nonprofit spotlight By Sarah Smith
Pegasus Farm THE PREMIER THERAPEUTIC EQUESTRIAN CENTER Pegasus Farm Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Hartville was founded in 1985 by three Canton City School teachers who envisioned more for their students with special needs. Its mission is to create a community that holistically supports and empowers people with diverse needs through therapeutic equestrian programs, vocational services, and recreational and social activities. The organization offers children and adults who face challenges in their lives the opportunity for physical activity, recreation, and social connection. The farm began with five students and two horses on a 120-acre farm and grew to 70 students in the second year. The farm now serves over 500 students annually. These individuals may face emotional, behavioral, cognitive, developmental, or physical challenges or a combination of these conditions. Pegasus Farm became one of the first facilities to receive accreditation by the Professional Association of Therapeutic
Horsemanship International (PATH) in its first year of operation. The farm has successfully maintained the highest level of accreditation PATH offers year after year. All instructors at the farm are individually certified by PATH and by the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) in one or more categories of instruction and at one or more levels of achievement. Today, Pegasus Farm is one of the largest, most programmatically diverse therapeutic equestrian centers in the United States. Therapeutic Equestrian Center – Take Flight Program
Pegasus Farm provides various equine activities, predominantly horseback riding, for individuals from the age of 3 through adulthood with diverse needs to promote positive physical, motor, cognitive and social development. Participants are placed in a class of up to six individuals according to their age, interest, and ability. Students form lasting friendships and a special bond with their horses vital in their growth and development. For students where riding may not be suitable or who are interested in a different activity, Pegasus Farm offers carriage driving or unmounted lessons. A financial assistance program is available. Emily started riding at Pegasus at age nine. Over her 13 years, she has gone from riding to volunteering to now being an employee at the farm. Christi, Emily’s mother, cannot imagine a life without Pegasus. “The strides that Emily has made are remarkable,” she said. “She is no longer the shy girl in the corner. She is now more social and responsible.” Wings – Adult Day Services
Pegasus Farm is a certified provider through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and provides community-based, integrated vocational habilitation services to adults with developmental disabilities. Participation in the Wings program is contingent upon eligibility through Ohio’s waiver program. Individuals learn employment and independent living skills through opportunities on the farm or at Pegasus Farm’s Country Store and Gardens. 16
July 2022
