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Brewster's Pegasus Gets $2M Gift To Build Michele Arnhold Education Center

BREWSTER, N.Y. -- The Arnhold Foundation, the family of former volunteer Michele “Shelly” Arnhold, has donated $2 million to Pegasus Therapeutic Riding to build a center in her name at the nonprofit’s farm in Brewster. 

The Arnhold Foundation has donated $2 million in the name of former volunteer Shelly Arnhold to the Pegasus Therapeutic Riding program.

The Arnhold Foundation has donated $2 million in the name of former volunteer Shelly Arnhold to the Pegasus Therapeutic Riding program.

Photo Credit: Pegasus Farm

In addition to the building project, the gift also will honor Arnhold's memory via the creation of an endowment fund to support the organization’s future growth and success. 

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. 

In addition to riding and competing, 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 multipurpose room for classroom activities, educational workshops, a volunteer lounge and a program viewing area for visitors. 

Visit pegasustr.org for further information.

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