Riding for the Disabled of ACT (Inc.) Term 1 2011

A member of:

119 Drake Brockman Drive, HOLT, ACT 2615

Ph/Fax: (02) 6254 9190 Email: enquiries@pegasusact.com.au

Web: www.pegasusact.com.au

Here we are at the beginning of 2011. The time has raced away once again. 2010 was a very challenging year for all at Pegasus and I’d like to say a very big thank you to all the riders, their families, staff, volunteers and our supporters for all the fantastic assistance provided during the past year.

As you are all probably aware around mid 2010 we had to retire a large portion of our trusty herd due to age related issues. As a result, our programs have been greatly reduced due to the restrictions this has caused. We have been concentrating heavily on searching out, acquiring and training new horses. While we have been successful in gaining additional horses we are still in need of more, and are continuing our search. Those new horses we have welcomed to Pegasus during 2010 are continuing their training and some will be starting in classes during Term 1 2011 which means we will be offering a broader program than was available in late 2010, a great step in the right direction.

I have two apologies to make due to omissions from the last newsletter. I missed thanking two of our generous donors, Equinex for their donation of over $1,400 from proceeds at their great event at EPIC in April 2010 and the Queanbeyan Golf Club once again for another generous donation in 2010. Both are very much appreciated, especially in this difficult economic environment.

Some wonderful things have happened at Pegasus since the last newsletter and 2011 has started off well. I wish you all a very healthy, happy and prosperous 2011 and we look forward to seeing you all soon.

Simone Doherty, Executive Officer

2011 Pegasus Management Committee Our AGM held on Thursday 18 November 2010 was again a straightforward and successful event. The 2011 Management Committee is as follows: Richard Lucas (President), David Kallir-Preece (Vice-President), Rachael Lewis (Vice-President), Peter Scardoni (Treasurer and Public Officer), Freddy von Reibnitz (Secretary) and general committee members Mark Gibson-Huck, Simone Goesch, Fiona Gruen, Barba ra Hinds, Lynn Moss, Jennie Nicholson and David Shaw . Our management committee meets at Pegasus at 6.30pm on the third Thursday of each month beginning in February each year.

2011 Pegasus Foundation Board We have a new member on the Foundation Board. Annette Ellis retired from her position as Federal Member of Parliament for Canberra in 2010. She has been a strong supporter of the Canberra Community in general over many years and is a very strong supporter of Pegasus. Annette is a very welcome addition to the Foundation Board bringing her friendly smiling face, vast knowledge and great experience.

2011 Dates for your diary • Term Dates:

Term 1: Tues 22 February – Sat 16 April

Term 2: Tues 3 May - Sat 9 July

Term 3: Tues 9 August – Sat 1 October

Term 4: Tues 18 October – Sat 10 December

• Horse’s Holidays: 25 July – 8 August

• Pegasus Christmas Party and Volunteer Awards: Sat 10 December

NOTE: There are no lessons in the first two weeks of Term 3 – from 25 July – 8 August.

Donations always welcome! As always, donations to Pegasus are most welcome. In particular at this time when recurrent funding from the ACT Government is reducing at an alarming rate. (Please see Funding Matters article)

Even a small donation will make a difference, and a regular small donation even better.

Donations can be made: 1. on line

at:http://www.ourcommunity.com.au/pegasusrda

2. by EFT to: Account name: Riding for the Disabled of the ACT Inc t/as Pegasus. BSB No: 032 712 Account No: 112218

3. or by cash/cheque only to Pegasus at 119 Drake Brockman Dr, Holt ACT 2615.

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Funding Matters! Unfortunately, Pegasus has (along with many other not for profit organisations) suffered a reduction in overall funding.

Our major provider of recurrent funding, Disability ACT , is still holding strong and has been very supportive of our recent need to reduce our programs while we search for additional horses. We have a good partnership going with Disability ACT and I hope it will continue into the distant future.

