Therapeutic/Adaptive Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is the main focus of equestrian/adaptive activities at Pegasus Farm. Students from ages 3 to 70 participate in weekly one-hour group lessons. Each lesson includes learning about horsemanship theory adapted to participants’ needs. Students are encouraged to become as independent as possible in their riding skills. They are matched to a horse that best meets their needs and learn how to groom and care for their horse. Some students may choose to participate in unmounted lessons focusing on skills such as working effectively with their horse on the ground and herd management. Lessons are held in our heated indoor arena, outdoor arenas, adapted trail course, or on our woodland trails.

Adaptive Carriage Driving

Pegasus Farm offers carriage driving to those who may not be suitable for horseback riding or to someone interested in a different equestrian discipline. The benefits of carriage driving are similar to riding. Individuals in the driving program gain increased trunk control and stability and improved core strength. Driving various patterns and obstacle courses improves listening and memory skills, spatial orientation, timing, and hand and arm control. Drivers can drive in our heated arena and around the Pegasus property which gives an increased sense of freedom and accomplishment, as well as increased self-esteem. Carriage driving offers a unique experience that individuals can share with others.

Vaulting Program

The Pegasus Vaulting Club was formed in 2000. The club is known as a unified team comprising Pegasus Farm Take Flight program participants and community youth. Equestrian Vaulting is a unique and growing equine sport that combines dance and gymnastics on a moving horse. It is a very effective way to develop coordination, balance, strength, and creativity while working in harmony with the horse.

The horse, coach, and vaulters work together to instill responsibility, teamwork, self-confidence, and leadership. Vaulters are taught strength-building and stretching exercises. They learn to mount and dismount safely using fellow teammates to spot (assist) when attempting more difficult moves. Any move or exercise is first perfected on a stationary vaulting barrel before they are performed on the horse. Vaulters perform moves not only individually but in pairs and even triples.

Past members testify that their vaulting experiences were instrumental in instilling personal confidence and passion in pursuing their goals and dreams. They have gone on to successful careers in public broadcasting, physical therapy, special education, and business.

The vaulting team serves as ambassadors for the Farm by making frequent appearances throughout the community. They have performed to a wide variety of audiences.

Individualized School Programs

Pegasus Farm hosts a variety of therapeutic equestrian experiences that are designed to meet the specific interests and needs of students who have special needs. These programs may consist of one-time activity or a series of sessions that may include riding, carriage driving and/or unmounted horsemanship lessons. Pegasus Farm is pleased to work with individual school districts or classroom teachers to offer this service to students.

Partnership Programs

Partnership programs involve a formal relationship between Pegasus Farm and another professional organization, working together to provide a meaningful experience for youth who experience behavioral challenges. Horse-related activities are conducted by certified Pegasus instructor staff who work in collaboration with staff from the partnership organization to deliver instruction and experiences that result in greater self-awareness, increased self-confidence, social connectedness, and personal insight.

Current Partners

The CORRAL program is a ten-week summer program provided in partnership with Stark County Family Court. The Court selects participant youth. During each session, youth focus on developing horsemanship skills that can be generalized to promote: the development of coping strategies, interpersonal and non-verbal communication skills, improved self-awareness, and positive leadership skills.