Our PATH-certified instructors, physical and occupational therapists, and licensed educators provide equine-assisted service to people with special needs and challanges.
Pegasus lessons generally are offered on a weekly basis in 45-minute blocks and are staffed by our PATH International-certified instructors. To be considered for one of our programs, prospective participants must be at least four years of age and within our height and weight limits. The admissions process begins with a phone call or email to us to discuss whether equine-assisted activities may be beneficial.
Therapeutic riding’s unique benefits are derived from the transfer of movement from horse to rider.
Lessons include instruction in basic riding skills as well as opportunities for social interaction, recreation, sport, therapy, and work with basic developmental concepts. Activities exercise both “mind and muscle” and can produce improved mobility, balance, posture, coordination, language development, behavior control, and concentration.
“Pegasus has provided an opportunity to suit activities to perfectly match Scarlett’s present skills while still challenging her just enough to grow and develop. As a result, she never senses disappointment, but instead, confidence in the skills and learning she HAS accomplished.”
Therapeutic Horsemanship offers powerful, life-changing benefits using experiential learning. It integrates equine-human interaction while providing opportunities to teach critical life skills such as trust, respect, honesty, and communication. Each participant works toward progressing in their session goals using our team approach (horses, instructor teams, and volunteers).
Participants are working on building relationships with their horse through groundwork.
“Everywhere else is so stressful. Everyone always wants to know how I’m doing. At Pegasus, I can forget about everything and just connect with the horses. It just makes me feel so calm. I love it.”
The Equus Effect is a horsemanship program designed specifically for Veterans, which builds upon the horse-human bond and its effects on healing, building trust, and improving relationships. Each session is five weeks long.
Our focus in this 5-session program is on helping veterans rebuild healthy relationships. Our horses and facilitators will respect and skillfully support you and your journey. Activities are non-riding. No horse experience is necessary.
“I learned how to handle stress and to help anger management issues I have. I learned the way of the horse. It’s changed my life, there’s no doubt about it.”
The Equus Effect is a program originally designed for veterans with PTSD and has expanded to include First-Responders and Emergency Services (aka “First-Line”) such as police officers, health care workers, and firemen during and post-COVID. First responders have an immense impact on their communities. Our First Responders program provides the skills needed for self-regulation, understanding how to make distinctions
among seemingly conflicting emotions, and building the capacity to process ‘the day’ before coming home are all part of maintaining healthy
relationships.
First responders have an immense impact on their communities. We also know from first-hand experience the impact that secondary trauma can have, and that burnout is a reality that many first responders face. Our veteran programs are a perfect fit for first responders.
“You learn a little about horses that you never thought of and a lot about yourself. You develop a mindfulness that is relatable to your personal life.”
If our programs seem like they would be a good fit, the prospective participant (or the parents or legal guardians) is asked to complete the required application form and return it to Pegasus. We request biographical information, medical history, and the participant’s goals and objectives.
Upon receipt of the completed application, staff members will assess the information to determine eligibility. If the prospective participant is eligible, we will schedule a riding evaluation. Once the evaluation is successfully completed, we will begin looking for an open slot in our program schedule.
Equine Experience Days provide horse-focused experiential learning to the special needs population. The therapeutic benefit of horses has been widely recognized. It is our goal to offer holistic, empowering and enriching activities all centered around the restorative power of horses with complementary horse-focused activities including gardening/nature, art and music. Team building, self-esteem, self-confidence, and empowerment are meaningful benefits of this holistic approach to our equine experience days.
We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities. No horse experience is required, all we require is yourself and a commitment of your time.
Your donations keep our riders in the saddle, provide funds for our programs, and ensure our therapeutic horses stay healthy and content.
Read about our upcoming events, new programs, volunteer opportunities, community highlights, and more!
310 Peach Lake Road
Brewster, NY 10509
(845) 669-8235
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