Pegasus Farm celebrating 40 years of service

The Lake Township Chamber of Commerce’s latest MorningCONNECTIONS was held March 4 at Consumers National Bank. The featured presenters were Shelley Sprang, executive director of Pegasus Farm, and Missy Howard.

The year 2026 marks a major milestone for Pegasus Farm as it celebrates its 40th year in operation. For four decades, the organization has provided hope, healing and purpose through the power of horses in Marlboro Township, just east of Hartville.

Sprang and Howard shared a brief history of Pegasus Farm through a video and discussed current and upcoming activities. They also invited the community to help celebrate the milestone year through several events and initiatives.

The presenters brought along a “traveling” paint-by-number canvas mural where anyone can contribute by painting a section. Sprang and Howard said they are available to make presentations to local organizations and will bring the mural to those events as well.

Group tours also can be scheduled for companies or organizations interested in volunteering as a group or learning more about Pegasus Farm and its volunteer programs.

As part of the 40th anniversary celebration, several events are planned throughout the year. On July 11, Pegasus Farm will host Breakfast on the Farm with the Ohio Farm Bureau. The Annual Student Horse Show will take place Aug. 22, followed by the Wings Horse Show on Aug. 27. The organization’s signature auction and celebration, the 40th Anniversary Gala, is scheduled for Oct. 3. The year will conclude with Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 5.

All of the events will take place at Pegasus Farm, 7490 Edison St. NE in Hartville. Organizers encourage community members to mark their calendars and watch for additional event details.

Sprang said Pegasus Farm currently has about 120 volunteers who assist students weekly. Programs are fee-based but supplemented through grants to help offset the full cost for participants.

Programming includes equestrian activities and specialized programs for veterans. Pegasus Farm also offers an adult day support program that provides vocational skills for adults with disabilities.

Sprang also noted that the Military and First Responders Center, a 20-acre horse farm in Louisville, will be closing and its programs will return to the Marlboro Township location.

Registration for summer programs is now open, though some sessions have already filled. Those interested in remaining openings can contact Audre Manners at 330-935-2300, ext. 115, or by email at audre@pegasusfarm.org. Payment is required at the time of registration to reserve a place in a class.

Classes are open to students with or without disabilities, although some eligibility criteria apply depending on the program. Participants receive a healthy snack and handouts related to the lesson content.

Limited spots remain available for Horsin’ Around, the Equestrian Vaulting Summer Program and the Advanced Equestrian Vaulting Summer Program.

Pegasus Farm is also encouraging community members to support its mission through the “400 for 40” campaign. The campaign invites supporters to contribute $100 or more in honor of the organization’s 40 years of service. Organizers hope to reach 400 donors, which would provide funding to support equestrian, vocational and recreational programs.

Another initiative is the Legacy 40 Society, which invites supporters to make planned gifts that will help sustain Pegasus Farm’s programs and outreach efforts for future generations.

For more information about the Legacy 40 Society or to make a gift, contact Larry at larry@pegasusfarm.org or call 330-935-2300, ext. 101.