At Pegasus, therapeutic riding and other equine assisted activities provide numerous and diverse benefits to people with disabilities. The horse's movement closely resembles the normal gait of a human and can be used to produce specific physical changes in the rider, including increased balance, muscle control and strength.
The horse's movement can also benefit individuals with sensory integration issues. A smooth-gaited, consistently paced horse can provide the input needed to help a rider establish rhythm. A rough-gaited horse may provide the stimulation needed to help organize and integrate sensory input. Movement exploration while on the horse can help improve overall body awareness.
The relationships that develop between riders, volunteers, horses and staff are all integral to a positive emotional experience. The success of overcoming fear and anxiety can increase a rider's self-esteem. For some of our Pegasus participants, having the opportunity to develop new skills and bond with our horses in the Pegasus farm and barn environment all contribute to helping to focus on their abilities and provide additional possibilities for successful experiences.
The horse provides many of our riders with the motivation to learn new things. Individuals with learning or cognitive impairments learn to increase concentration, patience, coping skills and discipline. Learning a riding skill can have a positive effect on a rider’s self-confidence. Educational goals such as letter recognition and sequencing can be incorporated into equine activities.
Socially, therapeutic riding activities provide the opportunity for individuals to interact with their peers in group activities. Riding and the related activities are fun while providing the appropriate challenge to help achieve success and increased benefit through the positive interaction with horses, volunteers and staff.
Pegasus Programs....Equine Assisted Activities at Pegasus!
Pegasus offers a variety of therapeutic and equestrian programs defined by NARHA as Equine Assisted Activities.
Therapeutic Riding lessons at Pegasus are modeled after the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) guidelines for accredited operating centers. Pegasus therapeutic riding lessons include instruction in basic riding skills as well as opportunities for social interaction, recreation, sport and therapy.
Students are currently accepted as young as four years old, but we also serve students in their seventies and all ages in-between. Supporting this work is a large group of dedicated volunteers. (Please see volunteer opportunities for more information on how to become a volunteer as there are many volunteer opportunities at Pegasus). The reward for performing these vital volunteer services is the special friendships that develop with the riders and the joy of seeing their progress firsthand.
Prospective participants are provided with information and the forms required for application. Once all forms are completed and returned to Pegasus, riders are assessed by staff to determine eligibility prior to entering the program. Whether or not they need a therapist is also determined at this time on the basis of their individual needs. Long range goals and short term objectives are established for students as part of their individual plan based on the individual’s physical, educational, social and recreational goals.
Weekly objectives are designed to take students one step closer to their long range goals. At the end of each session, the participants’ success is determined based on their objectives for that session and their progress. This is documented in weekly notes as well as in an end of term summary.