Canberra's much loved disabled riding school is holding its first ever tack and treasure fundraiser as it faces looming financial uncertainties with the second phase of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
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For Pegasus' executive officer Jane Thompson it is these financial worries that keep her awake at night and see her and staff counting pennies at the end of each day in order to keep the organisation servicing Canberra's disabled community.
"Operationally, every day is a challenge," she said.
"You try and get those dollars in every single week, but it's always hard because funding's never in abundance."
After fears of potential closure in 2013, Ms Thompson – who has more than 47 years of dealing with intense disability as well as 15 years' experience as a professional fundraiser in the not-for-profit sector – has made significant changes to the school to improve efficiency.
Despite these changes she said the transition to the second tier of the NDIS could see the school lose 20 to 25 per cent of its income in the worst-case scenario.
Despite the school's funding being extended until June 2016, Ms Thompson said "the NDIS has left us uncertain about where it puts us financially and we're really quite anxious."
"Hopefully they will realise our importance within the Canberra community, because we really do have a lot of support from the Canberra community."
The idea for the upcoming tack and treasure sale first formed when Ms Thompson was forced to turn away donated tack as it was ill-fitting or unsuitable for disabled riders.
Now the donated tack, including bridles, saddles and stirrups, will be sold this Saturday in order to raise funds for the school that will go towards purchasing modified tack and related aids for disabled riders.
Ms Thompson has been collecting equipment for the sale since February and said she is hopeful the fundraiser will provide much needed profits for the school and become an established annual event.
"Canberra is a very equine-orientated community, so hopefully it'll just go onward and upward from there and we'll raise more funds with each year," she said.
Pegasus has played a significant role within Canberra's disabled community since it was established in 1975, offering its 98 students horse facilitated therapy including riding programs, unmounted activities, school holiday programs and hippotherapy – physiotherapy on horseback.
The school offers more than just one-off riding lessons and instead has created specifically designed programs that Ms Thompson said gives riders with all kinds of disabilities a chance to experience the full benefits of horse-based therapy.
"For those with physical disabilities our programs can enhance muscle tone, develop balance and improve posture," she said.
"And for people with social disabilities, such as autism, the programs can help develop self-esteem and confidence which means a lot to the rider's families."
The Pegasus tack and treasure sale will be held at the Pegasus Farm on Saturday June 13 and will run from 7am until 1pm.
