LOCAL CHARITY RAISING FUNDS AFTER STATE GRANT CUTS

A local charity that pairs kids and adults with physical and mental disabilities with horses is asking for help after losing their state grant.

Bakersfield-based M.A.R.E. serves about 400 clients a year, and board president Diana Owens says another reason coffers are short is because insurance companies are no longer paying for horse therapy due to changes in the healthcare law.

MARE, which stands for Mastering Abilities Riding Equines, started their $50,000 fundraising campaign Tuesday on Stockdale Highway and California Ave while dressed in horse costumes.

MARE is accepting donations through their website mareridingcenter.com.

Kelli Forsch