CSU Professor Temple Grandin to attend Exceptional Rodeo Jan. 17

Event provides an adaptive rodeo experience for youth with special needs; Grandin will be available for book signing

Media Contact:
Tiana Kennedy
Cell: 970-420-3316
Tiana.Kennedy@colostate.edu

Event contact:
Ashley Baller
Cell: 720-284-7961
Ashley.Baller@colostate.edu

Denver – CSU’s Temple Grandin Equine Center at CSU Spur will host the annual PRCA Exceptional Rodeo from 1-2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, allowing youth of all abilities the chance to engage with a rodeo experience. The event will take place in the arena inside the Vida building at the CSU Spur campus at the National Western Center (4817 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216).

The Exceptional Rodeo, which takes place during the National Western Stock Show, will be hosted as an adaptive rodeo and equestrian experience that provides Denver children with special needs the opportunity to be a cowboy or cowgirl for the day.

In pursuance of inspiring youth participants, CSU is thrilled to announce a special appearance by renowned animal behaviorist, autism activist and professor of animal science, Temple Grandin. In addition to engaging with the youth at the Exceptional Rodeo, Grandin will share her new book “Visual Thinking” during a book signing and public appearance. Books will be available for purchase beginning at 1 p.m. The New York Times Bestselling Author, Grandin, will be available for book signings, photos and autographs from 2-3 p.m.

During the event, children will meet horses, interact with pro rodeo athletes and local and national rodeo royalty, ride mechanical or stationary horses and bulls, and learn how to throw a rope, among other activities. Additionally, exhibitors and spectators will enjoy a presentation from the patriotic drill team of Colorado Stars and Stripes and will be able to meet and get books signed by Grandin.

“This is a community outreach program that showcases Western heritage and the healing power of animals for all individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities,” said Adam Daurio, director of the Temple Grandin Equine Center at Colorado State University.

The Temple Grandin Equine Center hosts regular equine-assisted services in Fort Collins at CSU’s main campus and also at the CSU Spur campus at the National Western Center.

About CSU Spur

CSU Spur is a new, free educational year-round public destination in Denver focused on engaging K-12 students, families and visitors around food, water and health.

CSU Spur is a non-degree granting campus that showcases the work of the CSU System campuses: CSUCSU Pueblo and CSU Global. Spur is built upon the land-grant mission of access to education and the belief that students can be anything they want to be. To inspire students and visitors to engage in important world issues, CSU Spur will bring together scientists to collaborate, put science on-display and showcase career paths. The CSU Spur campus provides immersive learning experiences and cutting-edge research across three buildings: Vida, Terra and Hydro. Learn more at CSUSpur.org.