Equine Assisted Senior Engagement- EASE

05/31/2026

For our last EASE session this spring, we lent a helping hand to Therapeutic Riding of Tryon (TROT). We got busy cleaning and polishing tack for their program, which caters to both children and adults who have physical, developmental, and sometimes cognitive disabilities.
One always likes to have purpose, and sometimes those with dementia loose that. Giving back and helping others in our community is a focus we have at EASE. 💜🐎🧠🫶

05/26/2026

We’re back in the saddle again this Friday! 💜🐴

After last week’s weather cancellation, we’re looking forward to reconnecting for our final EASE spring session. We’re reminded that it’s not just about riding — it’s about trust, encouragement, teamwork, and the quiet confidence that grows through connection with the horses and each other.

We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the barn for one more meaningful morning together.

05/19/2026

There’s a quiet kind of magic in the connection between horses and people 💜🐴

A gentle nuzzle, soft eyes, and a moment of focus can spark conversation, memory, confidence, and calm in ways that are hard to explain — but beautiful to witness.

At EASE – Equine Assisted Senior Engagement, we see firsthand how these interactions encourage engagement, emotional connection, and joy for individuals living with early-stage dementia, MCI, and Parkinson’s. Sometimes the smallest moments leave the biggest impact.

We can’t wait for another meaningful session together this Friday! ✨

05/13/2026

Our first EASE spring session is underway 🌿🐎🧠

Moments like this remind us that growth doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful. With steady guidance, gentle encouragement, and the presence of these incredible animals, participants are finding confidence, connection, and a sense of calm.

We create space for independence… while knowing support is always right there when it’s needed.

This is what EASE is all about. 💜

05/12/2026

Join us Thursday, May 21 from 2:00–3:30 PM for an free online program about Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).
Our Medical Director, Dr. Gordon, will explore the signs, symptoms, and challenges of FTD, while also offering insight for caregivers and families navigating this diagnosis. The program will include information inspired by The Unexpected Journey, the book by Emma Heming Willis, wife of Bruce Willis, about her family’s experience with FTD and caregiving.
Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/QtDcEh5aQwmzKTyz8oYm8w #/registration

05/12/2026

If you’re in South Carolina. 🧠💜

A new program from the MUSC is helping families better navigate life after a dementia diagnosis.

Developed by Dr. Diana Layne and Dr. Theresa Kelechi at the MUSC College of Nursing, the six-week SUPPORT-D program introduces early palliative care to patients and caregivers facing dementia.

The program guides understanding of the disease, caring for both patient and caregiver and planning for the future. Early results show that families welcome structured support and practical tools during an often overwhelming time.

Learn more:
https://tinyurl.com/bd3s3ht4

05/12/2026

Spending time outside doesn’t have to mean a big outing. A stroll around the neighborhood, a visit to a garden store, or even watering plants on the patio can all be meaningful ways to connect. This DementiaWho! article offers several simple, easy-to-do outdoor activity ideas. As an added benefit,...

05/11/2026

Add to your calendar!! 📆

Upstairs Artspace is proud to introduce Meet Me Upstairs: Memory Through Art : a new program designed for individuals experiencing memory challenges, along with their caregivers, family, and friends.

Inspired by the award-winning program at Museum of Modern Art, this series invites participants to engage with contemporary art through guided conversations in the gallery. These relaxed, 30-minute sessions create space for reflection, storytelling, and connection—while offering meaningful intellectual and creative engagement.

This program is presented in collaboration with Foothills Memory Café and the Equine Assisted Senior Engagement (EASE) Program to support our Foothills community.

NEXT UP:

📅 Next Session: May 20 at 2 PM
🧵 Featuring textile artist Erika Diamond

These free programs are held at Upstairs Artspace in Tryon, NC.

Art can help people share memories, form new connections, and experience the world in meaningful ways—together.

📞 (828) 859-2828
📧 [email protected]

05/10/2026

This year's winner in NPR's College Podcast Challenge is a letter to a grandparent that grapples with health issues including dementia. It's the story of a family learning to talk about hard things.

05/08/2026

Day 1 of our EASE spring session starts today!! Excited to see new faces and old. A wonderful time spent helping others who have memory issues on a beautiful spring day! ☀️🌿🧠🐎🤝💜