Next Open Barn is June 14 2025
The Sanctuary Open Barn is held 2 times a year… in the Spring, and Fall. All Open Barns are from 1-4pm. Visit the critically endangered Ojibwe Spirit Horses, and learn the story of the dramatic rescue of the last remaining four mares in 1977 and what is happening with the breed today. This is a popular family outing!!
Book a private visit, adults $20 each, children $5 each
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Aspens Ojibwe Horse Sanctuary is on Line 47 near Gadshill….ten minutes north of Stratford in Ontario Canada
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The sixteen acre farm is surrounded by fields and creeks and has a small woodlot that is vibrant with birds.
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A large airy indoor arena provides the perfect setting for Open Barn Day visitors, rain or shine, and the trails invite participants to take leisurely walks while reflecting on their interaction with the Spirit ponies.
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At the core of the Aspens Ojibwe Horse sanctuary is a family of six.
Takona (I hold him) born 2004. He is the father of Matchi and Minwadjim, and is a wise, gentle and kind Spirit Horse.
Odamin ( I play) 2004. Odamin is independent, brave, and very clever. She is a seal bay mare with good conformation. Odamin is the herd leader, and mother to Matchi and Minwadjim.
Minwadjim (I bring good news) 2008 aka Pumpkin. The smallest in the family, this little boy is very curious, he considers himself the best ever “Pony Express” (they were once used for mail delivery,) and takes his job as second male in command very seriously. He is also gelded.
Matchi Ijwebisiwin (She who misbehaves) 2010 .The largest of zhithe herd. She is a wonderful mother and her name just dosent match her personality!
The family have never been apart, and to observe them interact, move as one fluid unit, and care for each other is very precious.
Anangoose (Little Star) 2012 . Joined the sanctuary in 2021 and knows that while she is now accepted into the herd, she is not family. She is a petite pretty grullae mare who is self contained, and opinionated about who she wants to interact with, unusual for an Ojibwe pony! She is brave and independent, and her foal, Eclipse has one of the lowest co-efficient or kinship, in the breed today.
Eclipse was born April 19th 2023 and is a strong and independent foal. She is a wonderful ambassador, loving attention from visitors.
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Using “Finding the Ojibwe Horse” a resource developed through the National Arts Center with lesson plans and resource material for teachers, and teaming up with Indigenous knowledge keepers and musicians, we visit schools with the horses, bringing history to life, and engaging the children and youth in the present.
Check the GALLERY for some of the students contributions.
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Aspens Ojibwe horses are available for community visits and events.
For more information contact Sallianne 519 703 1412.
The Caregivers
Dale & Sallianne Patch
The world works in mysterious ways! We find ourselves in the very privileged position of being Caregivers to six of the critically endangered (less than 200) Ojibwe Spirit Horses, and endeavor to fulfill our obligation through Promotion, Protection and Preservation, in partnership with Indigenous Peoples.
September 30 2023
Reconnecting at last!
Click on Videos 1 on the menu bar and then on the image that comes up to see the meaning of drum to the horses
See below the
Aspens Ojibwe Horses at work
Bringing Education, Knowledge and Comfort to communities
"Pumpkin" Minwadjim ( I bring good news)
Trails around the sanctuary
Talking about the role of a Caregiver
Anangoose (Little Star)
Visits to schools and community events
Odamin at the sanctuary
A treasured kinship
Educators at work
Bringing joy and history
Offering comfort
Visiting seniors
Family experiences
The picture says it all
Team work
Patience
Biminajikawa (Chase) Stallion from Grey Raven Ranch
Little Man Stallion, sire of Aspens Ananngoose
Reaching the unreachable
The Stallion "Chase" visiting Aspens Sanctuary from Grey Raven Ranch
Odamin mother of the herd
Ananngoose added to the herd in 2021
Annual dental check
Christin Dennis, Knowledge Keeper and partner in school visits
Monique Pregent and Christin Dennis telling the Ojibwe Horses story during school visits
Christin and his team
Open Day at Aspens Ojibwe Horse Sanctuary
Ananngoose being introduced to Takona
Tough ponies
Christin snoozing on his horse power between classes
Me and my Mum
There is cuteness.........
High school promotion posters following a visit
Helping promote the Ojibwe horses
Get your photo taken with an Ojibwe Horse
Sanctuary friends
Little peoples impressions of the visits to schools
Teeka
Visits to schools are impactfull
First summer
Takona, a true Spirit horse
The best moments
School field trips to the sanctuary
School field trips to the sanctuary
Babies meeting babies
After a lifetime of horsemanship, we first became caregivers to a family of four Ojibwe horses four years ago. We found it very challenging to find any information on their breed specific care. We wanted to share some of the things we have learned in a way that is easily accessible. In consultation with the Ojibwe Horse Society, and the input of many experienced caregivers, we have compiled a short manual with informative links, and a printable pamphlet.
At the sanctuary we have hosted two stallions for breeding purposes over several months. Two foals have been born here, and we have had many “Open Barn” days, and visitors by appointment. We have run Equine Assisted Learning programs, visited numerous schools with the horses, and participate in many community events. We welcome suggestions and comments and the sharing of knowledge.
click on the title to open