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The Community Association for Riders with Disabilities
is dedicated to improving the lives of children and
adults with disabilities through quality
therapeutic riding programs.
A Magical Connection
CARD
4777 Dufferin St.
Toronto, Ontario
M3H 5T3
Tel: 416-667-8600
Fax: 416-739-7520
[email protected]
www.card.ca
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Chairman’s Message
2015 Golf Tourney
Update
Volunteers of the Month
Walk On For CARD
McQuigg Family
Donation
Donation Update
You Asked Us
VOLUME 12
CONNECT WITH CARD
Winter / Spring 2015
The McQuigg Family Legacy
Lives on at CARD
CARD is privileged and honoured to announce that a significant donation has
been made to support our ongoing therapeutic riding program.
This donation has been made on behalf of Margaret McQuigg, Alter Ego Trust.
Margaret McQuigg was a founding member of CARD and “she was very
supportive of CARD during her lifetime”...to quote her family.
This donation is a wonderful example of how - through benefactors like
Margaret McQuigg - CARD continues to encourage, provide and support
individuals with special needs with our therapeutic riding programs.
For the ongoing future of CARD, this gift allows us to concentrate on what we
do best. Providing for the community.
Thank you Margaret McQuigg.
Comings & Goings
Horse News
Board of Directors
Mr. Donald Buckley (Chair)
Ms. Katherine Bontje
(Vice-Chair)
Mr. Steve Wanless (Secretary)
Mr. Andrew Macdonald
(Treasurer)
Mr. Joseph Ferrari
(Human Resources)
Mr. Conrad Cohen
Mr. Michael Goldman
Dr. Rafael Gomez
Parke & Margaret McQuigg
Message From The Chair
Dear members of the CARD family.
I sincerely hope that you and your family had a relaxing and fun filled holiday season. I trust
everyone had the opportunity to spend time with family and friends. We had another cold
winter. I congratulate all riders for attending our wonderful facility. Keep up the wonderful
work that each and everyone of you is doing.
We had our annual bowling night and all who attended had a wonderful time. Getting
together and hoping to conquer the magic of a 5 pin alley is always very challenging for me.
For some of us the task is a miracle of sorts. Getting the ball straight down the ally can be a
real challenge. However; if the rules outlaw 2 handed bowling then I will be sitting on the
sidelines no questions asked. I would like to thank all of the many sponsors, for their
generous and continuing support and all that attended.
We, the board look forward to all the exciting spring and summer events ahead at CARD.
The Walk On for CARD in the park, and our annual charity golf tournament.
As the chair it is always very gratifying to know that all of our wonderful volunteers and
dedicated staff help, enhance and improve the lives of our very special riders
Thank you for being who you are and what you do for this great organization - CARD .
Because of your dedication and commitment, CARD really is the very best therapeutic
riding facility.
Thank you for your support and your time and consideration.
Kindest Regards
Don Buckley
Chair CARD Board of Directors
To make contributions of articles and/or photos to CARD’s
newsletter, please e-mail submissions to Michael Goldman,
Editor at [email protected]
Walk On For CARD!
Sunday May 24, 2015
Join us for our second annual Walk On for CARD. This is a fundraiser held to support the
ongoing therapeutic riding programs at CARD. Be part of an individual or team participation
event. Come early, have breakfast and then walk the beautiful trails of G. Ross Lord Park. More
information is on our web site at www.card.ca or contact us at:
416-667-8600 ext. 78
See below some lovely pictures of last year's event
Doors Open Toronto presented by Great Gulf
This year CARD is participating
in this very exciting annual City of Toronto event. On the weekend of
rd
th
May 23 and 24 we will be welcoming the general public to see our facility.
2015 Charity Golf Tournament
CARD
Golf Tournament Update
Our 2015 CARD Charity Golf Tournament is booked and well on it’s way to becoming another
success. After much consultation it was decided that we will again be holding our tournament at
BraeBen Golf Course in Mississauga. The course is always in great shape and they allow us to keep
our fees down to a very reasonable rate. We have decided to move the event up to July 28 with tee-off
at 1 pm.
Please ink this date in your calendars and come out one and all to support our tourney. Please find the
registration form and sponsorship form in the back of this issue. To all our dedicated sponsors, we
look forward to your continued support.
