Horse-Riding Nonprofit In Danger Of Losing Land

Posted 12:42 p.m. Sep 25, 2006 — Updated 12:42 p.m. Sep 25, 2006

CLAYTON, N.C. — A nonprofit center that helps disabled children through horse-riding therapy is trying to raise enough money to keep the operation alive.

On The Web:

Reins from Above Therapeutic Riding Center

Reins from Above Therapeutic Riding Center in Clayton provides therapy for handicapped children to help improve their physical and mental skills, according to its Web site. The program started just a year ago and has grown from three students to nearly 30.

But the center is in danger of losing the land where it currently sits after the landowner died and relatives want to sell the land. Reins Program Director Stacey Ryder said she does not know how long she has before the land might be sold.

"So, the best things for us to do is find our own property and build our own facility," Ryder said. "So, it's very uncertain."

The organization is currently trying to raise about $150,000 to fund the 15 acres of land required to operate the facility.

"If this program should end, it would be a horrible thing for us," said Marie Wedge, whose son Matthew participates in the program. "It's made a huge difference in our lives."

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