Use these links to learn more about Pegasus Riding Academy:

President's Message & Executive Director Report
Organization Background
2006 Corporate Officers and Board of Directors
Key Professional Staff
Disabilities Currently Being Served at Pegasus
Cooperating Efforts with other Health Agencies

The following messages are from our 2006 Annual Report.

President's Message & Executive Director Report

This past year has been a time of transition for Pegasus. In an attempt to find a new direction there have been a number of personnel changes. However, the end of the year found us with a committed and dedicated staff that shares our vision and Carol’s legacy. Once again, Pegasus is a warm and happy place, full of life and smiles.

I have been wearing two hats for the past year – that of President of the Board of Directors and Interim/Acting Executive Director. It was important to me to help Pegasus transition as easily as possible. It was important to me that there not be a financial strain on the organization during this crucial period. It was important to me to give back to the program that had given so much to me and my family. It was important to me to do something that had a real value. It was important to me to carry on Carol’s dream.

The future of Pegasus is very promising. We are looking to expand the program even further and reach even more people with disabilities. We are hoping to institute a special program for children with autism and study the effects of therapeutic riding on this ever growing segment of our population. Our goal is to maximize the use of our resources, increase funding, secure additional scholarship money, and continue to serve the disabled population with the same high standards that had been set by Carol so long ago.

Barbara M. Wertheimer
President – 2006 Acting Executive Director

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Organization Background

In 1982, when Pegasus Riding Academy first started treating clients, we served only fifteen mildly disabled children a week. The program was limited by the weather since all of the lessons were conducted in an outdoor riding arena at the Solly Avenue Stables located in Northeast Philadelphia.

In 1989, Pegasus Riding Academy moved to its current location at 8297 Bustleton Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia. We operate on Fairmount Park Property and have a long term lease to utilize the public trust lands and benefit people with disabilities. The indoor riding arena and barn to house the horses was completed at the end of 1989. Funding was in place before any new construction was planned and over the next several years the complex was finished. This state of the art facility allows us to provide year-round equine facilitated therapy, thereby enhancing the lives of numerous individuals with disabilities throughout the Delaware Valley. Pegasus is a member of Pennsylvania Council on Therapeutic Horsemanship, an organization which seeks to ensure the quality of therapeutic riding programs throughout the State of Pennsylvania. The program, which currently serves approximately 100 participants each week, draws its client base from residents of Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. We serve both children and adults. Our riders represent approximately eighty different disabilities and we receive referrals from more than forty area health agencies, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and schools for children with disabilities.

One of riding therapy’s unique components is the movement of the horse. This movement has proven extremely effective in establishing or re-establishing balance, coordination, and perception, when compared with static therapy treatments. The movement of the horse mimics the human gait by being rhythmic, repeatable and three-dimensional; all movements needed to simulate normal walking patterns. It so closely resembles our human gait that it helps physically challenged children discover the rhythm needed to initiate their own independent steps. Being astride a horse not only helps establish walking, it can also improve the quality of walking. Where walking is not a realistic goal, the horse’s steady movement stimulates the brain and neurological system as well as the hips and legs, preventing atrophy of walking muscles. Clients take an active role in their own therapy, often reaching goals more quickly because of their increased motivation and commitment. Additionally, with diagnosed Autism on the rise in young children, equine facilitated therapy has come to the forefront as a progressive treatment. Many in the medical community believe there is a special connection between horses and children with Autism because both interpret the world in pictures. The things that horses observe are the same things that children see and react to, making them more in sync with each other. As this bond grows, progress such as eye contact, facial recognition, and interaction become possible with many riders.

The benefits of riding are not exclusively physical, nor are they limited to clients with physical disabilities. Riding therapy has been found to be dramatically effective with mentally and emotionally challenged individuals by improving their socialization, personal development and self-esteem. Such improvements often grow out of building trust with the instructor and the client’s relationship with their horse. Bonding with a horse enables people to communicate easily with the staff as well as others in his or her life. Participation in routine grooming and tacking of the horse, as well as competing in events such as the Handicapped Riding Event of the Devon Horse Show, gives our riders the opportunity to develop self-discipline and a sense of accomplishment. This inevitably leads to elevated self-esteem and self-confidence.

