Volunteers raise concerns about popular equestrian therapy program

For more than 40 years, Pegasus Therapeutic Riding of the Coachella Valley in Palm Desert has provided horse therapy programs to people with disabilities of all ages.

According to the non-profit organization's website, it has 8 therapy horses, over 175 volunteers, and over 200 active riders who visit the facility weekly. The facility solely relies on grant programs and private donations to operate and is governed by a Board of Directors.

A group of volunteers, both current and former, along with a former volunteer Executive Director, reached out to News Channel 3 regarding a number of concerns they have related to how the Pegasus Board of Directors has been overseeing operations.

The concerns mostly revolve around the safety of volunteers, riders, and horses, as well as other alleged inconsistencies by the Board.

“I’ve been a rider at Pegasus when I was 7 years old all the way until I was 15 years old and I was the Executive Director of Pegasus two years ago," Vail Horton told News Channel 3's Jennifer Franco. “But since then it's been on the decline."

Horton shared his frustrations with the Board and their alleged lack of concern to obtain the proper certifications for the safety of riders and staff.

“I know of 12 other equestrian therapy centers across the country and all of them are accredited and all of them are certified and no matter how many times you bring it up to the board, the don’t care and they do nothing.”

Horton says that while serving as Executive Director from August 2021 to February 2022, he worked to bring change to the to the Board.

“There was no record if someone got hurt. There was no training on safety.”

Ed Barkos, who's been involved with the organization for three years, says that in one incident he fell and hurt his back. Barkos had to go to the doctor to treat this issue, but claims that Pegasus didn't keep incident reports at the time of his injury.

Pegasus addressed the safety questions raised in a written statement.

Statement from the Board of Directors of Pegasus Therapeutic Riding

Pegasus told News Channel 3 in the statement that the organization is not currently accredited and does not claim to be.

They do claim that they are in the process of getting PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) certified.

The Board states that, “All volunteers are required to complete an application form, which includes a liability release and emergency contact information. They must watch our training videos and undergo shadowing with an experienced volunteer before working independently.”

Aside from safety concerns, volunteers have another big question.

“Where’s the money going?" asked Ed Barkos. "How are they spending it? How are they making these decisions?”

The Board tells News Channel 3 that Pegasus is temporarily relocating to Willowbrook in Desert Hot Springs as they wait for the county to approve their land purchase on 30th Avenue in Thousand Palms.

News Channel 3 reached out to the current Executive Director, who says, "These accusations stem from a small group of volunteers who are unhappy with the change of venue—a move that will ultimately benefit the entire program and enhance our ability to serve the community.”

The move was supposedly prompted by damage from recent storms to the current site, and the high cost of flood insurance.

“Why would they then build in a flood zone because that would be astronomical – the insurance at the state of the art facility," states Barkos.

As far as finances go, News Channel 3 has looked into the most recent tax forms available from Pegasus Therapeutic Riding.

• In 2020, Pegasus brought in $188,845 in total revenue, and $352,015 in total expenses
• In 2021, total revenue was $503,941 and total expenses came out to $387,279
• In 2022, total revenue was $286,316, and total expenses came out to $414,673

In 2021, Pegasus settled a lawsuit in small claims court in Orange County. No other lawsuits were found.

When asked what he would like to see the Board do regarding these concerns, Barkos responded saying, "Ultimately what I’d like to see is several of the board members step down, allow the community with volunteer voice to elect people who know what's going on out here that experience it and that see it and to basically get certification.”

In addition, Barkos said there are 12 horse leaders who are walking away from Pegasus, which represents 85%-90% of the organization's horse leaders. Without those individuals, Barkos said the program will not have sufficient support to operate.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates on this story.