The Exceptional Rodeo
Daria Shorty, NTUA, Tuba City Chapter
My name is Daria Shorty, and I have been working with NTUA for nine years as an administrative assistant. Every year during fair time, we are invited by Ulanda Dugi, the coordinator for Diné Bii Association, to participate in the Exceptional Rodeo at the rodeo grounds. Our NTUA field crew and administrative staff are always willing to come out and help. We never hesitate because we enjoy being part of this event and seeing the happiness it brings to the participants and their families.
The purpose of the Exceptional Rodeo is to give individuals with special needs the opportunity to experience the same fun, excitement, and joy that others experience at a regular rodeo. Sometimes, individuals with special needs are left out of community events, and we want them to know they are included. They deserve the opportunity to participate, have fun, and make memories just like everyone else.
The idea behind the Exceptional Rodeo is to make sure these individuals have something special to look forward to during fair time. Through the work of Ulanda Dugi and Diné Bii Association, along with the support of organizations like NTUA, we can come together to make this event possible. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute and help create an experience where everyone feels welcome.
What makes this event so special is seeing the participants enjoy the different activities. NTUA provides opportunities for them to experience the bucking bull, roping, and barrel racing. Being able to hold the event on actual rodeo grounds, with music and the excitement of a real rodeo, makes the experience even more meaningful. We want every participant and family member to leave with happy memories and a story to share.
For us at NTUA, one of the most rewarding parts is knowing we helped make someone’s day special. I think about the participants going home and telling their families, “I rode a bull,” “I rode a horse,” or “I roped a calf today.” They get to share those memories and talk about how they experienced a rodeo for themselves. Knowing we helped create those moments gives us a humble feeling. It reminds us why we come back every year.
Being part of this event has also taught me how much love, patience, and dedication it takes to care for individuals with special needs. Families, caregivers, and service providers do so much to support them in their everyday lives. Many things we take for granted can require extra time, effort, and care for someone else. Seeing that dedication reminds me how much these individuals and the people who care for them deserve to be appreciated and supported. They deserve the world.
To me, inclusion means making sure everyone has the opportunity to participate in our communities. It means recognizing that individuals with special needs deserve the same happiness, experiences, and opportunities as anyone else. When we come together to support one another, we create a community where people feel valued and welcomed.
At NTUA, we are always happy to be part of the Exceptional Rodeo. We look forward to coming back each year because we know how much this event means to the participants and their families. Being able to give our time and help create these experiences is something we are proud of, and we hope to continue supporting this event for years to come.
