The privately supported charity based just north of Palm Desert has three ponies and 14 horses for physical and mental therapy. Each of the about 150 weekly riders works with three volunteers - one leading the horse and one on each side of the rider to keep him or her balanced and to lead upper body exercises. In addition to the physical benefits - just balancing on the horse works the same muscles used in walking - riding often relaxes the children and adult riders, who can be blind, autistic or severely handicapped. "It's a wonderful thing to see," said Pegasus Executive Director Robin Montgomery. "You put them on a horse and they're fine."

The softball players started their day at 8 a.m. to see firsthand the equine therapy's effect, then had time for a quick nap before playing softball until midnight, finishing the tournament with four wins and one loss. "I think it's amazing what they do for those kids," said sophomore second baseman Lindsey Marquez. "They got on the horses and they calmed down. It was really cool to see them have a good time."