A non-profit organization is using a four-legged approach to physical therapy.

The North Carolina Therapeutic Riding Center, or NCTRC, uses horses to rehab special needs clients.

David Berk is one of them.

During his sessions, David rides a horse named Dooley.

Dooley's a Haflinger, a horse that's sturdy, but not too big - a perfect fit for the 7-year-old.

David suffers from a rare disorder that affects his nervous system.

It makes things like walking and sitting up straight very difficult, but thanks, in part, to this treatment, physical therapist Margie Muenzer says David has made some incredible progress.

It's because, Muenzer says, this type of therapy strengthens the core -- the very muscles needed to make things like walking and sitting up easier for David.

"Every step that the horse takes, they're moving the rider's pelvis which makes the rider have to react with their muscles," said Muenzer.

The best part - David doesn't even know it.

"For the riders, they feel that they are coming out here to ride a horse. And they get to come out to this beautiful farm setting," said Muenzer.

NCTRC has called Clearwind Farm in Mebane home for the past three years.

The group leases the land from owner Matt Case, an equine assisted psychotherapist.

He uses horses to engage his clients who suffer from things like depression or anxiety.

But now, Case and his family are moving, and he wants to leave the farm in good hands.

"We believe in what they're doing so much that we're gonna give to them a large portion of this facility," Case said.

But NCTRC can't afford to buy right now, even though Case is selling the place for a fraction of the cost.

Despite that, Case says he'll hold the land for the non-profit, because he's so inspired by what NCTRC is doing.

"Whenever they get the money we'll be ready to sell it to them, cause it's really good work they do," said Case.

Work that's helping David, and others just like him.

It costs about $240 for an eight week therapeutic riding session, but NCTRC says financial assistance is available.

Other riding programs are also offered year round.

If you'd like to help NCTRC buy the farm click here.