The Grassroots Vaulting Team of Fort Mill demonstrated their skills at Aiken's Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs Saturday.
Aiken got a taste of the wild west Saturday.
Great Oak Equestrian Assisted Programs hosted its second annual "It's the Wild West in Aiken" cowboy show and cookout fundraiser Nov. 2 at its facility on Edgefield Highway (S.C. Route 19).
Great Oak is a non-profit that provides equine-assisted therapy to individuals with disabilities.
"This is our second year we've had our cowboy show and cookout," Great Equine and Facilities Manager Deborah McWhirter said. "We invited several of the Aiken horsemen and women to come and showcase here."
The demonstrators included the Aiken Youth Polo team, the Grassroots vaulting team from Fort Mill, the Willis Ranch Junior Rodeo team from Wagener, Great Oak rodeo riders and a parade of Great Oak students.
There was also a horse of the year presentation and Miss South Carolina USA Gracen Grainger made an appearance.
"It's just a fun day for families," McWhirter continued. "We have our students here and it's a good chance for people in Aiken to see what we do here."
Pat Haas was invited by a friend to attend the event.
"I'm here to enjoy the show and to try to support the charity," Haas said.
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Linda Honeycutt said she used to volunteer at Great Oak and attended the initial event.
"I think what they're doing here is a very good cause," she continued. "I'm here to enjoy the show. A rodeo in Aiken that's quite appropriate."
Great Oak is a great place for the kids, Andrea Altavilla said.
"We usually come to the shows when they put on the shows," Altavilla continued. "It's just such a good cause."
Laureen Leary said she was relatively new to Aiken and wanted to experience all the city had to offer.
Chris Gill said he moved to Aiken about a year and a half ago and wanted to experience a horse event on a nice day.
"I love horses," Gill continued. "I've ridden them a couple of times but not lately."
John Altavilla, Andrea's brother-in-law, said he had a great time last year and wanted to support Great Oak.
For more information about Great Oak or to donate or volunteer visit greatoakeap.org or call 803-226-0056.