My Nonprofit Reviews

My 9 year old daughter Grace is a miracle. She was born 16 weeks early and weighed only 1lb and 6oz. Grace is VERY stubborn and VERY strong and she fought for her first 5 months to survive. My girl made it and when she was 2, she was healthy and thriving, but was diagnosed as profoundly autistic and mentally retarded. About 2 years ago, my mother saw a piece on tv that profiled Pegasus Riding Academy and contacted them about Gracie. When we started to ride, we were very nervous about how Grace would do. Would she have a tantrum? Would she pitch herself off the horse? Would the staff let us stay? Well - she WAS a huge handful for the therapists and volunteers when we started, for sure, but they were so amazingly patient and kind with her. (and reassuring with me!)When Grace finally started to "get it"...it was exactly as the team had predicted. I can't say enough good things about the staff and volunteers at Pegasus. We travel 45+ minutes to go to lessons every Monday night...and it's worth every minute. Ami and the rest of the team have come to know Grace very well and there is no question that Gracie loves it. (she giggles the whole way home) She's learning how to command this situation, and push boundaries, too. What does it mean for a 9 year old girl that can't speak a word, who finds the world confusing and hard to navigate, to get on top of a horse every week and laugh and hold hands with caring people? It means everything. It means Gracie has something for herself. An endeavor that is hers alone. At the last horse show at Pegasus this Summer, Grace won the blue ribbon for her group of riders. I wish I had a way to share a picture here...Grace holding her blue ribbon while on top of her horse Casey. There wasn't a way to laugh or talk about it for the whole day - we were all too busy crying with joy. In short, these folks have been life-changers for Gracie and our family.

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