Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Center receives donation from a local foundation

In the Coachella Valley, community support runs deep, and Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Center is a prime example. For over 40 years, Pegasus has provided equine-assisted therapy for children and adults with physical, emotional, and behavioral challenges.

Located in the heart of the Valley, the nonprofit depends on volunteers and community sponsors to help care for its therapy horses. One local volunteer, who moved to the area and immediately sought out equine therapy organizations, found Pegasus and quickly got involved. “I’m here five days a week,” the volunteer said. “We feed, groom, exercise the horses, and prep them for school program lessons.”

Executive Director David Perez emphasized just how critical community support is. “Our horses are our second biggest expense,” he said. “Sponsoring a horse helps keep our program running and the animals healthy.”

This week, Pegasus received a major boost thanks to the One Valley Foundation and the Coachella Valley Firebirds, who donated $5,000 to sponsor a horse named Thunder. Even better—both organizations announced they will contribute another $5,000 next year to continue the sponsorship.

“It’s $5,000 per year to sponsor a horse,” Perez explained. “They’ve chosen Thunder—one of our favorites—and we’re incredibly grateful for their generosity.”

Firebirds Head Coach Derek Laxdal, along with Haley Laxdal and members of the team, were on-site to make the donation and spend time at the center.

While Thunder didn’t have much to say, the impact of this support was felt by everyone in the Pegasus community.

You can support Pegasus and sponsor a horse of your own by visiting pegasusridingacademy.org.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.