Thank you one and all for your support
Thank You to International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
On Saturday, December 13th the NextGen Committee held their first
charity event at C.A.R.D. (Canadian Association of Riding for the
Disabled). The event was a huge success. The event had come to
fruition due to a request put forward by Penny Smith who is the
Executive Director of C.A.R.D. Penny had realized the need for
necessary maintenance and upgrades at their building, especially the
lighting. Now that the winter months were upon us, and the days have
shortened, there were concerns that arose. The riders were coming
back from their rides, and there was a serious lack of lighting around
the building and stables for the horses. Penny informed us this made the riders uncomfortable as the horses could be
spooked easier. There was also insufficient lighting in their lobby where their patrons would get prepared for their
ride. When this was presented to the NextGen committee, there was a resounding consensus that we needed to help
this organization. We went out to C.A.R.D, analysed the situation and their particular needs, created a list of necessary
materials and started the process of getting all approvals needed in order to carry this out. We received approvals and
went to work getting everything in place in order to carry out our mission. We got the permit for the work and
contacted a couple of our contractors to help out by providing tools and ladders. Guild Electric and Deerfield Electric
with no hesitation agreed to help. Powertrade Electric Ltd. provided the material to the NextGen at a discounted
charity rate. We then asked our NextGen committee if everyone would be able to help.
continued on page 6......................
..............continued from page 4
It was close to Christmas and everyone was extremely busy, but we were able to get 80% of our committee to change
their schedules in order to make time for this event. On Saturday, December 13th the work commenced and I have
never been so proud to be a member of the IBEW. Everyone showed up happy as can be and conducted themselves in
a very professional manner. We were able to complete the work in a day with some minor tasks that had to be left for
another day, and we received a great deal of praise from Penny as she was so happy to see what could be done by a
union with such a big heart, when their members put their mind, time and effort into it.
By: Jason Mitchell, Membership Development Rep.
“Comings and Goings”
Our favourite redhead, Redford, will be retiring soon. He has been with CARD for
6yrs. Redford's antics have amused many a rider and exasperated many a leader or
instructor. Every inch of his 16 hands is jam-packed with personality but his heart was
far bigger and one of things he will be most remembered for was the friendship he
gave to Bradley and Colonel.
We will miss our red-headed Diva, who loved bubble baths and being made pretty, but
know he will be retiring to a loving home where he will continue to get all the
pampering he is convinced is his due!
JUNE is CARD's Month with The Cozy Crafter 911
The Cozy Crafter 911 is a home based custom, cozy business that
knits cute little cozies for your travel mugs, water bottles, baby
bottles, planters and even wine glasses!
Each month The Cozy Crafter will customize a unique amazing
cozy that will support a fantastic cause – the cozy will only be
available for that month and will never be offered again.
Proceeds of the sale of these cozies go towards the cause it
represents. We are so happy that JUNE IS CARD'S MONTH!!!!
The cost of each cozy is $10 with $5 being donated back to
CARD.
Please be sure to tell all your friends and family about this great
opportunity. Be sure to visit their website at:
www.thecozycrafter911.com
to view all their cozies.
THE COZY CRAFTER will have a booth at “Walk On” for CARD on Sunday, May 24, 2015.
Be sure to stop by and see what they have to offer.
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
NOVEMBER 2014
Alison is one of the foundation
blocks for the Thursday Afternoon
Volunteer group. Dedicated and
consistent, Alison arrives every
week with a smile, ready to help in
any way.
An avid horse person, Alison enjoys
dedicating her CARD time to the
riders as a side walker, and she
excels at forming a rapport with her
riders. Alison's knack for friendly
redirection is marvelous for keeping
riders on task and behaving
productively, often without them
realizing any silliness may have
been 'shut down'. While Alison
may enjoy directly working with the
riders, she is always ready to pick
rope if needed, and her knack for redirection is a great asset there too!
A few times over the years I have been hit by a cold which took away my voice, and loathe to cancel
and disappoint riders and volunteers, I called on Alison to be my voice in the ring! There is always
laughter in the ring when Alison is around and no matter how difficult the week has been, I always
look forward to working with this terrific group of volunteers.
Seana Waldon
I first began volunteering with CARD many years ago after bringing my young horse to a riding
clinic held there to give him some off-property experience. I met some lovely, friendly people and
thought that I would enjoy helping to bring some of my own joy in riding to others. Now, almost
10 years later, the horse is middle aged and experienced and I am still volunteering!
