Westernaires

Dr. Temple Grandin offers a powerful reminder in this conversation with Kaelynn Partlow: young people become interested in the things they have an opportunity to experience.

Her own interest in cattle began with a visit to her aunt’s ranch. That exposure opened a door: one that ultimately helped shape her education, her career, and her extraordinary contributions to animal science.

Westernaires is living proof of what can happen when young people are given a similar opportunity with horses.

Through horsemanship, our riders discover far more than a recreational activity. They encounter responsibility, teamwork, leadership, perseverance, craftsmanship, history, performance, animal care, and service to others. Some may go on to pursue careers in agriculture, veterinary medicine, animal science, equine management, education, or other related fields. Others will carry the confidence, discipline, friendships, and sense of belonging they developed here into entirely different walks of life.

Not every child will know where an experience may lead when it first begins. Sometimes, the first step toward a richer life -- or even a lifelong calling -- is simply having a place to encounter something new, pursue a growing interest, and discover what is possible.

That is why access matters. That is why opportunity matters. And that is why the Westernaires mission matters.

Thank you to Colorado State University, Dr. Temple Grandin, and Kaelynn Partlow for this meaningful conversation.

Westernaires Brings Full Arena Equestrian Extravaganza to Longmont Following Venue Relocation

Westernaires will bring its entire performance division to the Boulder County Fairgrounds for the Westernaires Full Arena Extravaganza, a two-hour equestrian production featuring:
• Precision mounted drill riding performed at speed
• World-class trick riding
• Roman riding and horse acrobatics
• Trick and fancy roping
• Liberty riding
• Colorful costumes, flags, music, and other specialty performances

This is not a competitive rodeo or conventional horse show. The performance is a fast-moving arena production combining horsemanship, athleticism, theatrical presentation, western heritage, and coordinated teamwork. Westernaires is proud to bring you their entire performance division in this production.

RELOCATION INFORMATION:
The August 16 performance was originally scheduled to take place in Evergreen. After recent storm damage made the original show arena unavailable, Westernaires relocated the complete production to the Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont.

ABOUT WESTERNAIRES:
Founded in 1949, Westernaires is a fully volunteer-run nonprofit youth horsemanship organization serving more than 1,000 young people ages 9 to 19. Through horsemanship and family participation, Westernaires fosters self-respect, responsibility, teamwork, and leadership while carrying forward the best traditions of the West.

Sunday, August 16, 2026
Show begins at 2:00 p.m.
Boulder County Fairgrounds
9595 Nelson Road
Longmont, CO 80501
The performance will take place in the outdoor arena. Grandstand seating is covered.

TICKETS: visit westernaires.org
• Adults: $15
• Children ages 5–14: $5
• Children age 4 and younger: Free
• Parking: Free
• Seating: General admission
• Online ticketing fees: None

Advance tickets are available at Westernaires.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the event, skip the line and purchase your tickets in advance!

Just one of the countless magic memories from an amazing excursion to the Sac County Fair and Rodeo this past week. We met many new friends, and appreciated all of the kindness shown. Thank you to The Sac News for capturing the performance!

Thanks to our friends at KDSN Radio for their awesome coverage and conversations with our Varsity Big Red Team, and in particular our graduating seniors at the Sac County Fair. We were honored to have the opportunity to travel to Sac County Iowa and perform for the amazing crowds at the fair!

Congratulations to our newest Westernaires Alumni Association members: Sophia, Parker, Reese, and Georgia. We loved watching you ride, and we cannot wait to see what's ahead in your next chapters in life.