Manito Equestrian and Life Center, South Whitehall, presented its final horse show of the season Oct. 16 during the Lehigh County Open Gate Farm Tour.

The horse show benefits Manito Life Center, which offers therapeutic riding for special riders.

There were tours and information was provided about the farm.

Volunteer opportunities abound. There are 100 volunteers involved because each horse in the therapeutic program requires three people: a leader and a person on both of its sides.

“If anyone wants to get out in the community we have an opportunity,” said Alicia Pramik, administrative assistant.

The farm operates year round. As a 501c3 nonprofit organization it can be counted as service for graduation or internship for colleges.

Pramik said they work with DeSales, Kutztown, Cedar Crest College and any school offering therapeutic services.

There is free mentoring for anyone who wants to earn Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship certification.

The exceptional riders show early in the morning and then stay and cheer on volunteers who show later in the day.

There are two new horses coming to the farm at the end of the month. One of the therapeutic riders is getting her own horse.

Each first place winner receives a mug with a horsehead on it.

Manito has both and outdoor and an indoor riding rings which means horses can be ridden regardless of the weather.

Horses are boarded and lessons are provided.