The ACT Department of Education and Training which traditionally has been the major funder of our Hippotherapy program is unable to continue this recurrent funding. As a result, we are searching for new sponsors for this program and will continue as best we can to maintain it in its current form. We are very grateful to masoniCare and Therapy ACT for their continued support of this program.

Healthpact (ACT Department of Health) which has funded our Volunteer Program in the past is no longer providing this support. Of course, Pegasus would not be able to operate without our wonderful volunteers who are ably managed by our Volunteer Manager, Anna Sullivan. Unfortunately, due to the loss of funding we were unable to stage our Volunteers’ Presentation Dinner in 2010 which has been our way of saying “thank you” to all our dedicated volunteers for the time and effort they put into Pegasus during the year. Again, we will be looking to engage with new sponsors to enable us to continue employing a Volunteer Manager and offer the many and varied experiences to our valuable volunteers as well as providing them with professional development.

Pegasus Events 666 ABC Spruce Up Day 666 ABC Radio nominated Pegasus as the hosts for their 2010 Spruce Up Day which was held on Saturday 11 December 2010.

What a day! Greg Bayliss broadcast his Saturday morning program from Pegasus Farm on the day ably assisted by 666 home handyman, Greg Spencer , and 666 gardening guru, Graham (Willow) Williams, the 666 ACT team and over 200 volunteers from the Canberra community. During the lead up to the day the 666 team managed to secure massive support from many businesses in Canberra and the region, as well as the Canberra community in general.

Volunteers hard at work on the garden outside the Pegasus office

On the day:

• the second stage of the Rainbow Mural Maze was prepared, mulched and planted;

• a new in-ground watering system was installed, our tank for the vege garden was connected and new raised vege beds installed;

• pruning and removal of overgrown and pest plants was undertaken;

• the common room and kitchen were given a new coat of paint and new carpet was laid in the common room;

• flyscreens were replaced and windows cleaned;

• both indoor arenas where given a good cleaning as were the stables;

• the 666 Choir came to sing for us;

• a small retaining wall was constructed around the garden just outside the office and the garden replanted; and

• last, but not least, Pegasus was presented with a new quad bike and trailer, new colour printer, lounge suite, tables and chairs, vacuum, hot water urn, new gas stove and a large flat screen TV. These were all either purchased by the 666 team using donations they had received on Pegasus behalf or the goods were donated outright. A cash sum of over $2,500 was also donated being the remainder of funds that had been collected. Greg Spencer said he had a difficult time trying to spend the money as many businesses would not accept money and wanted to donate their time, expertise or goods.

The two Gregs, Willow and Jo from 666 ABC with Bid (Pegasus founder), Anna and Simone on the new quad bike

There are still benefits flowing on to Pegasus from the Spruce Up Day. It was a truly humbling experience to host the day and receive such an outstanding and generous response from the 666 ABC team and the Canberra community . We would like to thank everyone for their fantastic efforts and generosity. Please support the organisations (listed at the end of the newsletter) that supported us on the day with such generosity and a great job, well done!

Goodies provided by the CWA on the day to sustain the workers

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Pegasus Christmas Party

We had a wonderful Christmas Party on the Saturday evening of 4 December 2010. Over 170 people: our riders, their families and carers, volunteers, supporters and staff attended the party. The gospel ensemble “A Little Strange Weather” came to the evening and sang for us. They were absolutely wonderful, especially when they calmly walked through the rain to move indoors when the heavens opened.

A very big thank you to the Lions Club of Belconnen for providing the sausage sizzle on the night once again. The Belconnen Lions have been staunch supporters of Pegasus over many years and their dedication (and great cooking skills) are much appreciated by all at Pegasus.

“A Little Strange Weather” singing at the Christmas Party before the rain!!

The Aston’s Zebras

The Aston’s zebras were installed at Pegasus just prior to the Christmas party and Alan and Julie Aston came to enjoy the evening with us. We’d like to say a big thank you to both Alan and Julie for allowing the zebras to come and live at Pegasus. They are truly lovely and looked a picture on the evening of the Christmas Party when the rainbow came out after the rain.

‘Pot of Gold’ at the end of the rainbow!

