The fate of a therapeutic riding program, which benefits thousands of people with disabilities in Salem, is uncertain. It may lose its current home.

For four years the owners of Ridgetop Ranch have allowed a non-profit horse program, Adaptive Riding Institute, to operate at the facility free of charge.

It's within the Salem urban growth boundary, and just a few minute's drive for those who rely on the therapy.

Owners are disheartened by the fact that Ridgetop Ranch may be changing hands, soon. New buyers plan to build a private school on the rural property. Last month Marion county gave the project the green light.

A neighborhood association has now appealed the decision citing safety and water concerns. The fate of the land will be decided next week in a special hearing.

Founder Sue Rosen says the program serves nearly 3,000 people every year. She started the non-profit 20 years ago, to help her sister who is in a wheelchair.

Rosen explains the horses inspire and empower a child.

"When they realize their words or their sign language can make the horse stop or go -- that's really powerful for a child that's been confined to a wheelchair their whole life."

Rosen says organizations such as Oregon School For the Blind and the Salem Chapter of Easter Seals, rely on the program.

Every Wednesday a group of students from Oregon School For the Blind takes riding lessons. Three adults walk alongside the rider, to ensure the child's safety.

Physical Therapist Judy Fevec loves the program.

She says the horses have helped some children learn to walk.

"The horse's gait, imitates our natural walking pattern."

On this day she's helping 11-year-old Alex to ride.

In three years, Fevec has witnessed dramatic changes in the autistic boy who needs braces on his feet and cannot see. "To have gone from not even being able to walk into a barn, to now being able to ride -- up to 20-minutes, and possibly longer -- it's just amazing to me," she said.

Rosen is hopeful members of the community will step forward and help Adaptive Riding Institute find "a forever home."