The title of humans’ best friend has long been given to dogs, but if you ask this Canberra riding coach, horses are just as deserving. Photo: Pegasus Riding for the Disabled.
Half a century ago, two local women put their heads together and organised a weekly pony ride for a small group of kids with disabilities.
Now about to celebrate its 50th milestone birthday, Pegasus Riding for the Disabled is a powerful force for good, fuelled by around 150 volunteers with a shared passion for changing lives.
Plenty of volunteers come for the horses. Pegasus coach John Riley did too, but he ended up staying for the people.
In 2015, John found himself at one of life’s toughest crossroads. Recently retired and grieving the loss of his son, he hoped giving back might bring a sense of purpose and maybe a little bit of peace.
A lifelong love for horses drew him to Pegasus.
John had zero experience teaching people with disabilities when he joined, but after just a few months, he realised helping participants was helping him, too.
“The farm, its horses and people very quickly became a haven for me,” John says.
“I found myself surrounded by these truly amazing, inspiring people. Our participants come in with such a positive attitude, ready to tackle any challenge with a big smile on their faces.
“I started my assistant coaching accreditation six months in and have never looked back. It’s granted me a new lease on life.”
Pegasus has offered a range of horse-assisted therapy programs for children and adults with disabilities since 1975.
Run at the organisation’s 100-acre farm in Holt, these programs are crucial confidence-builders with substantial physical, cognitive and emotional benefits.
“Many of our riders don’t get to access or engage with the world as often or deeply as they’d like,” John says.
“Having a big, powerful animal listen and respond to their instructions gives participants a wonderful sense of freedom. We play lots of educational games, which are great exercise for both body and mind.
“Simply put, our programs combine physical therapy with the chance to forge new friendships, have a bit of fun, and learn valuable skills.”
Before joining Pegasus, participants are assessed to ensure the team can keep them safe and meet their needs.
Mounted programs might not suit everyone, and that’s okay. There are plenty of other activities to enjoy, such as grooming, feeding and handing out cuddles.
Riders put a great deal of trust in residents like Johnny, who has been part of the crew since 2016. Photos: Pegasus Riding for the Disabled.
There are currently 17 horses and ponies at Pegasus. Every single one is irreplaceable, but looking after them isn’t cheap, and the program continues to grapple with limited government support.
This is because many of Pegasus’s horse-assisted outcomes are classified as recreational rather than therapeutic. It’s a technicality that drastically reduces funding from the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Though fundraising is a challenge, Canberrans are known for their generosity, and John says the results make everything worth it.
“Yes, our program is costly to run, but I truly believe you can’t put a price on what we’re doing here,” he says.
“We provide an environment where disability is normalised and everyone shares a commonality. We focus on our participants’ abilities and how we can help them further develop them.
“Without Pegasus, the lives of so many of our riders would remain largely out of their control. The fun and fulfilment they get out of coming here is priceless.”
Pegasus will celebrate 50 years of horse-assisted empowerment and support later this month, with its first-ever gala event.
Set for 25 October at the National Arboretum, the Pegasus Golden Gala promises to be a night filled with fun, flair, and toasts to a bright future.
Guests will be treated to sunset canapes, gold-themed drinks, and live entertainment before digging into a delicious three-course meal prepared by the arboretum’s award-winning caterers.
But this celebration isn’t just about the past. The Golden Gala will also showcase how the unique bond between a Pegasus horse and rider continues to change lives today—for participants, their families, and passionate volunteers like John.
The Pegasus Golden Gala is set to be held at The National Arboretum on Saturday, 25 October, from 6 pm to 11 pm.
Proceeds directly support the work Pegasus delivers to people with disabilities in Canberra – tickets available via Trybooking.
