TEXARKANA, Ark. - The Runnin' WJ Benefit Barrel Race "galloped" into the Four States Fairgrounds over the weekend.
The nonprofit provides therapeutic horseback riding exclusively for adults and children with special needs.
Runnin' WJ covers four school districts in Texarkana.
Currently, the youngest rider is four years old and the oldest is 52.
The proceeds from the benefit, "reined in" by volunteers, contestants, vendors, and all involved with the ranch, help care for the horses, support daily operations, and fund learning programs and scholarships.
Runnin' WJ is also funded by private and anonymous donations and grants.
"It helps them with sensory, it helps them with cognitive, helps them emotionally, helps them socially, and I'll be honest with you, it helps us more than it helps them," said Equine and Barn Manager Micah Neal. "You know it's one of those deals, I say it a lot, and I really mean it, I see miracles almost every day, and it's one of the most beautiful things that there is, and just thank goodness for people like this that put this event on so we can keep doing what we do."
This year marks the Runnin' WJ Ranch's 25th anniversary.
Anyone wishing to donate can visit its website.