USU Equine Program Provides Grand Entry at Paradise Rodeo

The Utah State University Equine Experience will be providing a Valor Detachment to perform a grand entry at the Porcupine Roundup rodeo in Paradise, Utah.

The grand entry will be 6:45 to 7:15 p.m. Aug. 22 at 9800 S. Highway 165. The mounted drill team is made up of veterans and active-duty military who are riding for veteran suicide awareness, which will be reflected in their grand entry performance. This will be their fifth event of the season.

According to Makenna Pahlke, equine-assisted services Extension assistant professor, the Valor Detachment was developed as a place for veterans to be themselves and find purpose through developing horsemanship. The team has members who are lifelong riders and others who lease horses from the Animal, Dairy, Veterinary Sciences Department and have only been riding for a few months.

“In just 6 months since its inception, the team has developed into an opportunity for peer mentorship, camaraderie and personal development,” she said.

USU Equine Experience programs are part of USU Extension’s mission and include adaptive riding for individuals with disabilities, military veteran horsemanship experiences, driving programs, equine-assisted learning activities and other services.

Follow the Valor Detachment on Facebook to learn about upcoming performances. For further information, contact Makenna Pahlke at makenna.pahlke@usu.edu.