The rain held off until the last riders were heading back to the barn from the outdoor arena during the O.A.T.S. Annual Mane Event, Sunday.
“Then it poured. It was a fantastic day,” said volunteer Terri Dodge.
The annual event at O.A.T.S., Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles, acknowledges special needs riders with trophies and ribbons, and includes food, kiddie train rides, raffle and vendors selling items and donating money back to the center.
It also provides riders an opportunity to perform for family, friends, and the community.
O.A.T.S.’ Horses for Heroes program is looking for riders, especially post 9/11 veterans who have been wounded or have service-related disabilities. Veterans ride from 6-7 p.m.,Thursdays, at no charge.
For more information, contact O.A.T.S., 3090 Weidemann Drive, at 248-620-1775.
“We can always use volunteers,” Dodge said. “There are evening classes which really can help out high school students looking for community service hours.”