Pegasus Receives $2 Million Gift to Build Michele Arnhold Education Center

Through their charitable organization, The Arnhold Foundation, the family of former volunteer Michele “Shelly” Arnhold has donated $2 million to Pegasus Therapeutic Riding to build the Michele Arnhold Education Center at the nonprofit’s farm in Brewster. In addition to the building project, the gift also will honor Shelly’s memory via the creation of an endowment fund to support the organization’s future growth and success.

Shelly Arnhold was a lifelong horse enthusiast, which she demonstrated both as an avid Amateur Owner Hunter competitor with many year-end championships to her credit, and through her desire to share her love of horses with those around her, especially young riders. Shelly was equally committed to education. She dedicated much of her time to nurturing and guiding preschool children in the classroom. The blending of her two areas of expertise—horsemanship and teaching—made her a natural when she began volunteering for Pegasus, which provides equine-assisted activities and therapies for people with special needs and individuals at risk.

“The Arnhold family’s extraordinary gift will touch and enhance the lives of countless individuals and their families throughout the years to come,” said Sue McGraw, Pegasus board president. “Shelly would have been thrilled to know her legacy will bring joy to so many children and adults through the therapeutic benefits of the horse, an animal she so loved. It is also fitting that the Michele Arnhold Education Center will provide a barn to house our dedicated herd. We can’t thank the Arnhold family enough for their confidence and support of our organization and its mission. Pegasus is proud to be a part of this meaningful tribute to a wonderful woman, who we will continue to celebrate as a committed volunteer, equestrian and friend.”

Pegasus will build the Michele Arnhold Education Center on the site of the current barn at Pegasus Farm. In addition to horse stalls and other essential components of a working barn, the center will include a large multi-purpose room for classroom activities, educational workshops, a volunteer lounge and a program viewing area for visitors.

Construction is scheduled to begin this month, with a target completion date of September 2016. During construction, Pegasus will operate its programs on a modified basis. The nonprofit will post project updates to the Building Our Mission page on its website at pegasustr.org.

Founded in 1975, Pegasus Therapeutic Riding is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center that provides the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding and other equine-assisted activities to people with special needs and individuals at risk. Visit pegasustr.org for further information about Pegasus’ programs, to visit Pegasus Farm or to make a tax-deductible donation in support of its mission.