201: Temple Grandin Equine Center

The below content replicates the content of the physical exhibit at CSU Spur. It can be used for reference, language translation, and additional accessibility.

201A

Dr. Temple Grandin

Dr. Temple Grandin is a world-renowned animal scientist, professor at Colorado State University, and a leading advocate for those with autism. As a young child, Temple had all the symptoms of severe autism. Through early intensive therapy, her mother’s encouragement, and involvement from teachers and mentors, Temple thrived.

Image Caption: Dr. Grandin has written many books, including The New York Times best sellers Animals in TranslationThinking in PicturesThe Autistic Brain, and The Way I See It. In 2010, HBO made a movie about her life titled Temple Grandin

201B

“Horses saved my life.  They were my salvation.”—Temple Grandin

Human-Animal Bond…A Healing Relationship

Temple was bullied as a child for having autism but found comfort and purpose when she started working at her school’s barn caring for horses. She remembers the happiness of her daily rides on a horse named Bay Lady. “Horses gave me a purpose in life. I learned responsibility and developed self-pride. Being with horses is where I met friends. The barn was a refuge.” Temple promotes the benefits of equine-assisted services for others with special challenges through the Temple Grandin Equine Center.

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Temple’s love of horses led to her fascination with cattle and other animals, resulting in research and science that created a more humane way to handle livestock animals and ensure their welfare.

201C

Equine-Assisted Services

The Temple Grandin Equine Center at CSU focuses on research, education, and outreach in equine (or horse) assisted services. Equine-assisted services incorporate horses to promote human well-being and include Therapy Services (incorporating horses and the equine environment into professional therapy practices, such as physical or occupational therapy); Equine-Assisted Learning Services (promoting the development of life skills for educational, professional, and personal goals); and Horsemanship Services (focusing on teaching the skills necessary for being around, riding, and caring for horses).

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When people watch Equine Assisted Services happening, it’s easy to understand the benefit horses bring to the world. By working with horses in this way, the Temple Grandin Equine Center is helping to increase respect for horses and showcase their role in society.

JOCELYN HITTLE

Associate Vice Chancellor for CSU Spur & Special Projects, CSU System

Jocelyn Hittle is primarily focused on helping to create the CSU System’s new Spur campus at the National Western Center, and on supporting campus sustainability goals across CSU’s campuses. She sits on the Denver Mayor’s Sustainability Advisory Council, on the Advisory Committee for the Coors Western Art Show, and is a technical advisor for the AASHE STARS program.

Prior to joining CSU, Jocelyn was the Associate Director of PlaceMatters, a national urban planning think tank, and worked for the Orton Family Foundation. She has a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton, and a Masters in Environmental Management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.

Jocelyn grew up in Colorado and spends her free time in the mountains or exploring Denver.

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TONY FRANK

Chancellor, CSU System

Dr. Tony Frank is the Chancellor of the CSU System. He previously served for 11 years as the 14th president of CSU in Fort Collins. Dr. Frank earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Wartburg College, followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Illinois, and a Ph.D. and residencies in pathology and toxicology at Purdue. Prior to his appointment as CSU’s president in 2008, he served as the University’s provost and executive vice president, vice president for research, chairman of the Pathology Department, and Associate Dean for Research in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He was appointed to a dual role as Chancellor in 2015 and became full-time System chancellor in July 2019.

Dr. Frank serves on a number of state and national boards, has authored and co-authored numerous scientific publications, and has been honored with state and national awards for his leadership in higher education.

Dr. Frank and his wife, Dr. Patti Helper, have three daughters.

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