Rohan Wood Stables

Rohan Wood Stables is located in the picturesque Annapolis Valley in the small town of Aylesford. It is a family-run business founded in June 2003. It serves as the host partner for the Free Spirit Therapeutic Riding Association (FSTRA), a volunteer charity and accredited centre through the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association. FSTRA has eight therapy ponies and five therapy horses available in its program. A Barrier Buster grant will allow the stables to pave existing pathways, making them more accessible for people of all abilities.

1. Why did you decide to break down barriers in your community?

   At FSTRA, we believe everyone should have the freedom to ride. In 2012, FSTRA began as a small pilot project and has since grown exponentially, offering therapeutic riding lessons to individuals who face a wide range of physical barriers. We believe therapeutic riding facilities should be held to the highest level of accessibility both in and out of the saddle.

2. How is this project going to make a difference in your community?

   This project is going to make a significant difference to members of our community. Currently, our barn aisles and walkways are gravel. Due to heavy traffic from horses and riders, these pathways often become rutted and are difficult to maneuver, especially for individuals who have mobility or vision disabilities.

   This project will allow us to pave our walkways and aisles, increasing the overall accessibility of our facility. Riders will have more independence and confidence when travelling throughout the barn. They will be able to navigate the aisles with the horses, helping to prep them for lessons, and untacking them at the end of the session.

   Not only will this project make our facility more accessible, it will bring awareness to accessibility and the value of an inclusive environment.

3. What’s the best thing about being a Barrier Buster?

   It is humbling to receive such a gift. This will help to enrich the lives of our existing clients, as well as enable so many new individuals to have opportunities we could not afford to give them previously in the way we desired.