Overview

• Summer Chard suffered a stroke at 13 after initial misdiagnosis, leading her to immediate intensive physiotherapy to relearn basic functions.
• Equine-assisted sessions with her horse Cindy provided physical support and boosted her motivation during recovery.
• At 15, she has regained most mobility but still experiences hand weakness and attends school on a reduced timetable.
• Several hundred UK children are diagnosed with strokes annually, according to the Stroke Association.
• Summer plans to open a riding school to teach horse therapy techniques to people with disabilities or mental health challenges.