I have been volunteering Thursday afternoons since 2006 in the same time slot, and have been
lucky to work with so many great volunteers, instructors, students and amazing horses. What I
enjoy the most has been working one on one with many of the same individual riders each year,
and seeing their talents, their confidence and their abilities grow and grow. It has been a real
privilege to get to know "my" students, and I look forward to seeing them each week.
Alison Baxter
“You Have Been Spotted!”
Do you know a fellow volunteer that has gone above and beyond their regular
duties or has done a good deed to assist another volunteer, rider, instructor or
staff member at CARD? We want to hear about it.
Don't let their good deeds go unnoticed. Send your stories in.
Bowling For CARD
th
The Annual Bowlin' for CARD fundraiser was held Sunday, February 15 at the Parkway Bowl.
It was the coldest day of the winter, so we would like to thank the 83 brave souls who battled the weather in
support of CARD. Because of you we raised $6,000 for CARD!
There was lots of pizza, desserts and door prizes and from all accounts, a great time was had by all!
Thanks to:
Event sponsors: The Buckley Family, Benjamin 's Park Memorial Chapel, Draglam Waste and Cityview Road
Cleaners Ltd.
Lane sponsors: Pet Valu, Appel Dental Centre, Queen Victoria's Pub, Diana's Seafood Delight, Chartwell
Veterinary Clinic, The Northern Dancers, Muckish Irish Pub, Yuk Yuk's, Cora's and Nobleton Feed Mill.
Dessert & Pizza donors: Yummy Market, St. Urbain Bagel, Tori's Bakeshop, Arlene Goldman and Mamma's
Pizza.
Door Prize contributors: Tribute.ca; Val & Matthew Hoffman, Marta Buckley, Cineplex, Astral Media, Katz's
Deli, Eggsmart, CHFI, Ambrosia, 101.2 The Edge, Ontario Science Centre, Dollarama, P.F. Changs, Julia Plover,
Brian Gregoire, Variety Village, Starbucks, Nina, Sheree Brown
Congratulations to Donna Halliday and Earl Weiner – winners of the 5 pin high score and Marvin and Rochelle
Steinfeld winners of the 10 pin high score
Thank you one and all for your support
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
DECEMBER 2014
It is a pleasure to have Sabrije in the Saturday
afternoon crew. Sabrije is perpetually cheerful, and
she always jumps in to help with anything that's
needed (whether that's tacking up horses, resetting the
arena, or helping out in the barn—Sabrije is there).
Our barn staff have sought me out to commend her on
her positive attitude and helpfulness. But where
Sabrije really shines is during classes: she is a side
walker extraordinaire. She has a special touch with
riders who have a wide spectrum of goals: riders
building their expressive language skills ask for her
by name, and riders struggling to build their
confidence find her a reassuring presence. She is also
capable of setting firm boundaries, however, when
that's what a rider needs to succeed. Saturday
afternoons wouldn't be the same without her!
Liz Quinn
I initially chose to volunteer at CARD to acquire my
required community service hours for school because I
was interested in gaining more experience working
with horses. I am now going into my third year at
CARD. I still love to work with all the horses and have gotten to know each of their different
personalities! But through being a sidewalker, I have discovered how much I love to work with, and
get to know, the children in each of my classes. Seeing the kids smile makes my weekend and that's
why I keep coming back – even through the very cold winters! I've learned so much over the last two
years, and along the way have met wonderful riders and volunteers. And Liz, the instructor I work
with, always has a smile on her face and keeps things running smoothly! The CARD arena is such a
supportive, pleasant and positive environment and I love to be a part of it. It is such a rewarding
experience.
Sabrije Mitrovica
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT!
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
For success, attitude is equally as important as ability.
A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition.
A special thanks to those who supplied and prepared all the food for the
hungry bowlers.
“Comings and Goings”
You may have noticed a spotted presence in the paddocks
and classes recently. It's Pongo, CARD's newest herd
member. Pongo is a 18yro Knabstrupper gelding, who joins
us from a former career as a lesson horse. He has a familiar
face in Elaine, as they've worked together for many years
before either came to CARD. Pongo is integrating into
classes well and we are excited to have this sweet and
personable gelding join the herd
Summer Program!!
Summer Program Registration will be opening soon!
Please keep your eyes open for an email with the subject line “Summer Registration”
Horse Facts
Horses have bigger eyes than any other mammal that lives on land.
Horses can sleep both lying down and standing up.
Horses can run shortly after birth.
Domestic horses have a lifespan of around 25 years.
A 19th century horse named ‘Old Billy’ is said to have lived 62 years.
