Pegasus’ life-changing programs to grow wings on race day

Pegasus Riding for the Disabled will host its vital annual Race Day luncheon this Friday, 26 June, raising money for its life-changing programs.

The event at Thoroughbred Park is amongst the most important days on the Pegasus calendar and helps fund equine-based, therapeutic programs for Canberrans living with a range of disabilities, offering physical, emotional and social benefits that extend well beyond the saddle.

Mary Lishomwa, a Canberra mother whose daughter Abigail is a Pegasus participant discovered the program through the disability community, at a time when Abigail had few social outlets available to her.

"It is a magical place," Mary said of Pegasus.  “You won't find an organisation better suited to dealing with disabilities."

Mary described the physical benefits Abigail experienced as unexpected and significant. The program helped her develop core strength she carried into everyday life, which was striking for a family accustomed to the challenges of living with a disability.

"I was taken aback by how calm she was on the horse compared to everyday life." Mary said. Abigail was able to control her bodily movements better and mentally, was calm and relaxed whilst riding.

Beyond the physical benefits, Mary said Pegasus gave Abigail something rare: a community that was built around her and her peers, not around the activity itself.

"Pegasus is about the participants, their disabilities and their experience, not about the ponies. It is built and structured around the participants, so we belong." Mary said.

For Mary, the trust required to place her daughter in the care of others each week was significant. She described the comfort of familiar coaches and volunteers as immense and said it gave her a rare opportunity to step back from the hypervigilance that defines daily life for many parents of children with disabilities.

Abigail has since found confidence, a sense of identity, and a social standing among her peers that her mother says she could not have anticipated. Mary said the program has had a lasting impact on how Abigail sees herself.

"She has found her thing. What little girl doesn't want to ride a horse? She knows it is special because her friends all want to do it. It is part of how she thinks of herself," Mary said.

Canberra Racing Club Chief Executive Officer Darren Pearce said, “We are proud to host the annual Pegasus Charity Race Day and to help bring this wonderful organisation's story to a wider audience.”

"Pegasus has been part of the Canberra community for more than 50 years, quietly transforming the lives of children and their families.”

“This race day event will deliver Pegasus with much deserved funds and it will also provide their community, board, staff and volunteers the opportunity for a fun and relaxing day out.” 

Mary will address attendees at the luncheon, sharing Abigail's story and speaking to the wider impact Pegasus has on the families it serves.

"Although I can only speak of my own experience, I am sure that story has been repeated for the last 50 years across Canberra, thanks to all the families Pegasus has helped. Pegasus changes lives, not just the participants but the families too," Mary said.

Community members attending the race day are encouraged to learn more about Pegasus, consider donating, or explore volunteering opportunities. Mary's message to those on the fence is simple.

"Supporting Pegasus means changing lives, whether that is through donations, volunteering or simply turning up.”