Frequently Asked Questions
How long do horses live?
Most horses live to their mid-twenties. But at Pegasus, they tend
to live longer, due to the individualized care they receive and the
interest they take in their riders. The average horse here lives to be
25 to 30. Some of our ponies have reached 37 years of age.
Can I ride your horses?
Our horses are trained and managed to provide therapeutic
experiences for individuals with disabilities. When volunteers
have served a certain number of hours and pay the lesson fee, they are
eligible to participate in classes with our horses when an opening
becomes available.
What are those things over their faces in the summertime?
Horses are often bothered by flies during the summer. We
place net masks over their faces to keep the flies from getting in
their eyes. They can see through the masks.
What do
therapy horses do?
Pegasus Farm facilitates the growth of our riders into competent and
well rounded individuals. Our program provides our students with a
supportive environment using horses, volunteers and staff working
together as a team. The students bond with the horses and form
meaningful relationships. They take these experiences and
accomplishments from Pegasus Farm and use them to enrich their daily
lives.
Pegasus horses are highly and specially trained in order to accomplish
our therapeutic goals. Students may work with a horse on the ground, in
riding lessons, or driving a cart.
What makes
a good therapy horse?
Therapy horses are exceptional animals. Not all horses are capable
of working in a therapeutic setting. Our horses must first and foremost
maintain a good temperament at all times. Successful horses are those
that have been exposed to a wide variety of experiences. They need to
have previously worked in an indoor arena and on the trail. They must be
well trained and efficient at the walk, trot, and canter. It is very
beneficial if the horse has had multiple riders and handlers. Our horses
can be involved with over 200 hands on volunteers each week. Both in the
arena and outside our horses work around numerous props. They are also
trained to stand quietly beside a moving hydraulic mounting lift. A pony
or horse that is in their early teens and maintains good health is a
prime candidate for our program. The work that our horses provide is
rewarded with the utmost in personalized care.
How do
I donate a horse?
Pegasus Farm maintains an average of 35 horses and accepts new
donations on an as needed basis. If you have a prospective donation
please call the Farm at 330- 935-2300, Ext 14.
How many horses do you have?
We currently have 33 specially trained therapy horses.
What breeds of horses does Pegasus Farm have?
Our most prominent breed is the Quarter Horse. We also have Arabian, Appaloosa, Haflinger, Percheron and Paint horses as well as Welsh and Shetland ponies.
How do
I become a participant at Pegasus Farm?
Contact Pegasus Farm (330-935-2300, Ext. 16) to request an Applicant Packet. The packet will include information regarding our horse-based therapy programs and the necessary forms to complete the process for application to become a participant in the Equine Assisted Activities at Pegasus Farm.
How often are lessons scheduled?
Riding lessons are one hour weekly group lessons. Driving lessons are one-half hour weekly private lessons.
What do lessons cost?
The cost for the lessons is $22.50 for a one hour riding lesson and $17.50 for a one-half hour driving lessons.
Are there scholarship funds available?
Scholarship funds are available for financially qualified Pegasus participants. To apply for a scholarship please contact the Pegasus office (330-935-2300, Ext. 10) for a scholarship application.
How old do you have to be to participate in the Pegasus therapy programs?
Pegasus does not accept applications prior to the age of 3 years old.
|