Horses have around 205 bones in their skeleton.
Horses have been domesticated for over 5000 years.
CARD Celebrates its' Forty-Fifth (45) Annual Meeting
On Sunday February 22, 2015 the CARD Board of Directors celebrated its forty-fifth (45) Annual
Meeting. At this meeting, three nominations were received and three positions were filled.
The current Board members are as follows:
Officers:
Chairperson- Mr. Don Buckley
Vice – Chairperson – Ms. Kathy Bontje
Secretary – Mr. Steve Wanless
Treasurer – Mr. Andrew Macdonald
Human Resources – Mr. Joseph Ferrari
Directors:
Mr. Conrad Cohen
Mr. Michael Goldman
Dr. Rafael Gomez
“Comings and Goings”
CARD extends grateful thanks and best wishes to Jenny, our intrepid Tuesday Morning instructor, as she and her
family move back to Ireland. Jenny has been with CARD for almost 5 years and stepped into the ranks of teaching
and horse training almost immediately after she arrived. There were a few breaks while daughters Aoileann and Edie
were born, but then Jenny was right back at it. She's formed a very strong team amongst her Tuesday Morning crew
and I know they are all sad to lose her and excited for the opportunities that await her overseas.
Above picture was taken at her farewell party/end of term party.
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
JANUARY 2015
Anneke has been a Monday CARD volunteer for
over 5 years, working with riders of all age
groups…adults, teenagers and young children. For
the last several years Anneke has been volunteering
with the hippotherapy classes and the after school
classes. Four hours of leading or side walking, every
Monday, without missing a day for absenteeism,
quite the record! Now I've never recorded how many
kilometers Anneke walked on any given Monday but
suffice to say it is a good work out.
Anneke has learned so much in her associations with
different instructors and physiotherapists and has
become a valuable volunteer because of her
knowledge about horses and riders. She seems to
intuitively know what needs to be done with the
horse or rider to get the best results. Polite,
responsible and caring, Anneke is always thinking of
how she can help out, in any capacity, whether in the
barn or in the arena. It is such a comfort having her
in class. Things always run more smoothly with
Anneke around.
Amber Caterer Walsh
"I first came to CARD almost six years ago because I loved horses. I knew I wouldn't be able to ride
them, but hey! At least I'd be working right alongside them!
Sooner than I originally expected, the riders won my heart! Seeing children wheeled in on wheelchairs
or strollers because they were unable to walk then coming in at the end of the year walking on their
own absolutely floored me. Even something so small as one of the riders saying "walk-on" for the first
time or giving me a high-five at the end of class is worth every minute of my time!
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time spent at CARD. The horses still hold a special
place in my heart and I'm rarely able to pick a favourite from among them.
CARD is also a tremendous team building environment. The many volunteers and instructors I have
worked with over the years have also been important to me. When we all get going it's just so easy to
feed off each other's energy and passion for this place.
This has been an experience and journey I will benefit from for the rest of my days. I have no regrets."
Anneke Murley
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
FEBRUARY 2015
Tracy is the organization queen of
Thursday evenings. She can always be
counted on to make sure all the tack
is out and ready, horses are being
groomed and tacked up at the
correct time, and that people are
handling the horses safely. Tracy is
always happy to show a new
volunteer the routines of CARD and
has mentored several new volunteers
into being key players on the
Thursday team. Tracy has a great
rapport with the riders and interacts
with them in a positive and
encouraging manner so that they can
do their best. Her horse handling
skills get better and better each term because she works hard, asks questions, and applies feedback
to make sure horses are on their best behavior. Tracy has also come out to support the Monday
evening classes when we have been short handed. I am so lucky to have Tracy on the Thursday team!
Kristin Matus
It has been a privilege to volunteer at CARD for the last three and a half years. I find the riders, the staff and the
volunteers to be a special group of people, who have been a pleasure to work with. My daughter Laura brought me to
CARD by insisting this organization was going to be the only one she would apply to for her high school volunteer
requirements. I am very glad she expressed her determination and enthusiasm for participating at this organization since
our shared experience has helped us to know one another better in our busy lives and in a different environment as well.
Personally, I was excited to be in contact with horses again. In my high school years, I worked at a standard-bred race
horse stable and in my late forties, I found myself to be truly missing these animals. When I started at CARD, I was
surprised to find that I had changed since my last contact with horses, but once again, I have settled in amongst these
animals to know the comfort I used to have with them.
