DOWAGIAC ­— On Saturday, Oct. 7, Berrien County’s We Can Ride 4-H Club will host its annual Ride & Walk-A-Thon at Russ Forest County Park in Dowagiac.

Ride-A-Thon is the club’s largest fundraiser of the year. Russ Forest is located at 20379 Marcellus Highway Decatur, MI 49045 (8 miles east of Dowagiac).

We Can Ride 4-H Club is part of the MSU Extension’s Proud Equestrian Program that enables youth with disabilities to learn horseback riding skills, showmanship techniques and stable management. While visitors benefit from riding their horse or by walking on the many beautiful trails at Russ Forest, We Can Ride 4-H Club will benefit from pledges and donations, orgnaizers said. 

This year’s event coincides with National 4-H Week as well. This is a wonderful event to participate in and enjoy a fall day in southwest Michigan, organizers said.

Registration and check-in will be from 9 a.m. to noon at the park’s west entrance. Parking of horse trailers and all vehicles will be done at the east entrance.

There will be lunch and refreshments for participants. Additional activities will be provided throughout the day for non-riders. Free T-shirts will be given to those collecting $35 or more in pledges (on a first-come, first serve basis). 

To learn more about We Can Ride’s Ride-A-Thon and to obtain a registration form, visit msue.anr.msu.edu/county/berrien/berrien_county_4_h. For more information call Christina Knapp at (269)369-1969.              

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Persons with disabilities may request accommodations by calling Christina Knapp at (269)-369-1969 by Sept. 22,  to ensure sufficient time to make arrangements. Requests received after this date will be met when possible.