EAST AURORA, N.Y. -- Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center in East Aurora serves hundreds of people every year, from veterans to children with special needs and those in wheelchairs, but a damaging winter has created an uncertain future for the non-profit's facility.

Four-year-old Elise Steck was born prematurely, weighing only one pound at birth. Now, with the help of the riding center, she’s getting stronger and more confident.

"I'm a real cowgirl, you know," said Steck.

"Her development since coming here has been really, really wonderful. It really works on her balance and her core strength, her hand-eye coordination," said Katy Steck, Elise’s mother.

Using therapeutic-based activities with horses, Lothlorien helps those with cognitive, mental, emotional and physical needs.

"Our riders that are wheelchair-bound, getting on a horse is very liberating. It's the first feeling of ever walking before, so we see a lot of smiles, a lot of tears of happiness," said Maggie Keller, executive director of Lothlorien.

With its doors open to anyone, the non-profit has served more than 1,200 people in the past two years; but after this winter, that could change. Lothlorien's indoor arena has significant structural damage following heavy snow, the freeze and thaw.

"The walls have sank in several areas, at least 10 inches," said Keller.

She said a structural engineer deemed the arena unsafe if there's any more than 6 inches of snow, so it will have to be rebuild it entirely. It's estimated that will cost at least $275,000, and even with help from local organizations and insurance money, they'll need to raise at least $115,000.

"Any organization in Western New York that can help us continue Lothlorien's legacy is what we're asking," said Keller.

If the arena can't be fixed, Lothlorien will have to rely on its outdoor arena.

"Which is very limited right now, due to weather,” said Keller, “So it's going to significantly decrease the amount of people we can serve."

Many of the contractors they've spoken with are booked for a year because of other storm damage.

"If we don't get the money available now to do something, I don't know if we'll be able to continue next year," Keller said.

Fortunately, Keller said the barn that houses the horses is safe, but they will be re-enforcing that structure.

As a family who's experienced the impact Lothlorien has, the Stecks hope it gets the support it needs.

"The entire community would really be at a loss if this place wasn't here," said Jake Steck, Elise’s father. 

Lothlorien has launched a GoFundMe.com funding campaign page called Lothlorien TRC: Save Our Center to accept donations from the community. People can also call the riding center at (716) 655-1335, or mail a check payable to Lothlorien Riding Center at 15 Reiter Road, East Aurora, NY 14052.