Brewster, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham recently visited Pegasus Therapeutic Riding, where several key infrastructure projects were completed with help from a $100,000 state grant that he secured.

An organization that provides equine-assisted activities to disabled people, Pegasus used the grant funding to replace windows and the roof on its Administration Building and upgrade the facility’s heating and cooling system as well. The grant also paid to create a new retaining wall and pave part of the driveway on the property.

“The impact of equine therapy is well-documented in treating people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and who are on the autism spectrum,” said Harckham. “Pegasus is a national leader in this movement, and I am proud to have been able to partner with them on this funding.”

Candice Sciarillo, executive director of Pegasus Therapeutic Riding, said, “The generous $100,000 capital improvement grant received from Senator Peter Harckham has allowed Pegasus Therapeutic Riding to make important upgrades that directly support our mission. Paving the driveway helps prevent flooding and provides safer, more reliable access to our facility. The new roof, windows, and HVAC system in our Administration Building have also allowed us to create an additional year-round meeting space for school groups, trauma programs, and other participants to gather, reflect, and debrief following their sessions. These improvements help us expand our programs and better serve individuals and families throughout our community.”

Inaugurated by a group of women equestrians in 1974, Pegasus Therapeutic Riding today operates three chapters across Putnam and Fairfield (CT) counties. It moved into its present 20-acre farm facility in 2007 and today serves about 300 people annually with the help from over 100 volunteers—plus 10 horses, many of which are now enjoying a second “career” in equine therapy.

Funding for Pegasus was provided through New York State’s Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology (CREST) program, which supports critical infrastructure improvements for municipalities and nonprofit organizations. The program helps communities strengthen resilience, improve operational efficiency, and better serve residents.

Since taking office in 2019, Senator Harckham has secured more than $40 million in state capital funding for municipalities, schools, and nonprofit organizations throughout New York State Senate District 40.