EASE at FENCE, Spring Session Coming Soon!

May 2nd marks the opening of the Spring 2025 session of EASE (Equine Assisted Senior Engagement) at FENCE, a program developed to provide equine support for people in our community affected by early-stage dementia, MCI (mild cognitive impairment) and Parkinson's disease. The free program provides participants with experiences that create a sense of awareness, confidence and social connection within a carefully structured and supervised environment. Trained volunteers and physical therapists, are on hand to assist with activities.

The Spring session is scheduled on Fridays from May 2 through May 23. Participants will interact with trained program volunteers to experience sensory activities, "riding" our mechanical horse Rusty (don't worry - he isn't a bucking bronco!) and grooming or leading our equine assistants, including mini donkeys, mini horses, and some surprise equine guests. Participants will be assigned to either a morning session (10:30-noon) or an afternoon session (12:30-2). The program takes place at Rosemary's Barn on the FENCE property.

A family member or caregiver accompanying the participant may observe or may take the opportunity to walk on the FENCE trails or do off-site errands.

For more info, or to enroll, contact FENCE at 828-859-9021 or by email at therapeuticriding@FENCE.org.

About EASE: Equine Assisted Senior Engagement

The program takes place within the beautiful, natural setting of the FENCE campus at Rosemary's Barn (3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon, NC 28782). Participants will engage and connect with horses and other equine animals in a range of therapeutic activities alongside trained volunteers. The program aims to improve sensory, motor, cognitive, and behavioral function for improved health and wellness. Equine therapy has been shown to be very beneficial to a wide range of individuals with various physical, neurological, and mental health conditions. Our horses and donkeys are gentle and exceptionally intuitive creatures, receptive to both verbal and non-verbal communication.