The founder and former Executive Director, Carol Tatum, passed away in late 2005 after losing her battle with cancer. Despite the loss of such a key member of the organization Pegasus has continued its operations seamlessly. Barbara Wertheimer, who has served as the organization’s President since 1997 and been involved as a volunteer since 1994, now serves as the new Executive Director. Carol’s former assistant instructor and the current Program Director, Ami Ledesma, is a certified therapeutic riding instructor. Sarah Del Ricci as Equine Director and Aviva Hirsh as Program Assistant were added to the staff in 2006. We have a licensed Physical Therapist trained in equestrian therapy that evaluates clients. There is also an auxiliary staff of occupational, recreational, and speech therapists in addition to Special Education teachers and student interns from various disciplines. Each person participates on an intermittent, and mostly volunteer, basis. Pegasus is dependent upon volunteers to operate this unique program.

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2006 Corporate Officers and Board of Directors

OFFICERS OF THE CORPORATION

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Harvey Perelman	3983 Warfield Dr. Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 Real Estate Appraiser Perelman Associates
Jonathan Smith	8 Canal Run West Washington Crossing, PA 18977 Director, Strategic Marketin J & J Pharmaceutical Group
Ann Marie Milligan	64 Lawrence Avenue Holland, PA 18966 Homemaker
Joseph Brandau	108 Village Drive Feasterville, PA 19047 Farrier, Self-Employed
David Hirsh, Esq.	1235 Meinel Rd. Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 Vice-President Richard’s Packaging Company
Alicia Felton Neff	619 Revere Rd. Merion, PA 19066 Art Director
E. Harris Baum, Esq.	Commissioner Fairmount Park Commission One Parkway Building 1515 Arch Street, 10th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19102
Alan Kurtz	808 Pine St. Philadelphia, PA 19107 Captain, Retired Philadelphia Police Department
Michael J. Harff, CPA	895 Phillips Road Warminster, PA  18974 MAC Capital Partners Director of Taxation
Ilene Perelman	3983 Warfield Drive Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 Dental Assistant - Dr. Susan Cutler
John Cinque	5801 Keystone Street Philadelphia, PA 19135 Owner – Johnny’s Auto Repair
Gerald Magid	1236 Meinel Road Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 CFO- Stapeley Retirement Community

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

Larry Alten	114 Beth Drive Philadelphia, PA 19115 Creative Art Director
Jennifer Bowman	2725 Maxwell St. Philadelphia, PA 19136 Project Manager Nice Lines Direct Mail
Donald Feith	204 Marvin Road Elkins Park, PA 19027 President, Feith Systems
June Feith	204 Marvin Road Elkins Park, PA 19027 Volunteer Services
Jerome L. Glickman AAI	KEH Insurance Agency, Inc. Penthouse 606 1415 Rt. 70 East Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
Michael H. Monheit, Esq.	1368 Barrowdale Rd. Rydal, PA 19046 CEO, Parallel Consulting, Inc.
Marcy Monheit	1368 Barrowdale Rd Rydal, PA 19046 President Discount Decorator
Nancy Pokorny, RN, BS	1113 Borbeck St. Philadelphia, PA 19111 Nurse Recruiter Albert Einstein Med. Center
David Reick	1312 Quinet Road Brigantine, NJ 08203 Retired Printer
John Wertheimer, M.D.	1074 Pheasant Road Rydal, PA 19046 PA Heart & Vascular Group Jenkintown, PA 19046

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KEY PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Barbara Wertheimer, Executive Director
Pegasus5@comcast.net

