Programs at Pegasus
Weekly Lessons
We offer group and private lessons six days a week for participants with disabilities, diagnoses, and at risk populations. Group lessons have a maximum of four riders and are led by two instructors. Our program runs year, offering four sessions of lessons per year. For additional information, please refer to the Rider Agreement in the Registration and Medical Forms or contact us.
PEACE Autism Program
On Monday evenings, the Pegasus Equine Autism Challenge and Enrichment (PEACE) program provides a specialized program for children with autism spectrum disorders. The program focuses on activities designed to improve communication skills and social interaction, sensory integration, and behavior modification. The Level I & II classes work on learning riding and horsemanship skills while the Level III hosts advanced riders whose skills have progressed to the point where they are riding independently and competing in horse shows.
Back in the Tack (BITT) Riding Program for Adults
Back in the Tack is a riding program for able-bodied men and women over the age of 18 that are interested in learning how to ride or have previous riding experience. BITT takes place on Tuesday mornings and encompasses basic horsemanship skills and equitation. Lessons are structured for multiple levels of instruction from beginner and intermediate riders to more advanced riders. NO PREVIOUS RIDING EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED for this class! Lessons are offered year round. 1-hour group lessons and 30-minute private lessons are available. Please call the office for information on lessons.
Stepping Forward - A Program for First Responders
Thanks to the Philadelphia FireFighters Local #22, children of our first responder community will be able to participate in a program called “Stepping Forward”. This unique Equine Facilitated Learning hands-on unmounted educational program designed to learn stress coping mechanisms in a fun and supportive learning environment. Stepping Forward program participants will be engaging in various activities at Pegasus while partnering with our amazing therapy horses. This program is specifically designed to help reduce stress levels that a first responder family might experience in daily life while enjoying the benefits of being around our Pegasus therapy horses. If you are a Local #22 member and would like to speak with a staff member about the benefits of Equine Facilitated Learning for your children or family, please contact Teresa@pegasusphilly.org for more information about this ground-breaking program.
Equine Facilitated Learning
Equine Facilitated Learning or Equine Assisted Learning is a hands-on unmounted educational program designed to promote the development of social and life skills in a fun and supportive learning environment. Program participants will be engaging in various activities throughout the Pegasus grounds partnering with a Pegasus therapy horse as a bio-feedback mechanism. Pegasus offers school and other groups the opportunity to create a specialized curriculum of activities combining equine interaction with individual goals and needs. The Pennsylvania School for the Deaf was featured in one of our pilot programs. See an example of this program in the video Leading the Way. If you would like to speak with a staff member about the benefits of Equine Facilitated Learning for your rider or group, please contact Teresa at 215-742-1500 or send us a message.
Summer Program
During a six-week period in July and August, we offer a summer program providing additional lessons on Mondays through Thursdays. Participants have a 30-minute group lesson once a week during the morning hours. This program allows prospective riders to try out therapeutic riding for a limited time without being on the waiting list. Current riders also use this time for extra lessons to hone their skills. Past participants in our summer program include groups from Moss Rehabilitation Hospital, Inglis House, and The Woods School. If you are interested in participating in our summer program, please download our summer program brochure.
4-H at Pegasus
‘4-H for All’ at Pegasus TRA meets once a month on a Saturday from 3 pm to 4:30 pm. Parents are requested to stay on site and often participate with their 4-H’er on various projects or components within the meeting. Cost to join 4-H for the year is $40, payable to Pegasus TRA. 4-H is open to the community and any school-age child in the area. Parents will need to complete volunteer clearances and additional training to be involved in the 4-H program. For more information on how to join 4-H, please email Ryan@PegasusPhilly.org