Media advisory: Exceptional Rodeo provides adaptive rodeo experience for children with special needs
Contact for reporters:
Allison Sylte
(720)-849-1907
Allison.Sylte@colostate.edu
Event contact:
Adam Daurio
(970)-237-2043
adam.daurio@colostate.edu
The Temple Grandin Equine Center at Colorado State University Spur will host the annual PRCA Exceptional Rodeo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18 – providing youth of all abilities the chance to have their very own rodeo experience.
The event will take place in the arena inside the Vida building at the National Western Center, which is located at 4817 National Western Dr., Denver, Colorado.
The Exceptional Rodeo, which takes place during the National Western Stock Show, is an adaptive rodeo and equestrian experience that provides Denver children with special needs the opportunity to be a cowboy or cowgirl for the day.
There will even be a special appearance by Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned animal behavioralist, autism expert and CSU professor of animal science.
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 trick ropers from the Westernaires.
“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 CSU.
The Temple Grandin Equine Center hosts regular equine assisted services in Fort Collins on CSU’s main campus as well as at CSU Spur.
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: CSU, CSU 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.