Each small achievement is a huge victory
Meet Abigail. Abigail is a vibrant, happy and cheeky little girl who absolutely adores horse riding. She also has Rett Syndrome.
Rett Syndrome is a relatively rare neurodevelopmental disorder that affects every aspect of daily life. It robs those who have it of their ability to speak, to use their hands, to walk or move independently, sometimes even to eat or breathe. It can result in seizures, or severe scoliosis. People with Rett Syndrome are like prisoners trapped in a body that does not work and there is currently no cure.
Despite this, Abigail, like many others with Rett Syndrome, is happy, brave, and resilient. She’s a warrior, tackling the challenges of Rett Syndrome head on.
Abigail has been coming to Pegasus for just over a year; an experience her mother, Mary, describes as life-changing for Abigail and their family.
What were your reasons for enrolling Abigail in a Pegasus program?
“Rett Syndrome had made our world quite small. We tried lots of different activities such as music classes, kids’ gym, and lots of playgroups, but they didn’t quite work. Whilst all wonderful, we just did not fit in. We were always on the side lines, never quite able to do what the others were doing. For me it was a constant reminder of what my beautiful child could not do and how much Abigail was missing out on. I felt hopeful that Pegasus had the potential to be something special; something just for Abigail; something that she could do and succeed at. I wasn’t disappointed.
I was so nervous on her first day at Pegasus. There was my little girl, on her own, with people we had never met. They walked her up to the mounting platform and I could see her excitement, her little body wriggling, almost jumping. They led the horse up, took Abigail over and she lifted her own leg to try and get on the horse. The effort that took her was extraordinary and I knew right way, we had finally found Abigail’s thing.”
How has Pegasus helped Abigail?
“After just one term of riding at Pegasus, Abigail’s core strength improved so much. She started sitting on the floor to play with her toys, sitting comfortably with a straight strong back. She had never had the core strength to do that before.
Pegasus has given her confidence and a sense of independence. She attends a group class which gives her a sense of participation that she had not had before – she is able to do what the other kids are doing and that must feel so great for her. Abigail is so proud of her horse riding; she knows it’s special.”
How has Pegasus helped you as a family?
“Pegasus has given us something special to focus on every week. It’s given us a place to go where we are welcomed and accepted; where Abigail’s needs are considered and accommodated without me having to ask.
It has allowed me to experience watching my child do something wonderful, but not being the one to have to help her. It’s given both Abigail and I independence in that way. I can cheer Abigail on and she can show off, beaming with pride.”
What does Abigail look forward to the most when coming to Pegasus?
“When I tell Abigail we are going riding, she can’t wait to get to the car. She happily goes off with the volunteers and has developed a beautiful bond with them and her horse, Jacko. I feel it gives her a sense of independence to be doing something while mum enjoys watching.
There is a particular smile that I only ever see after she has just finished her riding lesson. It’s a smile that conveys her happiness and satisfaction, her confidence and pride.”
What makes Pegasus so unique?
“The exceptional people at Pegasus have created an environment of trust, respect, and community for my daughter and I; a community that wants to learn about my daughter; a community that sees her potential and believes in her; a community that understands each small achievement is a huge victory for us; and a community that not only welcomes us but accommodates us just as we are. My faith is restored at Pegasus, knowing there are people out there that love my daughter and are as committed to her as I am.”
2020 has been a year like no other and now, more than ever, Pegasus needs your help. This Christmas, if you are able, please consider making a donation* to Pegasus to help us rebuild from the events of 2020 and grow our programs; to reduce the number of people on our waiting list and help more people living with a disability in our local area through our unique therapeutic services.
Every dollar raised supports one minute of time in a Pegasus program.
Please click here (or on the Donate Now button above) to make a tax deductible donation*.
Thank you for your support.
*donations over $2 are tax deductible
Rett Syndrome is a relatively rare neurodevelopmental disorder that affects every aspect of daily life. It robs those who have it of their ability to speak, to use their hands, to walk or move independently, sometimes even to eat or breathe. It can result in seizures, or severe scoliosis. People with Rett Syndrome are like prisoners trapped in a body that does not work and there is currently no cure.
Despite this, Abigail, like many others with Rett Syndrome, is happy, brave, and resilient. She’s a warrior, tackling the challenges of Rett Syndrome head on.
Abigail has been coming to Pegasus for just over a year; an experience her mother, Mary, describes as life-changing for Abigail and their family.
What were your reasons for enrolling Abigail in a Pegasus program?
“Rett Syndrome had made our world quite small. We tried lots of different activities such as music classes, kids’ gym, and lots of playgroups, but they didn’t quite work. Whilst all wonderful, we just did not fit in. We were always on the side lines, never quite able to do what the others were doing. For me it was a constant reminder of what my beautiful child could not do and how much Abigail was missing out on. I felt hopeful that Pegasus had the potential to be something special; something just for Abigail; something that she could do and succeed at. I wasn’t disappointed.
I was so nervous on her first day at Pegasus. There was my little girl, on her own, with people we had never met. They walked her up to the mounting platform and I could see her excitement, her little body wriggling, almost jumping. They led the horse up, took Abigail over and she lifted her own leg to try and get on the horse. The effort that took her was extraordinary and I knew right way, we had finally found Abigail’s thing.”
How has Pegasus helped Abigail?
“After just one term of riding at Pegasus, Abigail’s core strength improved so much. She started sitting on the floor to play with her toys, sitting comfortably with a straight strong back. She had never had the core strength to do that before.
Pegasus has given her confidence and a sense of independence. She attends a group class which gives her a sense of participation that she had not had before – she is able to do what the other kids are doing and that must feel so great for her. Abigail is so proud of her horse riding; she knows it’s special.”
How has Pegasus helped you as a family?
“Pegasus has given us something special to focus on every week. It’s given us a place to go where we are welcomed and accepted; where Abigail’s needs are considered and accommodated without me having to ask.
It has allowed me to experience watching my child do something wonderful, but not being the one to have to help her. It’s given both Abigail and I independence in that way. I can cheer Abigail on and she can show off, beaming with pride.”
What does Abigail look forward to the most when coming to Pegasus?
“When I tell Abigail we are going riding, she can’t wait to get to the car. She happily goes off with the volunteers and has developed a beautiful bond with them and her horse, Jacko. I feel it gives her a sense of independence to be doing something while mum enjoys watching.
There is a particular smile that I only ever see after she has just finished her riding lesson. It’s a smile that conveys her happiness and satisfaction, her confidence and pride.”
What makes Pegasus so unique?
“The exceptional people at Pegasus have created an environment of trust, respect, and community for my daughter and I; a community that wants to learn about my daughter; a community that sees her potential and believes in her; a community that understands each small achievement is a huge victory for us; and a community that not only welcomes us but accommodates us just as we are. My faith is restored at Pegasus, knowing there are people out there that love my daughter and are as committed to her as I am.”
2020 has been a year like no other and now, more than ever, Pegasus needs your help. This Christmas, if you are able, please consider making a donation* to Pegasus to help us rebuild from the events of 2020 and grow our programs; to reduce the number of people on our waiting list and help more people living with a disability in our local area through our unique therapeutic services.
Every dollar raised supports one minute of time in a Pegasus program.
Please click here (or on the Donate Now button above) to make a tax deductible donation*.
Thank you for your support.
*donations over $2 are tax deductible
