The Gilroy Rodeo is pleased to host this fun event and we invite you and your exceptional child to become a cowboy or cowgirl for a day. This event will be limited to 50 special needs Children receiving special needs education with an IEP or 504 plan or are home schooled, and/or receiving medical services between the age of 5 and 14 years old (as of August 2023) that reside in Gilroy, and nearby surrounding cities.
All applications must be received by 5:00 pm on July 28. Space is limited and may fill up before the deadline, so don't delay. Siblings without special needs are welcome to be spectators; however, they may not participate - No Exceptions. If you have more than one child with special needs, please complete a separate application for each child.
Saturday afternoon the Exceptional Kids Rodeo action is at the Gilroy Rodeo and begins with check in at 1:00pm followed by a full hour of special fun. This event is an experience of a lifetime for many of our young contestants and their families. Our hope is that the young contestants will create and cherish lasting memories and have fun.
Your day will start with your check-in, where your child will receive a T-shirt, a cowboy hat and a Rodeo Contestant back number. After check in, you will mosey up to the "Kids Corral Tent". We will hold a brief introduction and partner the contestant up with a "Howdy Partner" cowboy or cowgirl of all ages who will assist them with taking part in our specially designed rodeo activities. Families are more than welcome to tag along and watch and take pictures.
The hour long event will include steer roping using pretend steers, barrel racing using stick horses, and 8 second ride on a practice bucking barrel, and learn how to milk a cow, just some of the unique thrills our young exceptional rodeo partners will experience.
Youth contestants receive cowboy hats, a bandana, and other souvenirs to remember their special day at the Gilroy Rodeo's Exceptional Kids Rodeo.
To apply for participation in the Exceptional Kids Rodeo, click on the "Next" button at the bottom of this page and fill out and submit the online application.
If you have questions, please email: events@gilroyrodeo.com