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Scholarship Programs
Equine Assisted Activities
Autism Program
Beechwood School Program
Pegasus Summer Program
Professional and Public Education Presentations
Schedule of Events
Pegasus Riding Academy, Inc. provides equine assisted activities that are overseen by instructors certified in therapeutic riding. Currently we work with riders ranging in ages from 18 months old (early intervention) to 85 years old (stroke recovery). We work with over 100 different disabilities. We have riders here working on physical, mental, emotional & behavioral disabilities.
Equine assisted therapy is unique and uses the movement of the horse to facilitate treatment. The horse and its movement closely resemble a human gait because it is three dimensional, repeatable and helps the brain and muscle groups to learn to work together. It also stimulates the rider’s brain and neurological system to help riders with developmental delays, socialization skills and disorders such as Autism.
If you or members of your family are interested in becoming a rider please download the forms below to start the process. The first two forms need to be filled out by your doctor. Once all the forms have been filled out please mail the ORIGINALS to Ami Ledesma, our Program Director.
Click here for the New Rider Information forms.
Since our scholarship program was initiated, Pegasus is proud to have awarded 104 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:
- Disabled children from low or fixed income families;
- Disabled children from single-parent families;
- 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;
- 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;
- Disabled adults on fixed incomes.
Clients must apply and qualify for scholarships. Click here for the Pegasus Scholarship Application.
Pegasus provides sessions six days a week year round. Group lessons of four riders per group are held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday and Sundays and private and semi-private lessons are offered on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. On Wednesday mornings a group from the HMS School in West Philadelphia rides during the school year. The children who participate all have severe cerebral palsy and are thrilled to be able to enjoy the benefits of our program. The children rotate on an eight week basis so that the exposure to the program can be maximized.
During 2009 we were fortunate to be able to continue the Autism Program that began in September, 2007. In May, 2008 we added a second class of four riders. The value and successes of the Autism Program were featured on NBC 10’s Game Changer’s segment and then shown nationally on NBC Nightly News. We were thrilled to receive this wonderful publicity and to be able to share the progress that was achieved by our riders. Funding for this program was received from several foundations including a DCED grant from the State of Pennsylvania sponsored by Rep. John Sabatina, Jr.
Pegasus provides recreational riding year round on Wednesday mornings for a group of men from Beechwood School which is a residential facility for head trauma victims. This group is a favorite among our volunteers since they are known for their upbeat attitudes and excitement about participating in our program. They especially enjoy the time of year when they can ride outdoors on the Pegasus property and experience the sights and sounds of nature.
In 2009 Pegasus conducted a six week summer program on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings that involved several different groups: Overbrook School for the Blind, Moss Rehabilitation Hospital and Easter Seals Philadelphia Camp Make-a-Friend. In addition, we offered a special “try me” program for people who were on the waiting list and/or people interested in trying our program for a short period of time. The program was so successful that it will be offered again in 2010. The program with Overbrook School for the Blind was extended to an additional six week fall program when funding became available.
PROFESSIONAL AND PUBLIC EDUCATION PRESENTATIONS
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, hosted 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 include petting and equine education. In addition, members of the Pegasus staff provide professional and public education presentations for the many groups and health agencies.
The adult and professional presentations focused on therapeutic riding and its medical and psychological benefits. The presentations for children and youth focused on developing sensitivity to and awareness of disabled individuals. Presentations are conducted by Pegasus Staff and are provided free of charge. Any group interested in a visit should call the Pegasus office.
- Carol Tatum Memorial Gala
Saturday, February 5, 2011
The Buck Hotel
1200 Buck Road
Feasterville, PA 19053
- Pegasus Horse Show
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Pegasus Riding Academy, Inc.
829 Bustleton Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19152
