BUCHANAN — The summer may be winding down and the county fairs over, but youth can still have the opportunity to learn about showing animals at the upcoming We Can Ride 4-H Club Open Fun Show.

The event will take place starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Buchanan Westerners Riding Club Ground, 14665 Mead Road in Buchanan. The Open Show is for people of all ages. Those interested can register on the day of the event, starting at 8 a.m.

The Open Show will include a variety of classes, such as showmanship, gymkhana and equitation, to name a few. Classes cost $5 and proceeds will benefit We Can Ride 4-H.  Additionally, those who visit the Open Show can take part in fair activities and games. Woodstock and Grill will also have food for purchase.

Show Chair Karey Sebasty, of the We Can Ride 4-H, said the Open Fun Show serves as an ideal opportunity for those that are new to showing animals.

“It’s a relaxed type of atmosphere, so if you are just starting to show, it is a great way to get your feet wet,” Sebasty said. “If you have worked hard all summer long doing the show circuits, then it is a great way to end out the year and relax and have a good time and remember why you do what you do.”

We Can Ride 4-H supports disabled youth and offers therapeutic and educational horse riding and care opportunities. The club, which was organized in 1979, is part of the MSU Extension’s Proud Equestrian Program and offers youth the the chance to learn horseback riding skills, showmanship techniques and stable management. Officials said youth who participate can benefit by gaining improved balance and coordination skills. The club serves youth across Berrien and Cass counties from the ages of 5 to 26.

Sebasty said the club is also a major self confidence booster for those involved.

“It’s amazing when we start in May with our first ride night to August when we stop — it’s awesome to see the difference in the kids,” Sebasty said. “A lot of it is self-confidence, I mean who does not feel more confident after getting on a 1,000 to 1,500-pound animal and being able to tell it where you want to go? It helps emotionally as well as physically.”

Sebasty encouraged people to come out and attend the event.

“It’s a lot of fun,” she said. “If you are interested in just supporting the kids or into just the horse side of things, it is a lot of fun and there is a lot of laughter.”

To learn more about the club, visit wecanride4h.org.