STARKVILLE, Miss. -- About 40 riders involved in Mississippi State University’s therapeutic riding program will exhibit their skills in a special event at 6 p.m. April 14.

Cassie Brunson, coordinator of the MSU Extension Service Therapeutic Riding and Activity Center, is planning this first-ever exhibition to showcase riders and volunteers. The program will take place south of Starkville at the Mississippi Horse Park, located at 869 East Poorhouse Road.

“We wanted to offer family and friends the chance to see what our riders have learned,” Brunson said. “Our riders will enjoy demonstrating their skills as they perform riding drills to music in the large arena.”

The event is open to the public. In addition to the show, spectators will have photo opportunities with John Wayne, the university’s miniature horse.

“This will be a good chance for people to see what is involved for the riders and for the volunteers who assist the riders,” she said.

Pi Kappa Phi fraternity is assisting in the MSU Extension Equine Assisted Therapy Programs Riding Expo. While the program is free, the fraternity will be collecting donations for their philanthropy, The Ability Experience, a nonprofit organization with a mission to use shared experiences to support people with special needs.

The Therapeutic Riding and Activity Center is located at the 4-H Elizabeth A. Howard arena, 806 West Churchill Road in West Point, on property donated by Jimmy Bryan. The arena was donated by Tommy and Brenda Howard.

For more information on the MSU therapeutic riding program, contact Brunson at cbrunson@humansci.msstate.edu.