Outdoor at the Farm Programs
Equines and Elders – Nurtured by Nature
Location: Bar 5 Centre Inc. (BAR 5)
Season: Summer months only – typically August and September
Bar 5 Centre invites seniors to connect, learn, and thrive in a relaxed farm setting. Programs include:
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Health and wellness seminars
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Educational talks and activities
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Live musical entertainment
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Conversations and friendship
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Hands-on experiences with horses
Each session is designed to encourage movement, stimulate memory and speech, and foster emotional well-being. Whether you have lifelong experience with horses or are meeting them for the first time, you’ll find calm and connection in every visit.
Wellness Program
Equine-assisted wellness provides a gentle, engaging way to improve quality of life for older adults.
Participants often experience:
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Better range of motion
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Less pain and stiffness
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Improved balance and mobility
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Increased strength and confidence
Simple activities such as brushing or petting horses can act as physiotherapy for those living with arthritis, stroke, or multiple sclerosis. Sessions are held at Bar 5 Equine Centre in a supportive, outdoor environment.
Dementia Program
Horses have an intuitive ability to comfort and connect.
This program supports seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, helping spark memories and improve mood through calm interaction and sensory connection.
Many participants recall stories from childhood — riding ponies, working with horses on farms, or simply spending time outdoors.
“Some seniors who hadn’t spoken in months began sharing memories of growing up with horses.”
Please note: All dementia clients must attend with a caregiver.
"There Is Only One You” – Caregiver Respite Program
Caregivers deserve care too.
This program offers senior-aged caregivers a safe, welcoming place to rest, recharge, and reconnect through mindful, horse-based activities.
Focus on self-care, relaxation, and rejuvenation while enjoying peaceful time outdoors.
Booking Contact
Peace in the Barn
Rediscover balance and calm in the company of horses.
Through mindfulness, gentle equine interaction, and educational activities, participants are guided to:
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Disconnect from day-to-day stress
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Support healing of mind, body, and spirit
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Build camaraderie with others in a supportive space
All activities are completed safely from the ground — no prior horse experience required.
Grief & Anxiety Support
Loss and anxiety affect everyone differently.
Our equine grief and anxiety programs provide comfort, understanding, and healing in a calm farm environment. Horses offer gentle companionship — a warm body to hug and a safe space free from judgment.
Reminiscing Program
Seniors often find comfort in brushing or simply being near horses, sharing memories of early farm life or childhood pony rides.
Sessions include music therapy, where familiar songs help unlock memories and create joyful moments of reflection and connection.
Music Therapy
Led by Chris, who brings over 30 years of experience working with seniors and individuals with dementia.
Enjoy:
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Classic country music
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Wagon rides through the countryside
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Fresh air, laughter, and community
Horse Powered Reading®
Runs according to interest – call to join the list.
An intergenerational program where seniors, youth, and horses come together to build reading and emotional skills.
Horse Powered Reading® blends social-emotional learning with academic development, allowing children to experience reading through mind, body, and emotion.
Activities focus on five key skills:
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Phonemic awareness
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Decoding
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Vocabulary
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Fluency
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Comprehension
Children work with horses from the ground using props and metaphors to identify and overcome learning obstacles in a supportive environment.