Barbara Wertheimer received her JD from New England School of Law in 1976. Upon graduation she worked as a full time attorney in North Jersey until she relocated to Philadelphia when she was married. After starting a family she continued to work part time as an attorney, while also getting involved in many community activities. She has served on the Abington Township Planning Commission and then Zoning Hearing Board since 1988. Also active in her children's school activities, she has served on numerous PTO boards, as well as being involved with the set design and construction for the Abington Junior High School musical productions. Since 1991, when her daughter, Julie, began to ride at Pegasus, Barbara has been an active volunteer. She initially served on the Advisory Board, was the organization's Legal Counsel and volunteered with classes two days a week. In 1997 she became President of the Board of Directors and has continued in that position through this year. In that role she assisted the Executive Director with grant writing, fund raising, special projects, and make public appearances to make presentations about the program. Since the passing of the founder and former Executive Director of the program, Carol Tatum, Barbara assumed the duties of Interim Executive Director on a volunteer basis until April, 2007, when she assumed the position of Executive Director.

Ami Ledesma, Program Director
PegasusAmi@comcast.net

Ami Ledesma is a full time instructor with the program and is responsible for all of the therapeutic aspects of the program as well as serving as volunteer coordinator. She received her certification from the Therapeutic Riding lnstructor Program at Thomcroft. She has also been a volunteer at Pegasus since 2003 and has passed Level I for the NAHRA instructor certification. Ami is a 1990 graduate from the Art lnstitute of Philadelphia with a degree in marketing and advertising. After fifteen years in the corporate and nonprofit workplace, Ami made the decision to explore a more meaningful career and become involved with therapeutic riding on a full time basis. The skills and warm personality she brings to Pegasus have proven to be invaluable.

Sarah Del Ricci, Equine Director
Pegasusbarn@comcast.net

Sarah Del Ricci is in charge of maintaining the health and well being of the horses. This includes everything from daily feeding to the supervision of bam management. She is responsible for training the horses used during therapy, as well as obtaining new horses and transporting our horses to horse shows. Sarah's equine experience is diverse. She has ridden competitively since the age of three and has worked as bam management in other stables. She also has extensive experience in day care and pre-school environments and working with children with special needs. Her work as a veterinary assistant for the past seven years has given her a wealth of knowledge in the animal health field.

Trudy Hunt , Assistant Instructor

Trudy Hunt is our newest staff addition and will be working as an assistant instructor with the Autism Program as well as our regular lessons. A doctoral student in psychology at LaSalle University, Trudy began volunteering at Pegasus a year ago. Trudy brings with her a lifetime of horse experience including competition, dressage, and drill trill participation. During her college years she also instructed riders on a beginner level. Trudy’s love of horses and study of autism bring a wealth of talent to Pegasus for which we are grateful.

Aviva Hirsh, Assistant Instructor

Aviva Hirsh is the program assistant and as such is responsible for a wide panoply of duties. She has been around horses her entire life and is an accomplished horsewoman. She also serves as an assistant instructor and has become well respected for her ability to relate to the clients and horses. She is involved in the daily care of the horses, barn and property maintenance.

Kate McManus, Physical Therapist

Kate McManus has been involved with Pegasus Riding Academy, Inc. for several years. She provides the necessary skills to evaluate and write a plan of therapy for all riding participants. Currently Kate provides home care physical therapy to clients from a local hospital.

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DISABILITIES CURRENTLY BEING SERVED AT PEGASUS

Physical

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Spinal Muscular Strophy Congenital Hypotonia Burns Blind or Visually Impaired Stroke Chronic Tracheotomy Traumatic Orthopedic Injuries Congenital Knee Dislocation Brachial Plexus Paralysis Systemic Lupus Erthymatosis Cerebral Ataxia Acute Chest Syndrome Respiratory Distress Syndrome Hip Dysplasia Myelodyplasia Bone and Connective Tissue Disorder Various Neuro Muscular Diseases

Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy Multiple Sclerosis Spinal Cord Injuries Cancer Deaf or Hearing Impaired Amputees Club Feet Various Orthopedic Anomalies Tetralogy of Fallot Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Motor Planning Deficit Hyaline Membrane Disease Spinal Abnormalities Sickle Cell Anemia Transient Dystonia Myotubular Dystrophy Becker’s Dystrophy Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency

Mental

Autism Minimal Brain Dysfunction Mental Retardation (NOS) Microcephaly Fragile X

Autistic Tendancies (NOS) Learning Disability Perception Deficit Language Skills Deficit