Staff Update Becky Layton has now moved on to new pastures. Becky and her family have moved to Darwin for a change of scenery. We wish them all the best in their endeavours there.

Averil Troon, a very experienced RDA coach from Queensland, has been working with us at Pegasus in the latter half of 2010 and has now returned to Queensland. Averil’s expertise and coaching skills will be greatly missed and we hope to have her back on occasion to help out with coach and horse training when she is available.

Cathy Murphy, one of our stable hands, has finished work with Pegasus in an official capacity but thankfully is still able to come on a voluntary basis to help with the working and training of the horses. She has done a wonderful job in the stable hand position over the last 12 months and we are very pleased not to lose her altogether.

Coaches Corner New Coach We are currently in the process of filling a coach’s position to replace Averil now she has returned to Queensland.

From our Riders

Messages to Pegasus from Nicky and Sam

Sydnee holding a newborn lamb visiting at Pegasus

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Herd Happenings

As mentioned earlier, in mid 2010 we retired a large portion of the herd due to age related issues. It has been a sad time at Pegasus, saying goodbye to more of our dedicated herd. Sam, San, Red Jack, Little Em and Gretel have all been found new homes or returned to their owners. We miss them greatly. Sassy and Wildey have returned to their original homes as they are no longer enjoying working in the RDA environment. They have both given their best and are now enjoying being back with their families. We wish them well. Unfortunately we have had to euthanize two of our beautiful horses, Queenie as a result of serious illness and Jack due to injury. Both are sadly missed as they both had lovely temperaments, were hard workers, and were a long standing and integral part of our wonderful herd.

Jack (left) and Queenie, are sadly missed

We have been searching out, purchasing and training new horses over the latter part of 2010. We now have Bill , purchased on behalf of Pegasus by the Lords’ Taverners of the ACT, Little Joe , Remi purchased for us by Joan Bates, Shay who is on loan and CC. All are in training and doing well. Some will commence in classes in Term 1 and others will continue their training until they are ready to set to work. There have been a number of other horses we have been trialling who were found not suitable for RDA work and these have returned to their owners.

Fundraising Update Pegasus Rug Sale in July 2010 After a massive clean out of our storage and stables we were able to offer many of our old, freshly cleaned rugs and equipment for sale one fine Saturday in July. Thanks to the efforts of Cathy Edwards, our Office Manager, and her dedicated helpers over $900 was raised to put to use for our horses and riders.

Melbourne Cup Day Fundraiser at Thoroughbred Park On Melbourne Cup Day a large contingent of volunteers spent the day at Thoroughbred Park collecting donations for Pegasus from the race goers of the day. ACTTAB , sponsors of the race day at Thoroughbred Park, generously nominated Pegasus as their preferred not for profit organisation on the day. It was a very successful day and we managed to raise over $8,000! Many thanks to ACTTAB for nominating Pegasus and Thoroughbred Park and its staff for their assistance and support leading up to, and on, the day.

Riders from Cranleigh with Thomas and Cathy at the launch for the

Melbourne Cup Day fundraising at Thoroughbred Park

Tiny’s Green Shed at Mugga Lane Tiny, Elaine, Charlie and Sandie, partners in Tiny’s Green Shed at Mugga Lane, have chosen Pegasus as their next beneficiary of fundraising. On the last Wednesday of each month the proceeds from sales at the Shed will be set aside for Pegasus. Once $10,000 is reached the monies will be donated to Pegasus to assist our riders and horses. Normally this would take around 5 or 6 months to accumulate but due to record takings on the last Wednesday in December and some large personal donations by the Shed team the presentation is likely to be on Saturday 5 February 2011. We also have the opportunity to run a sausage sizzle at the Shed on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 January to raise money for Pegasus. Tiny’s Green Shed is providing all the BBQ equipment, tables and the venue and Pegasus will provide the food and the volunteers. Please support Tiny’s Green Shed in their endeavours. It is a truly great place to wander around and the Green Shed team do a great job supporting people in need by collecting and sorting goods for redistribution and sale and making generous donations to not for profit organisations. Pegasus is the third organisation to benefit from the generosity of the owners: previous beneficiaries are the McGrath Foundation and the Starlight Foundation.

