Be in the center of the action, volunteer at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo.
Colorado State University’s Temple Grandin Equine Center hosts the 40th annual Exceptional Rodeo on the Spur campus. January 17, 2023
Exceptional Rodeo for Exceptional Contestants!
Sunday, July 28 is Disability Awareness Day at the Fair
Developmental Pathways, celebrating 60 years of enriching lives and strengthening communities, is partnering with Douglas County Fair & Rodeo and CSU’s Temple Grandin Equine Center to celebrate Disability Awareness Day on Sunday, July 28 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
During this special day, the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo and Developmental Pathways will host two sessions of the Exceptional Rodeo, a unique experience for individuals with disabilities. Like a traditional rodeo, the event includes everything from roping and barrel racing with interactive props to riding a real mechanical bull and “Payday,” the hand-rocked bucking horse.
Providing confidence in tackling new opportunities is a big part of the Exceptional Rodeo produced by Director Adam Daurio of the Temple Grandin Equine Center in Denver. “It’s taking an environment they’ve not been part of before and welcoming them in,” Daurio said. “And then giving them just enough instruction so they can have some confidence and letting them do what they want to, allowing them to take the time to approach different obstacles.”
Contestants will try their hand at roping and riding, but the event is extra special because it allows participants to interact with real cowboys, cowgirls, and local rodeo queens who volunteer their time and attention.
Two Exceptional Rodeos sessions will be offered and will kick off with performances by the Stars & Stripes Drill Team and the Pikes Peak or Bust Rangerettes Drill Team. Additionally, a wheelchair-accessible horse-drawn carriage and miniature therapy horses will be on site.
Session #1: 12:15-1:30 PM
Session#2: 2:00-3:15 PM
Register Here!
About Developmental Pathways
Developmental Pathways (DP) has been a vital community-based support for individuals with disabilities since 1964. Today, DP proudly serves over 15,000 members of all ages and their families in Arapahoe, Douglas, and Elbert Counties. Learn more at: www.dpcolo.org