July 2022 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton

Nonprofit Spotlight Pegasus Farm

By Sarah Smith

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.

The Country Store The Country Store, open to the public six days a week, offers gluten-free and organic food products, local products, bulk foods, and craft items. The five-acre Wellness Garden provides not only an employment opportunity for the Wings program but all-natural, fresh garden vegetables, fruits, and flowers sold in the store for the community.

The Military Family Center (second farm location) Since 2007, Pegasus Farm has provided equine activities to area veterans. Nearly 5,000 hours of service have been dedicated to helping veterans build connections and support, helping them confront life challenges. Through a partnership with local Rotaries and the generosity of seven foundations, a 20-acre farm in Louisville was purchased and renovated in 2017. The MFC provides equestrian activities and counseling services. All services are free to veterans, military, first responders, and their families.

Nearly 200 volunteers provide more than 13,000 hours of service at Pegasus Farm every year, making the programs possible and affordable. The riders count on the volunteers for assistance as well as the social interaction that is vital to their emotional and physical well-being. Volunteer opportunities include working in their classes, gardening, working in The Country Store, property maintenance, office work, and serving on committees and the Board of Trustees. Gifts-inkind and financial gifts are appreciated and vital to the preservation of the organization. Financial gifts can be designated to support programs or the 36 specially trained horses. Horse sponsorships are available, providing donors with updates on their horse and personal visits.

Pegasus Farm is located at 7490 Edison St. NE in Hartville. More information is available at www.pegasusfarm.org, on Facebook, or by calling 330-935-2300.