Pegasus Therapeutic Riding in need of covered arena

For Debbie Obitz and her mother, Diane, Pegasus Therapeutic Riding changed their lives. Debbie suffers fromhydrocephalus. She’s also blind in one eye and a stroke left one side of her body paralyzed. She finds comfort on a horse’s back.

“You wouldn’t know there’s anything wrong with her she’s just a normal person really having a good time,” said her mother, Diane.

For more than 20 years, Debbie has gone to Pegasus to ride. However, each summer from June through September they’re forced to halt riding because of the heat. To change that, they’re trying to raise enough money to build a cover over the arena and shade it from the summer sun.

“I believe it would have a really major impact because they aren’t having to stop that program that keeps their muscle tone and keeps them feeling accomplished throughout the year for a four month hiatus,” explained Lisa Brady of Pegasus Therapeutic Riding.

The total cost to build the cover over the arena is just under $300,000. So far, the organization has raised around $70,000.

“It’s one of the things that we’re missing out on,” explained Brady. “We could offer more to our riders and to their families throughout the year.”

Pegasus offers equine therapy to more than 200 mentally and physically disabled riders of all ages at no cost.

To make a donation to help Pegasus achieve their goal call (760)636-9400 or click here to visit the website.