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Volunteer News Many thanks once again to all our dedicated volunteers throughout 2010. As usual you have all done a wonderful job in so many different ways in support of Pegasus. We would not be able to operate without your generosity and hard work.

It was unfortunate that due to losses in funding we were unable to fund a Volunteer Celebration Dinner in 2010. This has been a popular and well attended event in past years and it was very disappointing not to be able to say “thank you” to all our great volunteers in this fun and enjoyable way. Please know that you are all greatly appreciated nevertheless.

2010 Volunteer Program Sponsorship Once again, Eastlake Football Club has generously sponsored our volunteer program during 2010. Eastlake has supported our fantastic volunteers in years past and we are very grateful for their support during 2010. Make sure you drop into the club and enjoy their great facilities and excellent, friendly service.

Thank you Eastlake!

Pegasus Projects Rainbow Mural Maze - Mural Installation

Our beautiful murals designed and painted by our riders, their families and friends, volunteers, staff and the Canberra community were installed on the side of the Bid Williams arena. They look absolutely marvellous and really show a bright face to all visitors as they enter Pegasus. Many thanks once again to artsACT and Phil Nizette and Jennifer Jones of Wellspring Environment Art Design for facilitating this great project.

Murals installed on the wall of the Bid Williams Arena

Sensory Garden Working Bee July 2010

A fantastically productive working bee clearing the area for stage 2 of the sensory garden was held on the same day as the Rug Sale at Pegasus in July. Over 30 volunteers came on the day, which was very warm, and did a massive job clearing the area along the Bid Williams arena. Thanks one and all, young and not so young, you all did a wonderful job.

Sensory Garden Progress Many thanks to Patto and his team from Patterson Rural Contractors (PRC) for all the hard work making and installing our rabbit proof fence around our vege garden! Also, a big thank you to Patto and his team for the fantastic work at very short notice! they did early one morning unloading a large delivery of hay and stacking it in the hayshed. We really do appreciate all the great things you and your team do for Pegasus Patto!

The Sensory Garden was one of the beneficiaries of the 666 ABC Saturday Morning Program Spruce Up Day.

Stage 2 of the sensory garden was completed on the day with the rainbow mural maze garden being prepared, planted and mulched.

New watering systems were installed in stage 1 of the sensory garden and one of the two remaining pine trees removed, as it was dying.

The water tank for the vege garden was set up to allow it to be connected to the water race so our riders can fill their buckets to water the veges. New raised vege garden beds were also installed which will make it a little easier for some of our riders to assist with the planting of the veges in future.

Outdoor Sand Arena Completed

Our beautiful new double outdoor sand arena is now complete. The surrounds have been reseeded and the arena is now ready for use. It really looks wonderful and would not have been possible without the assistance of John T Reid Charitable Trusts , ACT Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services and ACT Sports and Recreation . Many thanks for your financial support of this project.

Also, a big thank you to Guideline and its contractors for doing such a great job on the arena. It is truly a magnificent facility.

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Thanks to our supporters Pegasus relies on the support and donations from a range of people in our community. We would like to acknowledge the assistance of the following supporters since our last newsletter.

• 666 ABC Radio – for their tireless work in making the Spruce Up Day on 11 December such an amazing and successful event (please see full list of Spruce Up Day supporters separately below)

• Jack Laing of Bungendore Vet Hospital – for vet services

• The Canberra Equine Hospital – for vet services. • Eastlake Football Club – for their support during

2010 of our volunteer program • Mallesons, Stephens and Jacques – for their pro

bono legal advice and donations via their workplace giving program.

• Patterson Rural Contractors – for assistance maintaining the property in general, vege garden fencing and gates and helping with unloading hay.

• Lions Club of Belconnen – for their continued support providing Christmas parties for our riders at the end of Term 4, running the BBQ at the Pegasus Christmas party and feeding over 200 volunteers at the 666 ABC Spruce Up Day held at Pegasus on 11 December.

