Maury Magic Riders, located just outside of Columbia, has been helping people with disabilities through therapeutic horseback riding.
Rick Boylan said his daughter, Olivia, lights up every time she’s on a horse. Olivia was diagnosed with autism as a child.
Now she's 19, and her father said the time she spends at Maury Magic Riders is her time.
“She loves horses. She asks regularly ‘is today the day I go horseback riding,’” he said.
Sgt. Alan Bair also understands the magical quality of these animals.
"I was diagnosed with PTSD and traumatic brain injury from when I was in the military overseas,” he said. “They said that I kind of needed to surround myself with some calming features and they suggested animals."
Bair and Boylan are just two of the riders who have found comfort and confidence.
Cindy Nickle is the Vice President of the group. She said the interest is growing and they need to grow, as well.
“If it rains we can't ride, if it's freezing cold and it snows we can't ride. The darkness in the fall is also an issue for us,” she said.
An outdoor arena could keep them going year-round.
They have the plans, now they need to raise the funds. It wouldn't be cheap – the structure could cost anywhere from $150,000 to $200,000. However, riders said it's worth it.
