PETAL — Worthy Stables will host the Pine Belt Round Up, an inclusive rodeo event for people with disabilities and special needs, on April 11 in Petal. 

The event begins at noon and will feature adapted rodeo activities for participants with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism and mobility disabilities, including wheelchair users. Organizers said some activities have limited spots, and barrel racing is nearly full. 

The event will also include food trucks, music, vendors and adapted activities such as barrel racing with side-walkers, operator-controlled mechanical bull riding, artificial goat tying and a cowboy obstacle course. It will end with a Worthy Stables staff and volunteer bull-riding championship at 6 p.m. 

Worthy Stables, a nonprofit equestrian center in South Mississippi, says it works to improve lives through therapeutic horsemanship. 

Jessie Mathias, executive director of Worthy Stables, said the event, which will be held at 502 Sheeplo Loop, is meant to give participants a chance to take part in activities they might not otherwise experience. 

“Raffles are always really popular, and they are kind of a fundraiser for us to have scholarship money for our riders who are from very low-income situations,” Mathias said. 

The roundup also includes the organization’s annual raffle. This year’s prizes are a wheelbarrow filled with items donated by local businesses, a rifle and a year of personalized lessons at Worthy Stables. 

Raffle tickets cost $20 for one, $50 for three or $100 for 10 and can be purchased on Zeffy. The winner will be drawn on the day of the event and does not have to be present to win. 

Worthy Stables is also seeking corporate and individual sponsors, volunteers and vendors. 

People interested in helping or signing up for the event can contact [email protected] or call 601-337-8414.