STAMFORD - Challenged equestrians from across Connecticut and New York demonstrated their ability and courage last month at the 20th annual Pegasus Horse Show at Coker Farm in Bedford, New York.
STAMFORD â Challenged equestrians from across Connecticut and New York demonstrated their ability and courage last month at the 20th annual Pegasus Horse Show at Coker Farm in Bedford, New York.
More than 70 children and adults proved that, on horseback, disabilities are not handicaps. Braving an unusually cold May morning and recurring dust storms, these riders performed in front of nearly 600 spectators.
In addition to 12 classes of competition organized by age and skills, the show included a costume (rider and horse) parade and an extensive raffle with the top prize of four tickets to the Broadway show The Producers.
The day closed with several awards.
The Robert M. Stein Memorial Trophy for Outstanding Rider of 2000-2001 was presented to Annie Brautigam of South Norwalk. The Roy Daly Happiest Rider Award was presented to Joanne Roy of Bethel. The Pat Bugg Special Service Award for dedication to Pegasus was given to long-time Pegasus board member and former president Seth Armen of Stamford.
The equine constituent got its fair share of praise as well. Judge, long-time companion to Lois Brockman of Newtown, received the Libby Bartnick Therapy Horse of the Year Award.
Pegasus,a non-profit agency accredited by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, teaches riding to the disabled of Westchester, Fairfield, and Litchfield counties. Individually-tailored lessons are a unique blend of therapy and sport that challenges minds and muscles and yields remarkable benefits.
During the horse show, Pegasus instructors and physical therapists were assisted by a group of more than 250 volunteers who regularly serve as horse leaders and sidewalkers in the program. Riders from all nine Pegasus chapters participated.
Judy and Max Richter donated the facilities of Coker Farm for the day. The event was made possible by contributions from The Riggio Foundation, The Scudder Foundation, Mr and Mrs O. Robert Theurkauf, General Electric, Mottâs (a donation in memory of volunteer Edward F. Crucy), and many other individuals.