In the fall of 1974, a small group of equestrian women began exploring the effectiveness of therapeutic riding, which had a long and successful history in Europe. They decided to establish a program in Fairfield County, and in September 1975, the first Pegasus program began at Ox Ridge Hunt Club in Darien, Connecticut.

Today, Pegasus provides equine-assisted activities and therapies to more than 225 children and adults with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities. We currently run programs at five chapters: Fox Hill Farm in Pleasantville, New York; Kelsey Farm in Greenwich, Connecticut; New Canaan Mounted Troop in New Canaan, Connecticut; Ox Ridge Hunt Club in Darien, Connecticut; and our 20-acre Pegasus Farm in Brewster, New York.

All of our instructors, physical therapists and occupational therapists are PATH International-certified and have first aid and CPR training. Our instructors are assisted by scores of dedicated volunteers; without this vital partnership, our program could not exist. For more information on how to become a volunteer, click our “Volunteer with Pegasus” link on the main menu.

Pegasus offers both a therapeutic riding program and Horses & Me, an equine learning and barn education program. Therapeutic riding exercises both “mind and muscle” and can produce remarkably improved mobility, balance, posture, coordination, language development, behavior control and concentration. Lessons include instruction in basic riding skills as well as opportunities for social interaction, recreation, sport, therapy, and work with developmental concepts.

Horses & Me activities take place during unmounted sessions in the barn and/or arena. Students progress through sequenced activities adapted to their abilities. Lessons can include ground training, equine first aid, grooming, identifying parts of the horse, and how to tack up, lead and lunge a horse. Students engage their minds, hearts and bodies, and each activity mutually benefits horses and humans.

Pegasus Therapeutic Riding has been a PATH International Premier Accredited Center since 1997. PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) establishes industry standards for program safety, instructor training and certification, and insurance provisions.

Pegasus Therapeutic Riding is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As such, all contributions and matching gifts are tax-deductible as permitted by law. To make a gift in support of our programs, click the blue Donate Now link on the menu at right.