.

Your donation to Splash will enable a young rider with disabilities to develop muscle tone and focus, thereby enhancing their health in important ways.

CARD thanks you for your support.