The Callaway Rough Riders Saddle Club is planning to host the first Equestrians with Disabilities Horse Show on Sept. 23 at noon.
The horse show is meant to give people with disabilities an opportunity to ride horses in competition accommodating to their needs and safety.
Debbie Fulkerson, vice president of Callaway Rough Riders Saddle Club, explained how the event came about.
"Jeannie Crosby, the treasurer of the club, who has a son who participates in the Special Olympics, wanted to have a local horse show meant to give equestrians with disabilities an opportunity in our community," Fulkerson said.
As a member of the community, she wanted to give other people with disabilities an opportunity in Callaway County that was not present before.
"We want to provide awareness that people with disabilities are perfectly capable to ride horses, and can be very therapeutic for people with disabilities," Fulkerson said.
She explained that people with disabilities have the right to have fair competition with others, which this horse show will accomplish.
"Currently, we are planning to have the horse show, with a hope that it goes well, since it is our first year we have had it," Fulkerson said.
With it being the first year, growing pains can be expected. However, attendance is one thing that they have worked on for the first year.
"We spread the word to the Special Olympics Committee, along with to the therapeutic writing centers around our area, hoping to spread the word for people to participate and come to support," said Fulkerson.
She hopes for as many people to come, as the more support these people can receive, the more accomplished they will feel as they compete against each other.
"We have lots of volunteers from the community to come out to help," Fulkerson said.
Members of the saddle club, individuals from the community, and faculty at the school, have all offered to help with this event.
"Any proceeds will be donated to Special Olympics in Callaway County, along with possibly other organizations meant to hold and preserve competition between people with disabilities," Fulkerson said.