Newtown Rider Wins In Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Show

Brewster, NY – Newtown rider Kiersten Fallon received the Best Heels Down Award in her class at Pegasus Therapeutic Riding’s 27th Annual Horse Show, recently. Hosted for the 25th consecutive year by the Richter family at picturesque Coker Farm in Bedford, N.Y., the show celebrated riders overcoming obstacles and accomplishing goals.

Nearly 90 riders with physical, emotional or developmental challenges proudly demonstrated the equestrian skills they acquired through weeks of hard work and practice at one of Pegasus’ six chapter locations in Putnam, Fairfield and Westchester counties. In the supportive, encouraging spirit of the event, every rider earned a ribbon for improving some aspect of his or her skills. Amid enthusiastic applause, ribbons were awarded for such achievements as best post, most-improved trot and best steering. For young riders just getting started, there were awards such as best smile and biggest crowd-pleaser awaiting their arrival at the ribbon presentation area.

Open to the public, the day was filled with fun family activities, from interactive trick-roping demonstrations by Cowgirl Laura Lee, to arts and crafts, to a display of antique cars courtesy of Malcolm Pray of Pray Automobiles. Missy McDonnell of Stamford, Connecticut, a former rider who now volunteers for Pegasus, presided over the event as honorary chairperson, while Nicole and Tory Russo of Fairfield, Connecticut, served as co-chairs for the fifth consecutive year.

The 27th Annual Pegasus Horse Show was made possible thanks to the generosity of hundreds of supporters. Lead benefactors and sponsors included Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Riggio/The Riggio Foundation, Mr. & Mrs. Wesley R. Edens/Hoofbeat Charitable Trust, The Nichols Foundation, Mr. & Mrs. O. Robert Theurkauf/LM Charitable Gift Fund, GE Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Howard A. Lipson, Mr. and Mrs. Steven A. Cohen, People in Business Care, and Westchester Magazine.

Pegasus Therapeutic Riding is a non-profit organization that provides the therapeutic benefits of equine-assisted activities to individuals with special needs. For further information on Pegasus riding programs or to make a donation in support of the Pegasus mission, visit www.pegasustr.org or call 845-669-8235.