Pegasus Riding School for the Disabled in Carrington, South Manchester is a remarkable charity dedicated to enriching the lives of people with disabilities through therapeutic horse riding and equestrian activities. Entirely volunteer run, Pegasus is a totally inspiring example of compassion and community spirit. The school was originally set up in Wythenshawe Park before moving out to Poynton in Cheshire and finally moving to its current site at North Cheshire Equestrian Centre on Carrington Lane, Carrington.
Pegasus is part of the RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) and offers horse riding and horse care sessions to children and adults with disabilities. Their professed vision is to provide disabled people with the opportunity to improve their health and well-being through the well-known therapeutic power of horses. Established in 2017, they are a charitably incorporated organisation who are run and managed entirely by volunteers operating from the North Cheshire Equestrian Centre in Carrington, Trafford.
The key to the success of Pegasus lies in its incredible, dedicated team of volunteers. Each of them gives their time, energy and expertise completely selflessly, ensuring that every session is delivered with care and professionalism. Their commitment extends far beyond riding instruction however, they foster friendships, celebrate progress and create a welcoming atmosphere where riders and their families feel valued and supported.
The charity’s impact reaches far beyond the riding arena with parents and carers often reporting significant improvements in their loved ones’ well-being, confidence and social skills as a result of their time at Pegasus. Many describe the charity as a lifeline, offering both a supportive network and meaningful activities that make a real difference in daily life.
From the evidence we have seen, Pegasus Riding School also plays a vital role in promoting inclusivity and awareness within the wider community. By highlighting what disabled individuals can achieve when given the right opportunities, the charity challenges stereotypes and inspires positive change!
Taking all the above into account it becomes obvious that Pegasus Riding for the Disabled Association is far more than a horse-riding centre, it is a hub of hope, empowerment and kindness. Run entirely by volunteers, the charity demonstrates how ordinary people, united by compassion, can achieve extraordinary outcomes, opening doors, nurturing potential and changing lives, one ride at a time.
The team of four coaches, Sarah, Katy, Klaudia and Jeanette under the leadership of activity leader Caroline cater for all levels of riders and enable the participants work in groups of similar ability to achieve their goals, all the time having tremendous amounts of fun and not realizing the life-giving exercise they are taking and the respite which is being gratefully indulged in by parents and carers! The sessions are run on Sunday mornings between 09:30 and 12:30, with the support of the volunteer team. Each session is 30 minutes long, and up to four riders per session can be accommodated. The school also offers horse-care sessions subject to availability.
Pegasus Riding School has both full size indoor and outdoor riding arenas available and generally use the indoor as a priority to account for poor weather conditions. The indoor arena has a viewing area where families and friends can watch sessions, and they hope to add a newly improved and renovated kitchen area with facilities for some refreshments and snacks in the near future.
Additionally, the school is able to access the nearby Trans-Pennine Trail where they are able to ride out and hack for longer sessions in the summer when the riders gain other riding experiences to help achieve their Endurance Awards.
The incredibly patient horses Bobby, Tyson, Star and tiny Bo-Peep are accessed from a large portable mounting block from which most riders can scramble aboard. Small children who are not weight-bearing can be lifted on and off the ponies by their parent/carer but as there is not a hoist or ramp unfortunately, non-weight bearing adults cannot currently be mounted.
Every rider is different, and this fact is respected and work with each rider is carried out to help them understand individual goals and objectives, whatever they may be. The RDA has a wonderful scheme called Endeavour Awards and riders can choose a challenge or skill to work towards and buddy up with a volunteer or coach to hit the aim. Indeed, the activities carried out by the RDA throughout the country have led to activities such as dressage competitions being introduced into the Paralympics.
Although mainly aimed at children, to enhance engagement and focus, the same principles of working towards aims is also applied to adult riders, and if they also want a badge, they can have one.
Pegasus RDA receive no external funding, so are completely reliant on grants and donations such as the £5,695 they are to receive from the Masonic Charitable Foundation to allow them to continue providing such remarkable life-enhancing activities. On visiting Pegasus Riding School, it is noticeable how dedicated and enthusiastic the staff are and what a beautiful establishment they run, and it is only right that we continue to support them in their work.