Genetic Syndromes

Down Syndrome Dandy Walker Syndrome Joubert Syndrome Vaders Syndrome Dearns-Sayer Syndrome Linear Sebaceous Nevis Syndrome Acardia Syndrome

Larsens Syndrome Carpenters Syndrome Angelmans Syndrome Prader-Willi Syndrome Rubenstein-Tabes Syndrome Lennox-Gausttant Syndrome Williams Syndrome

Behavioral / Emotional Disorders

Socialization Deficit Antisocial Behavior Tactile Defensiveness Body Image Disturbances

Emotional Disturbances Emotional Lability Self Perception Disturbances Hyperactive Attention Deficit Disorder

Mixed Physical / Mental

Cerebral Palsy Tuberous Sclerosis Sensory Integration Deficit Spina Bifida Arnold Chiari Malformation Macrocephaly Head Trauma/Brain Injury Nories Disease Lesch Nyhan Disease Demyelinizing Encephalopathy Viral/Bacterial Meningitis/Encephalitis S/P Lobectomy

Developmental Delays Trisomy 13 Prenatal Anoxia Hypoxic/Anoxic Encephalopathy Near Drowning Ringed 13th Chromosone Shaken Baby Syndrome Seizure Disorders/li> Demyelinizing Encephalopathy Congenital Hydrocephalus Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prenatal Anoxia

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COOPERATING EFFORTS WITH OTHER HEALTH AGENCIES

Pegasus is the only provider of equine facilitated therapy in the City of Philadelphia. We have associations with other health service programs and our referrals grow each year. If you wish further information regarding our affiliations, please contact the office at 215-742-1500.

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Since our scholarship program was initiated, Pegasus is proud to have awarded many scholarships for therapeutic riding to clients with different disabilities. The number of clients in need grows continually. These clients with financial need generally come from the following categories:

1. Disabled children from low or fixed income families;
2. Disabled children from single-parent families;
3. Disabled children or adults with major traumas such as burns, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, or cancer. Disabilities such as these usually exhaust the patients’ medical coverage before the client reaches the rehabilitation stage;
4. Families with more than one disabled family member. These could be a result of genetic diseases common to siblings or disabled parents with disabled children;
5. Disabled adults on fixed incomes.

We are continually seeking funds for our scholarship program and write proposals for grant money. Contact Pegasus if you would like to assist us in funding a scholarship for a client in need of financial support.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS

As part of our public education services, Pegasus continues to open its facility so that the general public may see this unique therapy program. These services, initiated in 1989, host groups from schools, day care centers, scout troops, youth organizations, adult day care centers, pre-school classes, informal groups and families from the community. Visits and field trips include a tour of Pegasus’ facility, an introduction to our horses, which includes petting, and equine education. Adult and professional presentations focus on therapeutic riding and its medical and psychological benefits. The presentations that are given to children and youth focus on developing sensitivity to and awareness of individuals who have a disability. Presentations are conducted by Pegasus staff and are provided free of charge. Any group interested in a visit should call the Pegasus office.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

In 2000, Pegasus became involved with a court appointed community service program. We now are associated with Youth Aid Panels in Philadelphia and Montgomery County and continue our involvement with court appointed community service programs on local and county levels.

Required service hours from schools have become very important to the success of this program because without volunteers this organization could not operate. We accept volunteers who are 14 years old and up. Each person is interviewed and supervised on site. Every volunteer must complete volunteer registration and waiver forms. Each has the opportunity to learn and work “hands on” with the horses which includes grooming and tacking the horses for each session. Safety is always paramount and because it is, volunteers are trained in all aspects of this program. They include leading the horses, grooming and caring for the horses and learning to side assist with our clients during therapy. We consider this volunteer program to be a great success. Ami Ledesma, Program Director, also serves as the Volunteer Coordinator. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should call her office at 215-742-1501. Without the many youths and adults who give their time, it would be extremely difficult to operate this unique program. Thank you to those who have graciously given their time and talents to benefit our clients.

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