WEST POINT, Miss. -- Sometimes, supporting veterans can be as easy as showing up for dinner.

The Mississippi State University Extension Service is hosting a cookout benefitting members of its Veterans’ Horsemanship Program, one of several divisions in its Equine-Assisted Therapy Program. The cookout will take place April 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Elizabeth A. Howard Therapeutic Riding and Activity Center in West Point.

MSU Extension Associate Audrey Sheridan said the event, co-sponsored by the MSU Center for America’s Veterans, is an effort to build more connections between the university and the state’s veteran community and showcase the horsemanship program.

“We are hoping to get the word out across north Mississippi that this is a free program offered through the university for men and women who served in defense of our country,” Sheridan said.

Barbecue plates can be pre-purchased online or bought on site for $5 each. To pre-order, visit msuext.ms/vhpcookout24.

The event also includes a silent auction featuring various stable supplies. A complete rancher-style saddle package will be raffled off for $10 per ticket. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the event.

In addition to the Veterans’ Horsemanship Program, the Equine-Assisted Therapy Program offers therapeutic riding and hippotherapy. For more information, visit http://extension.msstate.edu/family/equine-assisted-therapy-programs.

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. For disability accommodation, please contact Sheridan at 662-325-2085.