Pegasus launches $250k campaign to double equine therapy for Canberra kids
Pegasus Riding for the Disabled is raising $250,000 this November to more than double the disabled children it serves each week.
Pegasus Riding for the Disabled has served young Canberrans with disabilities for 50 years, using nine specially trained therapy horses for physical therapy, motor skills and freedom. Right now it works with 43 children and teens a week in 45-minute sessions, each backed by a coach and two volunteers.
Demand far outstrips what the program can offer, so Pegasus wants to more than double its capacity. The charity has launched its "50 for 50, Movement is Medicine" campaign, asking Canberrans to walk, run or wheel 50 kilometres during November for sponsorship.
The goal is $250,000 to cover horse training, coaching fees, safety compliance and property upkeep. High-profile ambassadors including Josh Papali'i, Alan Tongue, Dan Bartholomaeus and Dr Nick Coatsworth have joined in, with Year 9 students at Marist College racking up kilometres at lunch.
- 1975
- Established
- 9
- Therapy horses
- 43
- Children served weekly
- $250,000
- Campaign fundraising target
Why it mattersHorse therapy transforms children with disabilities in ways traditional clinical settings cannot; this campaign expands access for more waiting children.
AustraliaCanberra families caring for children with disabilities could gain access to evidence-backed physical and emotional support that is currently out of reach due to waiting lists.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
