A gift of independence
2020 has been a year like no other – from the devastating Australian bushfires, smoke and hail, to the global COVID 19 pandemic – we find ourselves in total disbelief at how life has changed in just a few short months. We may all be physically distancing ourselves at the moment, but the sense of close community has never been stronger; relying on each other for protection and support; and providing each other with hope during these challenging times.
Now, more than ever, Pegasus needs our community; to support us as we slowly recommence our therapeutic horse-facilitated programs; and to help create a stable future for Pegasus so we can be there for participants, like Jaimi, who rely so much on the life-changing services that Pegasus provides and who were left devastated by the sudden suspension of programs in March.
“I like Mighty Max, but I basically like EVERYTHING about Pegasus.”
Jaimi, Pegasus participant.
Jaimi is one of Pegasus’ few adult participants; a lover of dinosaurs, the Sydney Swans, all fun facts about the Titanic, nature and true crime shows; and a shining example of the positive impact Pegasus can have on the life of an individual, and their family.
In the five years since Jaimi started at Pegasus, her development has been astounding. With naturally low muscle tone, riding has physically strengthened Jaimi’s core and legs, improving her balance and coordination. But it is the emotional and social benefits of Pegasus that really shine through for Jaimi, giving her a rare feeling of independence, reducing her anxiety and boosting her self-confidence and communication.
For many adults living with a disability, independence can be a truly desired feeling but one that can be hard to provide in practice. For Jaimi, Pegasus provides that rare opportunity. With Pegasus’ wonderful coaches and volunteers on hand to help, Jaimi’s family feel confident in letting Jaimi take the reins, so to speak, as she walks through the Pegasus gates alone. An incredible opportunity that has improved her self-confidence and social skills; boosted her communication; and given her a feeling she thrives on.
“Pegasus has given Jaimi focus in her life. She is not able to work, and her weekly classes at Pegasus are her only independent outings for the week,” says Jodi, Jaimi’s mother.
“Jaimi loves the social aspect of Pegasus, being able to talk freely with people outside her family is a huge bonus for her.”
Jaimi feels at ease at Pegasus; at ease to be herself, to focus on her abilities and true potential. A feeling we aim to create for every participant, by understanding and engaging with their unique needs, personality and interests.
As for many of our participants, Jaimi finds calm in the familiarity and consistency of Pegasus; with simple routines and predictability helping to reduce her anxiety and increase her self-confidence.
“The benefits of a simple routine – of walking through the Pegasus gates, being warmly greeted by her wonderful coach, Yolanda, putting on her boots and riding hat, and heading out for her class – cannot be underestimated for someone like Jaimi.”
Jaimi is calmed further by the presence of her horse, Mighty Max – Pegasus’ patient and willing, gentle giant. The truly unique bond participants build with their horses is like no other. The horse’s large physical presence but incredibly gentle nature, makes participants feel at ease and yet empowered.
And the benefits of Pegasus don’t end with the participant, they extend back into their family homes.
“Jaimi's attitude can be challenging, but on Pegasus days, she is much calmer, predictable and less aggressive towards the other members of the family. She functions better, communicates better and sleeps better.”
With all these benefits, it is no wonder that the sudden suspension of our programs has had a profound effect on many of our participants and their families, including Jaimi.
“Jaimi has struggled a lot with the whole pandemic situation and the cessation of classes. Her mood is dark, and she is verbally aggressive to her family and unkind to herself, even pulling out a large chunk of her hair. Unfortunately, she can't explain or manage her moods so finding a solution is difficult.”
Whilst our gates have been closed, Pegasus has been working hard behind the scenes to ensure we are ready to recommence programs when safe to do so. This tax time, to those who are in a position to help, we ask you to please consider making a tax-deductible donation* to Pegasus; to help us pull through this crisis and continue providing our life-changing therapeutic programs to Jaimi and many others in our community who are living with a disability.