Watching the students mature and develop into competent riders while having our small weekly chats has reinforced a
momentous awareness of the important things in life for me.
There have been numerous rewards for volunteering at CARD, but I think my following story demonstrates one reward
very well.
I was having a more difficult week when I left an elevator in a grocery store chain to see a young rider excitedly waving
and smiling at me. Having been greeted very warmly put me on top of the world. Thank you CARD!
Tracy Calver
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
MARCH 2015
I know the idea is to recognize one member of the
volunteer team who consistently stands out as
being the best of the best, who gives that extra bit
– one of CARD's special group of volunteers. But,
while John and Eric have many individual strengths,
independently of one another, together they are a
force when it comes to designing and helping the
Tuesday Night riders master their imaginative (and
often tricky) obstacle courses. I can't find a way to
recognize one without the other – so I hope you
will forgive my licence when I nominate both for
this recognition.
I was fortunate to inherit John and Eric, along with
many other wonderful, long-term volunteers, from
Sonia K, when she “retired” as an active CARD
instructor a couple of years ago. Over their years
with Sonia, the guys honed their course-design
skills – culminating, I think, with a wonderful set up
that actually spelled out “Sonia” in the last year or
so that Sonia ran the class. Not only did they amaze
Sonia and the volunteers, but it really seemed that
the riders took special pleasure as they rounded
the “S”, dotted the “i” and looped the “a”!
I can't tell you how happy I was when John and Eric
returned to Tuesday nights when I came onboard. Not only can I count on them to come virtually every single
evening, but when they come, they check in with me to see if I want anything special, and take off to the
arena to do their “thing”. I know when we come in with the horses, there will be a complete course that will
nicely challenge the riders – I know it sometimes challenges me!
I can also count on both father and son to help with leading, sidewalking, off-side mounting – just about any
task. From my observations, they are also well respected by other CARD volunteers, and looked on as mentors
and as someone to emulate.
Thanks, John and Eric, for all your hard work, creativity and service to the riders, volunteers and instructors of
CARD!
Laurie Blake
I started volunteering at CARD a year or so after my wife Sharon, started riding there. I wanted to see
what interested her so much about riding. Tuesday night was the time that suited me best, and it turned
out that they had a good crew that had worked together for many years. It was a great environment in
which to learn about horses and the riders too. After a while, Sonia, the instructor needed some help
putting together an obstacle course for the class - so I helped and did so again and again and.... It is
challenging to put together a different course each week that will challenge the riders, and be interesting
for them as well. It got even better when my son Eric started volunteering as well. We build the courses
together and feed off of each other's ideas.
Continued on next page .............
...... continued from page 8
It is interesting to work with the diversity of riders we have at CARD and getting to know them. I
continue to learn every week. I have also started to work in Sharon's class as well and have met
even more great volunteers and riders.
The other volunteers are great to work with. I learn from them, and not just from the "horsey" ones.
I look forward to seeing them every week.
So why do I volunteer? Because it is fun, I think we make a difference and I sleep well
afterwards!
John Barr
I started out volunteering when the Tuesday night program didn't have enough volunteers and
needed a fill in. From then on I never left and just kept coming back. I think the thing that has kept
me here this long, is seeing some of the changes that happen with some of the riders. Knowing that
this is having an effect on someone else is very nice.
Eric Barr
Keep your information current!!
Please remember that we need to have your current contact information on file, and that a current
medical form is required annually in order to participate in the classes. We do our best to send out
timely reminders when medical forms are due to expire, but your help is needed to avoid
interrupting your services; no rider may participate in class if their medical has expired.
2015/16 Programming
The registration for the 2015/16 Fall - Winter/Spring year will open in June. We are currently in
the midst of compiling the results of the Rider and Instructor Surveys so that their input is taken
into account.
Riders and families will be notified of the information via email that the registration has been
posted on the CARD website.
We are always trying to improve to serve you better so we ask you to carefully and fully read all
documents, in particular if you've been with the program a long time, so that you stay abreast of
the changes to our programming and administrative procedures.
Newly arrived at CARD, is Capri, a 16 year old, 16 hand draft cross mare who is joining us from a former career as
a lesson horse. Physically, Capri looks like a cross between Colonel and Daisy and personality-wise she is very
similar to our sweet Oreo - all signs that bode well for the new girl on the stable block! Capri is doing well in her
training and has been introduced to the Paddock 2 group for turnout.