Local News in Brief : Pierce College to Teach Riding to the Disabled

Using a $30,000 donation from a Woodland Hills organization, Pierce College will soon establish a horse-riding program for the physically disabled, a college official announced Thursday.

Ron Wechsler, a spokesman for Pierce College’s agriculture department, said the money will help build an “equestrian therapy” center on a pasture owned by the Los Angeles County Community College District’s campus in Woodland Hills. Beginning in March, the program will offer riding classes to physically disabled residents of the county and physical therapy training classes for Pierce College students.

Wechsler said the money was donated by Identity, a nonprofit organization. Edith Ryan, a spokeswoman for Identity, said the tax-exempt group raises money for the physically disabled.