If you can, please click here to make a tax deductible donation and your support will help ensure Pegasus continues to help participants like Jaimi.
2020 is going to be a testing year but, together, we will get through it. Thank you for your support.
*donations over $2 are tax deductible
Now, more than ever, Pegasus needs our community; to support us as we slowly recommence our therapeutic horse-facilitated programs; and to help create a stable future for Pegasus so we can be there for participants, like Jaimi, who rely so much on the life-changing services that Pegasus provides and who were left devastated by the sudden suspension of programs in March.
“I like Mighty Max, but I basically like EVERYTHING about Pegasus.”
Jaimi, Pegasus participant.
Jaimi is one of Pegasus’ few adult participants; a lover of dinosaurs, the Sydney Swans, all fun facts about the Titanic, nature and true crime shows; and a shining example of the positive impact Pegasus can have on the life of an individual, and their family.
In the five years since Jaimi started at Pegasus, her development has been astounding. With naturally low muscle tone, riding has physically strengthened Jaimi’s core and legs, improving her balance and coordination. But it is the emotional and social benefits of Pegasus that really shine through for Jaimi, giving her a rare feeling of independence, reducing her anxiety and boosting her self-confidence and communication.
For many adults living with a disability, independence can be a truly desired feeling but one that can be hard to provide in practice. For Jaimi, Pegasus provides that rare opportunity. With Pegasus’ wonderful coaches and volunteers on hand to help, Jaimi’s family feel confident in letting Jaimi take the reins, so to speak, as she walks through the Pegasus gates alone. An incredible opportunity that has improved her self-confidence and social skills; boosted her communication; and given her a feeling she thrives on.
“Pegasus has given Jaimi focus in her life. She is not able to work, and her weekly classes at Pegasus are her only independent outings for the week,” says Jodi, Jaimi’s mother.
“Jaimi loves the social aspect of Pegasus, being able to talk freely with people outside her family is a huge bonus for her.”
Jaimi feels at ease at Pegasus; at ease to be herself, to focus on her abilities and true potential. A feeling we aim to create for every participant, by understanding and engaging with their unique needs, personality and interests.
As for many of our participants, Jaimi finds calm in the familiarity and consistency of Pegasus; with simple routines and predictability helping to reduce her anxiety and increase her self-confidence.
“The benefits of a simple routine – of walking through the Pegasus gates, being warmly greeted by her wonderful coach, Yolanda, putting on her boots and riding hat, and heading out for her class – cannot be underestimated for someone like Jaimi.”
Jaimi is calmed further by the presence of her horse, Mighty Max – Pegasus’ patient and willing, gentle giant. The truly unique bond participants build with their horses is like no other. The horse’s large physical presence but incredibly gentle nature, makes participants feel at ease and yet empowered.
And the benefits of Pegasus don’t end with the participant, they extend back into their family homes.
“Jaimi's attitude can be challenging, but on Pegasus days, she is much calmer, predictable and less aggressive towards the other members of the family. She functions better, communicates better and sleeps better.”
With all these benefits, it is no wonder that the sudden suspension of our programs has had a profound effect on many of our participants and their families, including Jaimi.
“Jaimi has struggled a lot with the whole pandemic situation and the cessation of classes. Her mood is dark, and she is verbally aggressive to her family and unkind to herself, even pulling out a large chunk of her hair. Unfortunately, she can't explain or manage her moods so finding a solution is difficult.”
Whilst our gates have been closed, Pegasus has been working hard behind the scenes to ensure we are ready to recommence programs when safe to do so. This tax time, to those who are in a position to help, we ask you to please consider making a tax-deductible donation* to Pegasus; to help us pull through this crisis and continue providing our life-changing therapeutic programs to Jaimi and many others in our community who are living with a disability.
If you can, please click here to make a tax deductible donation and your support will help ensure Pegasus continues to help participants like Jaimi.
2020 is going to be a testing year but, together, we will get through it. Thank you for your support.
*donations over $2 are tax deductible
