SOUTHEAST — Thirteen-year-old Leila Johnson gently pets Patrick, a chestnut brown thoroughbred she has just finished riding. The large horse, used mostly to teach sport-riding skills, leans in and whinnies at her affection.

The tender bond between Johnson and Patrick is visible as she completes another invigorating lesson at Pegasus Farm. Horseback riding, she agreed with a smile, makes her feel strong and happy. Johnson is learning-disabled with low verbal skills and a muscle disorder.

"Leila loves it here. It's the highlight of her week," said her mother, Kim Johnson. "She's gained confidence and her muscle tone is improving. Riding is teaching her to follow directions and to communicate."

I was not sure what to expect when I observed an afternoon of Pegasus Therapeutic Riding classes recently. Pegasus, a “premier accredited member” of NARHA (the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association—NARHA.org) was founded in 1975 by volunteers who believed in the therapeutic power of horseback riding. These dedicated individuals were determined to bring the benefits and joys of horseback riding to the disabled in their community. Today, Pegasus has become one of the largest and most highly regarded therapeutic riding programs in the United States, servicing some 200 students annually in programs at seven locations throughout Fairfield and Westchester counties...