Newtown Rider Shines At Annual Pegasus Horse Show

Amid a cheering crowd of family and friends, student Isabel Shaw of Newtown earned her class’s Best Use of Aids award at Pegasus Therapeutic Riding’s 30th Annual Horse Show on May 22. Shaw’s award recognized her skill at using her voice, hands, legs, and body position to guide her horse.

Hosted by the Richter family at Coker Farm in Bedford, N.Y., the Pegasus horse show was a celebration of both individual achievement and the importance of teamwork. More than 80 students with special needs demonstrated the horsemanship skills they practiced during weekly therapeutic lessons at one of Pegasus’ five chapter locations in Fairfield, Putnam, and Westchester counties. In the Pegasus tradition of inclusiveness, every student won a ribbon in recognition of improving some aspect of his or her technique.

“The students riding today represent the more than 200 people with special needs who participate in our programs each year,” said Pegasus Executive Director Patti Coyle. “Working with our incredible staff, volunteers, and therapy horses over the past several months, our students focused on developing their many abilities. Today is about celebrating their personal journey toward finding the champion within.”

The 30th Annual Pegasus Horse Show was made possible thanks to the generosity of hundreds of supporters. This year, the nonprofit raised a total of $101,560 for its programs, surpassing its $100,000 fundraising goal. Nicole and Tory Russo of Fairfield, Connecticut, served as event co-chairs for the eighth consecutive year.

Pegasus Therapeutic Riding is an NARHA Premier Accredited Center that provides the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding and other equine-assisted activities to individuals with special needs. For further information about its programs, or to make a donation in support of its mission, visit www.pegasustr.org or call 845-669-8235.