• A Little Strange Weather – for entertaining us so well at the Pegasus Christmas party.

• Allan and Julie Aston – for allowing the zebras to make their final home at Pegasus.

• Equine Answers – for Horse transport • Jerrabomberra Golf Club – for a saddle • Kippax Cellars – donation of raffle prize • Bel Paese Café, Kippax – donation of raffle prize • Oven Pick, Kippax – donation of raffle prize • Giorgios Hair & Beauty, Kippax – donation ofraffle

prize • Jennifer – donations of 3 new bridles and 3 new

saddlecloths

Thank you from our horses and riders!

Cash donations: • IP Australia Social & Welfare Club • Leslie Kalnajs • Kambah Lions Club • Gerardo Tammaro • Suzanne Howieson • Ainslie Plumbing • Quota International of Canberra • Canberra Equine Hospital • Gilbert Chan • Stanley Ng • Yun Wah Wong • Mallesons, Stephens and Jacques • Michael Hutchinson • masoniCare • Land and Planning Services • Bungendore Vet Surgery • ATO S&ME – National Office • Grey Advertising • Penny and Kev Durick • Jerrabomberra Golf Club • Marilyn & Adrien Whiddett • Gary Rake • Rachel Stephen-Smith • Bronwyn Singh • Rene Garland • Hannah Meyer • Sam Perman • Julia McKay-Williams • Stephen Alberts • Anne Gummow • Brian Johns • Philippa Thomas • Country Park Herbs • ACTEW • Gunghalin Starlight Guides • Café d’Roamer • National Family Law Conference Art Exhibition • P Forster • Monash Primary P & C • Auriel Barlow • A J McCrossin • Canberra Bowling Club • Thoroughbred Park patrons on Melbourne Cup

Day

Grants:

• ACT Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services

• ACT Department of Education and Training

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666 ABC Spruce Up Day Supporters

• 666 ABC and the Saturday Morning Program Team

(Greg B, Greg S, Willow, Baldey, Jo, Carolyn, Tim and Andrea)

• 666 ABC Choir • The Canberra Community • Lions Club of Belconnen • RAR Access Rentals Pty Ltd • Cercol Construction Services Pty Ltd • Huon Management Services Pty Ltd • Hawker Roofing • Specialty Fasteners • Engineering Services Coordination Pty Ltd • National Fixing Pty Ltd • Combined Hydraulics • J & J Interiors • Chadwick Industries (ACT) Pty Ltd • Trinity Law • TenderEdge • Brindabella Civil Engineering • Canberra Motorcycle Centre • Irwin & Harshorn Pty Ltd • ABA Construction Managers Pty Ltd • Advance Detail Joinery Pty Ltd • Easy Living Home Elevators • Saltbush Group • Cube Furniture • King Air Conditioning • Waterland Pty Ltd • Skyline Tree Surgery • Tharwa Sands (Johnny Hyles) • CITEA (apprentices and supervising builder) • South Pacific Painters (Brett) • Greening Australia • Lanyon Homestead • Light Wise Electrical Services • Corkhill Brothers • Manteena • Lions Club of Belconnen • Country Women’s Association • Aussie Homes • Canberra Hire • Holcim Concrete Suppliers

Thank you all for your support before, on and after the day! I apologise if I have accidentally omitted anyone from my list, please let me know if I’ve missed you and I will make mention in the next newsletter. There were so many people and organisations involved on the day I’m sure I must have missed someone! It was a truly amazing outcome for Pegasus and we are still pinching ourselves to make sure we’re not dreaming!

“Silly boys and their toys!

I’d never get bogged like that!” says Sam (Pegasus Pony)

The three amigos (left to right) – Greg Spencer,

Greg Bayliss and Graham Williams (Willow)

Lions Club of Belconnen sizzling the

sausages to feed the troops

Above ground planters installed in the vege garden

South Pacific Painters taking a well earned break

after painting the Common Room and Kitchen