| Pegasus Riding Academy Riders Award Luncheon |
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 Sunday, December 13, 2009Renaissance Esmeralda Indian Wells, California Story and photos by Pat Krause To see more Pat Krause photos of this Awards Luncheon, click here. The Pegasus Riding Academy for the Handicapped held its Riders Award Luncheon program at the Renaissance Esmeralda Crystal Ballroom in Indian Wells, near Palm Springs, Calif. on Sunday, Dec. 13. Emcee for the event was radio personality Dan McGrath. Co-chairwomen were Robin Montgomery and Albeth Paris Grass.  Grammy winners Brenda and Phil Nicholas, who are parents of a child with a disability and a client of the Pegasus Riding Academy, provided entertainment. A silent auction was held before the lunch was served. Several tables of silent auctions items had something for everyone. The Cathedral City High School Adult Transition class made various items for sale, including decorated candles and jewelry. Other vendors selling many types of items could be found in the lobby when entering the ballroom. A live auction was held with three large items for bidding. Item number one was a visit to the CBS set of "The Young and the Restless" and lunch at the commissary as a VIP guest of star, Judith Chapman. Item number two was his-and-hers LANDRIDER bicycles, which is the latest in auto-shift design and comfort on the road. Item number three was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have lunch with Adam West and Lee Merriweather, the original Batman and Catwoman, from the movie and television series at a private estate once owned by George Randolph Hearst. President and founder Lori Sarner presented awards to the O'Bitz family as Pegasus Family of the Year and to Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy for their dedication to the program. Chase Burke asked all the volunteers to come on stage to hand out the medals to all the clients for their riding ability. The young men and women were so excited to get these medals. It was a proud moment for all of them as they have accomplished so much.The Pegasus Riding Academy in Thousand Palms is a place where those with a disability can get medically approved equine therapy. The walking motion of a horse massages all the leg muscles. This is also an exciting experience for those confined to a wheelchair. The freedom they feel on horseback has emotional and psychological benefits. Being able to control and steer a horse gives them self esteem. It seems everyone loves a horse and to ride one is a dream come true for those with disabilities. All volunteers are specially trained to do this work. They make each rider feel a sense of accomplishment. To see more Pat Krause photos of this Awards Luncheon, click here. For more about the Pegasus Riding Academy, click here. For more about Brenda and Phil Nicholas, click here. For more about Judith Chapman, click here. For more about the Renaissance Esmeralda, click here. |
