The mission of Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Academy, Inc. is to focus on partnering with our equine staff to promote independence while targeting physical and emotional well-being for individuals with disabilities, diagnoses, and those in at risk populations. At Pegasus TRA we provide therapeutic activities, mounted and unmounted, emphasizing ability and maintaining a respectful and trusting environment for our participants, volunteers, staff, and equines.
All of our volunteers get to have fun working alongside our therapy horses and our program participants. During lessons, each rider works with a “team” that includes a horse, a horse handler, and two side-walkers. This is your opportunity to get to know our riders! In addition, volunteers help groom and tack the horses before the lessons start. After lessons, you might also help out feeding the horses and settling them in for the night after a good day’s work.
You must be 14 years or older in order to volunteer at Pegasus. All volunteers are required to go through an orientation and training session. Volunteers must have medical insurance as well. Additionally, all volunteers ages 18 and older are required by Pennsylvania State Law to obtain Child Abuse History Clearance and a PA Criminal History report prior to attending the orientation and training session.
Initially, everyone is trained as a side-walker, which involves walking alongside the rider to ensure his/her safety. Side-walkers might also be asked by instructors to assist them in activities with the rider. Other responsibilities include grooming and tacking the horses before lessons and helping to the barn, arenas, and grounds tidy.
For more volunteer opportunities, please visit our website.
