Volunteers are the heart of Pegasus. Without their dedication, loyalty and hard work our mission – “providing the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding and other equine assisted activities to physically, emotionally and developmentally challenged individuals at facilities or stables in the states of Connecticut and New York” would not be possible.
Our therapeutic riding program operates six days a week at our new farm in Brewster, NY (just over the N. Salem town line and the Westchester/Putnam County line on Rt. 121, 1 mile south of Interstate 84), as well as on various schedules at five other locations in Connecticut and New York.
Volunteers working together with our staff as a team is essential to our overall success. The individual reasons that bring people to Pegasus to volunteer are many, but all offer the unique opportunity to give of oneself while forming special connections with other people and horses in an environment of unconditional acceptance – an environment that focuses on individual abilities while helping all to achieve their own personal success.
We have many different volunteer opportunities at Pegasus. Some require horse experience, but many do not. Your willingness to give of yourself and to commit your time is what we need. Some of the areas in which we rely on volunteers are listed below:
Volunteers assist by leading horses or walking beside riders (sidewalking) during classes. Horse leaders need a general knowledge of horses. Horse leaders may assist in preparing horses for classes (groom and tack), and are responsible for leading horses during class. Sidewalkers do not need horse experience. They are responsible for offering physical and emotional support and communication. Lesson program volunteers should be willing to commit to coming the same day and time each week and are required to attend a general volunteer orientation and training session.
Volunteers work directly with barn staff to help feed and care for the horses and our facilities. Volunteers in the equine program should be willing to commit to a specified, consistent period of time each week and must first attend a general volunteer orientation and training session.
Office Volunteers typically assist with word processing, data entry, photocopying, filing, bulk mailings and other support tasks, and must first attend a general volunteer orientation and training session.
Facility/Farm Volunteers help with general maintenance, repairs and improvements of the facility, including fence repair, manure management, gardening and trail maintenance, and must first attend a general volunteer orientation and training session.
Pegasus is the home of “Peggy” the teaching horse. “Peggy" is a wooden horse (about the size of a large pony) that is utilized to assist in assessing our riders and in helping individuals learn the basics of riding. “Peggys” are built on site and to date there are more than 65 across the country and Canada. We are seeking volunteers who would have an interest in helping with the continued construction and distribution of this unique ‘teaching horse.’ Carpentry volunteers must first attend a general volunteer orientation and training session.
Special Event Volunteers may serve on event committees to assist with fundraisers and special events that Pegasus may hold each year.
Special Skills Volunteers who possess skills or professional/technical experience that may benefit Pegasus, such as photography, graphic design, computer knowledge, etc., are encouraged to contact us.
No matter what your skills or special talents may be, there’s a place and a need for them at Pegasus!
Steps To Become a Pegasus Volunteer:
1. The minimum age for volunteers is 14 years old.
2. Volunteers under the age of 18 years must have paperwork signed by a parent or guardian prior to attending a volunteer training and program participation.
3. Program Volunteers must be available a minimum of one to two hours per week, the same day and time each week, to volunteer. New volunteers receive their assignment and schedule following their attendance in a volunteer orientation and training session. Volunteer assignments and schedules are based on interest, experience and availability. The first semester of volunteering is considered a trial period.
4. All volunteer opportunities, including work in the Equine Program, Office, or Facility also require attending a general volunteer orientation and training session.
5. Volunteering in the Equine Program, Lesson Program and/or at our Farm/Facilities involves moderate physical activity. Please be sure you are comfortable with the physical aspects of the role you select.
6. Because of the nature of the services we provide, Pegasus reserves the right to make the final determination as to the appropriateness of any and all volunteers for our organization.