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Horses as Therapy
Many of our followers think of The Pegasus Project solely as a place that rescues, rehabilitates, and retrains neglected, abused or at-risk horses for adoption. It is true that our primary mission is to save horses from neglect or abuse and develop them into healthy, solid-minded partners for future families. But, it is important to keep in mind that there are two sides to the equation.
At Pegasus, we save horses so that horses can help people. Just ask our adopters what their horses mean to them. They often find themselves asking, "who rescued whom." Horses, mules and donkeys can fill a hole in your heart that you didn't even know was there. It is difficult to explain the connection a human and horse can have . . . it is a bond that one must experience personally to understand fully.
As part of our focus on the human side of equine rescue, in addition to adopting horses into loving, forever homes, we prepare horses to serve the needs of disabled or at-risk children and adults. We collaborate with a number of therapeutic riding schools to provide horses to their programs, all the while keeping the horses under the protective Pegasus umbrella for the remainder of their lives. We are also working to serve as a retreat to assist a nonprofit organization that uses horses to treat veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. Horses, particularly those with troubled pasts, can often provide great comfort and insight to struggling veterans.
Winston Churchill is credited as saying, "There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." While it is true that there's nothing quite like the feel of a horse, we would argue that it's actually the inside of the horse that heals the inside of the man. The connection of the hearts is what give our mission purpose. Thanks to all of you, our donors, for your support of this great cause.
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~Noel & Tig~
Finding a Higher Purpose
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| | Tig serving as a therapy horse for Cordell |
On June 2nd, we shall say good-bye to Tig and Noel, both of whom are being adopted by the Granger family of Bullard, Texas. Dennis and Lori Granger are the parents of two children, Athena and Cordell. Athena is a typical horse-crazy 10-year-old girl who can't wait to have horses of her own, and Cordell is a special-needs 16-year-old who loves to be on horseback.
We met the Grangers a few months back at a Pegasus Open House. Lori spoke about adopting a horse or two to serve the needs of both kids. Athena had been taking riding lessons for a few years, and Cordell had been in various therapeutic riding programs. The Grangers felt that it was time to have horses of their own so that Athena could develop that special bond with her own horse and Cordell could continue his therapeutic riding at home. Tig and Noel immediately came to mind as the Pegasus horses best suited for the task.
Just three years old, Tig is a good-minded and easy-going guy. Athena immediately fell in love with this mischievous young fellow. We were pleased when Tig embraced the role of therapy horse. On the first ride, he quietly accepted Cordell, along with two side-walkers, without issue. But it was sweet Noel who proved to be the stuff that therapy horses are made of. Her bond with Cordell was immediate, and she dropped her head and softly moved forward with Cordell astride. It seems Noel has found her true calling.
After a month of sponsorship and lessons with our staff, the Grangers are ready to take Noel and Tig home. We are very proud of these lovely horses. The entire Pegasus staff did an excellent job developing them into all-around, solid horses. Noel and Tig will make ideal partners for this family, carrying Athena on her exciting adventures through the woods and Cordell on his quite walks around the paddock. Congratulations to all!
To read Tig's full story and to view the photo album, click here: TIG
To read Noel's full story and to view her photo album, click here: NOEL
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~BLUE~
Say hello to Blue! Little is known about this lovely gelding, but his manners tell us he has been handled quite a bit. He readily loads in a trailer, accepts grooming and fly-spraying with no issue, and vetting and trimming is a breeze for him. Other than that, he is a mystery.
On May 19, 2015, we were phoned by a man in Murchison, Texas. The caller reported that a neighbor's gelding had been neglected for about year. The horse was left to his own devices to pick around the scrub in the pasture. The neighbors had moved off and abandoned the horse.
That very day, we went to investigate the situation. At first sight, it was clear that Blue was gentle and friendly and that he was not in a good situation. Due to his condition and that of the property where he was living, we felt compelled to get the trailer and remove him to the Pegasus ranch immediately.
We contacted the owner who relinquished the horse to Pegasus.
After a thorough exam, vaccines, and adequate quarantine, we turned Blue in with two mares. He has been a perfect gentleman, and we expect he will prove to be a very nice horse.
On his fifth day with us, Don put a ride on Blue. After some initial protest bucking under saddle, Blue settled down, and Don rode him on a short trail ride around the ranch. Over the course of the next few weeks, we will get a better idea of the status of his training. Blue appears to be about 14 years old, but we shall confirm his age when the dentist comes this month.
To view Blue's full photo album, click here: BLUEIf you are interested in adopting Blue, we would love to hear from you. Start by reviewing our adoption process by clicking Adopt, and submit your application today!
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A Note from Allyson
Go With The Flow
The best laid plans of mice and men . . .
If you are what we lovingly call a "Pegasus junkie," you probably realize that everything at the ranch is fluid. We are constantly having to move events around on the calendar due to conflicts or problems developing beyond our control. (Usually it's this crazy Texas weather!) We just go with it. One thing I've learned from doing rescue work is that it is pointless to fret over things I can't effect. I try to keep my eye on the mission of saving horses and let the rest of it work itself out.
For example, this year Wings Over Pegasus was moved to April to coincide with ASPCA Help A Horse Day. Ride for a Rescue was moved to June to replace Wings Over Pegasus. Ride for a Rescue is now moved back to November because of the torrential rains flooding the trails! And we've added a new exciting event for October 30th - details coming soon on this Cowboy Poet Round-Up!
If you enjoy participating in the Pegasus events, the best way to stay current is to follow us on Facebook. Also, check in frequently with the Upcoming Events link on the website, and we'll make sure you don't miss a thing.
We so appreciate all of you participating in our fundraisers. It's a great way to have a whole lot of fun and save a horse or two along the way. Thanks for being flexible right along with us!
Allyson DeCanio
President, The Pegasus Project
Send inquiries to: allyson@MyPegasusProject.org
903.469.3578
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PEGASUS PARTNERS
Thursday, June 11th
5:30 pm
Home of Bob & Kathi Mooney
10931 County Rd 3819
Athens, TX
Monthly, fun, information-packed meetings for Pegasus supporters at various locations throughout the year. All Pegasus Partners at the $25/month level and higher are Happy Hour members. Membership includes a car decal, a Pegasus hat or t-shirt, a Pegasus logo wine glass and an open invitation to every meeting! Discuss the latest Pegasus news and connect with other like-minded horse fans. (Your wine glass is free, but the wine isn't! We know how much you drink!)
Click here to join:
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RIDE FOR A RESCUE
Charity Trail Ride
SATURDAY
NOVEMBER 7, 2015
Miars Arabian Ranch
Murchison, Texas
Food by Rowdy Taco
Complimentary Drinks
(beer, wine, water and soda)
Poker Run Prizes
Horse Contests & Games
Raffle for iPad Air 2
NON-RIDERS WELCOME!
All proceeds benefit the horses of
The Pegasus Project
Click here to register:
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DO YOU LOVE
WHAT WE DO?
BECOME A
PEGASUS PARTNER!
Did you know Pegasus relies entirely on private donations? Our regular monthly donors, known as Pegasus Partners, are our most treasured asset. For as little as $10/month you can help provide us with a predictable source of income at a much lower cost than any other fundraising method.
While we are very appreciative of one-time donations, the monthly donations of our
Pegasus Partners allow us to plan ahead.
Our ability to save these helpless horses, donkeys and mules depends on YOUR donations!
We cannot do this without you! Please consider making a monthly donation so we may continue to rescue horses that have no future without us.
Click here to join:
Pegasus Partners
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