Silent Thunder Farm

We’re so glad you’re here! At Silent Thunder Farm, we share our love of horses and the sport of vaulting in a welcoming, supportive environment where everyone can learn, grow, and connect.

Silent Thunder Farm began as a mother–daughter project, born from a shared love of horses and the sport of equestrian vaulting. What started as a small family dream soon grew into a community-supported not-for-profit organization dedicated to sharing that passion with others.We provide a supportive and inclusive space where people of all ages can connect with horses, build confidence, and grow—whether under saddle or on the ground. Through vaulting and horsemanship, we inspire trust, teamwork, and the joy of partnership between horse and human.

About

Meet the Team

Owner and coach

Cathleen Nowicka

Owner and coach of Silent Thunder Farm. A lifelong horse enthusiast, licensed Equestrian Canada riding coach and certified vaulting coach and provincial vaulting judge. Cathleen is passionate about creating a supportive, inclusive environment where riders of all ages can connect with horses, build confidence, and enjoy the sport of vaulting.

Co-owner, assistant coach, vaulter

Sofia McGarvey

Sofia McGarvey is a talented equestrian vaulter at Silent Thunder Farm. Passionate, dedicated, and full of energy, she brings enthusiasm and determination to every training session. Sofia loves connecting with the horses and enjoys the challenge and joy that vaulting brings, inspiring those around her with her confidence and commitment.

Assitant coach and Register Social Worker

Rebecca Andrews

Rebecca is a compassionate social worker with a strong commitment to supporting the well-being of children and youth. She is passionate about creating safe, empowering spaces where young people can develop confidence, resilience, and self-awareness. Drawing on her deep appreciation for the therapeutic benefits of the human–horse connection, Rebecca is excited to integrate her love of horses into her practice to enhance emotional connection, healing, and growth.

The Horses

Blue's Black Magic

Meet Blue's Black Magic, known simply as Blue, our main vaulting partner. Blue is a spotted Percheron with a heart of gold and is Sofia’s primary vaulting horse. Gentle, loving, and full of personality, Blue cares deeply for his vaulters, sharing his sense of humor and bringing smiles to everyone in the arena.

Galuah Dream

Dream is a beautiful Westfalen mare with big talent and even bigger opinions. Focused on a successful dressage career, she’s always in the ribbons and now beginning her training as a vaulting horse. Dream is full of sass and personality—and we’re hopeful she’ll become Sofia’s next vaulting partner.

Storm's Meadows

Storm is our newest addition to the vaulting program—a young Clydesdale mare with the sweetest, puppy-dog personality. She’s already attended her first vaulting show and was an absolute star. With her gentle nature and eagerness to please, Storm is quickly becoming a favorite among our vaulters.

Vaulting Simulator

Meet the Vaulting Simulator: “The MOVIE”

Our vaulting simulator, affectionately known at Silent Thunder as Bruiser, is a central part of our training program. Vaulters practice new moves, refine techniques, and build strength and balance on the simulator before performing them on the horse.

Using Bruiser is a safe, controlled way to learn, giving vaulters the confidence to try new skills without risk. It also protects our horses, as they are introduced to movements only after the vaulters are comfortable and proficient.

The MOVIE can be adjusted for all ages and skill levels, from beginners learning basic positions to advanced vaulters working on complex routines. It’s not only a training tool—it’s a fun and interactive way to engage with vaulting, develop body awareness, and achieve personal goals.

Several times throughout the season, virtual coaches join us to guide sessions on Bruiser, offering personalized tips and helping vaulters push their abilities safely.

Programs

Our vaulting program is designed to build confidence, strength, fitness, and a genuine love for horses. Open to all ages and abilities, this inclusive program welcomes everyone—from beginners discovering the joy of vaulting to experienced vaulters refining their skills.

Participants develop balance, coordination, and teamwork through fun, supportive training on and off the horse. Whether you dream of competing or simply wish to vault for the love of the sport, every vaulter is encouraged to set personal goals and grow at their own pace. Vaulting runs year round.

Winter Training

During the winter months, we continue with indoor training in a heated room using a vaulting simulator. Sessions focus on fitness, flexibility, horsemanship, and horse care, helping vaulters stay strong and connected to the sport even in colder weather.

Several times throughout the winter, virtual guest coaches join us to guide and inspire our vaulters, offering personalized feedback and support to help each athlete achieve their individual goals.

When the weather is mild and vaulters are comfortable in the cold, we may also enjoy a vaulting session in the snow or train in a rented indoor arena—keeping the spirit of vaulting alive all year long

Flexible Scheduling

Our program keeps groups small and flexible, allowing for more individualized attention and a supportive atmosphere. No weekly commitment is required—we understand the challenges of busy schedules, school, and other activities.

We do our best to adjust and modify schedules quickly, making it easy for families to find a balance that works for them while still giving vaulters the opportunity to learn, grow, and stay connected to the sport.

"Cathleen and her amazing team at Silent Thunder farm have fulfilled my daughter’s lifelong dream of becoming an equestrian vaulter. Cathleen combines her extensive knowledge of equestrian vaulting with her profound dedication to both her students’ and her horses’ welfare, safety and happiness. Her exceptional coaching ability and care for her students provides them with a safe, fun and successful learning environment." - Anonymous

"Silent Thunder’s welcoming atmosphere had my autistic child at ease. A great space to work on core strength and balance, while enjoying positive benefits bonding with horses."