Newsletter - October 2022

Colorado State University, Temple Grandin Equine Center

Fort Collins, CO

Horses for Hope, Healing, and Treatment

Written By: Andy Stepp, AIA Architect, Laboratory Planner \ Senior Principal

When Clark & Enersen was selected by Colorado State University (CSU) to design the new Temple Grandin Equine Center (TGEC), our team members knew how important this facility was, not only to CSU, but also to those who provide hope, healing, and treatment. The TGEC celebrates and elevates the horse’s role in society through the physical and emotional benefits of serving those in need. The services provided within this facility integrate research and education for the betterment of horses and humans alike.

Studies have shown that horses are empowering therapy animals for people with autism, posttraumatic stress disorder, special needs, or dementia. Individuals who face neurodevelopmental, physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges receive care from licensed occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychotherapists, and speech-language pathologists in the newly designed 28,000-square-foot facility.

In order to meet the diverse needs of the facility’s users, our team approached the design process with three key components in mind:

Animal Health

Horses are fascinating animals, as beautiful and powerful as they are fragile and finnicky. It is those qualities that make designing equine facilities particularly challenging, as special attention must be paid to features that reduce stress and provide comfort for these animals. All horses are different, and some find new environments and expectations on how to interact with participants stressful. Whether a horse is arriving from a previous home as a retired show horse, or perhaps from a life of neglect, making them feel as comfortable as possible is a key consideration.

This process begins in the barn area, which features 10 individual stalls, a feed room, wash bays, tack room, and a grooming area. The interior of the building provides a soothing, calming effect for the animals, which helps keep them safe when moving from the barn to the mounting area and arena. Nonslip flooring throughout the facility is sealed for traction and cleanliness. The finishes and color palette in the barn area are designed to help the animals with depth perception while eliminating changes in ground color to aid in safe animal handling.

Human Health

The Temple Grandin Equine Center is home to CSU’s Equine-Assisted Services (EAS) initiative. The program utilizes horses for the betterment of individuals with varying backgrounds and abilities. Inside the facility, a number of spaces were specially designed so that licensed professionals can provide proper care to EAS program participants.

Due to the specialized interactions and unique circumstances of those receiving therapy, it was essential that every component of the facility was designed with EAS in mind. The focal point of the facility is the 14,735-square-foot arena, which features a mounting area with a PATH-compliant mounting ramp. The special horse mounting system and harness help ensure that the mounting process is as safe as possible for humans and animals alike.

The building also houses clinical space and a therapy room that is separate from the arena. The area includes a climbing wall, swings, games, and a mechanical horse that can be used to help riders build strength, balance, and confidence before riding a real horse in the arena.

Education and Therapy Research

Through meetings with CSU and TGEC stakeholders, it was clear that a main focus of the new center would be on education and therapy research. The facility needed to be a place where students could receive hands-on learning while also having opportunities to participate in internships.

The center was designed with a large viewing area where students can observe therapies taking place inside the arena. The openness of the building provides students the opportunity to engage with those using the facility, emphasizing their critical role in the program. Additionally, 2,500 square feet of classroom space is included for courses, including principles of teaching therapeutic riding; facility management; and equine behavior, assessment, evaluation, care, and training.

Students from various fields of study are able to use the space. From science and animal behavior, to physical, occupational, and speech therapy, to mental health counseling and adaptive and traditional horsemanship lessons, the center encourages communication and cross-disciplinary work between CSU science departments.

The new Temple Grandin Equine Center was a catalyst project for the Colorado State University South Campus, and momentum continues to build for programs that have expanded into the recently-completed Vida building on the CSU Spur Campus at the National Western Center in Denver. Our team of specialized animal facility designers collaborated with CSU stakeholders to design this new facility that houses 15 horses who participate in 250 therapy sessions each week.

We are proud of our affiliation with Colorado State University and Temple Grandin and wish them continued success as equine assisted therapy programs grow throughout the nation.

Employee Spotlight

Christian Denton EI Mechanical Engineer

Q: How has the firm impacted you in your life?

A: Some of the most inspiring work I have been a part of is the equine therapy work at the Temple Grandin Equine Center and Vida at the National Western Center. The trainers who work with these horses help many people of all ages. It’s really cool to see the positive impact the horses and trainers can have on those in need.

Q: Any favorite hobbies or activities?

A: I play on a sand volleyball and outdoor soccer team, and enjoy playing pretty much any sport. I also love spending time outside and staying active with my dog, Cooper.

Kate Penning AIA, NCARB Architect, Associate

Q: How has the firm impacted you in your life?

A: The firm has given me the opportunity to develop and become more confident as an architect. I appreciate all the trust and responsibility my managers and team are willing to give. It’s exciting to see the firm grow and push each other to be better and better each project.

Q: Favorite place to visit or best vacation?

A: I love Costa Rica! My husband and I got married in Costa Rica in 2018 and we recently bought a vacation home with some friends there. We love the laidback culture, beaches, jungles, and wild life!

Jamie Mahoney PE Mechanical Engineer, Associate Principal

Q: Share a story about something that happened in the office that you will never forget.

A: I’ll never forget when the mechanical team dominated the office holiday decoration contest with our synchronized light show. While there were concerns about overloading our medium voltage transformer due to the quantity of lights, we trucked on and left everyone in awe.

Q: Favorite place to visit or best vacation?

A: My wife and I love to go to Puerto Vallarta and plan to take the whole family there this winter. The weather is great, it’s affordable, and the small towns like Sayulita and Bucerias have great food.