11 Unusual Horse Terms

Zebroid

This is our list of unusual horse terms that you’ve probably heard, but don’t know what they mean. Have you heard of these terms?

  1. Broodmare—This is one of those horse terms you’ve probably heard a lot. It is another word for a mare or an adult female horse that is used for horse breeding.
  2. Cob—A stocky, rather small equine, or a large pony. Often a general description, but also applied to certain breeds such as the Welsh Cob. A bridle size designed for horses with small or short heads. Usually keeps a long browband and throatlatch to accommodate the wide forehead and jowls of cobs and other horses with somewhat wedge-shaped heads, such as the Arabian or the Morgan.
  3. Croup—The topline and immediate underlying musculature of the hindquarters. Runs from the tail to the loin, and from the point of the hip to the point of the buttock.
  4. Daisy Cutter—An equine that moves with long but low movement. Considered highly desirable in hunter-type horses.
  5. Damsire—The sire of the dam of a horse, analogous to the maternal grandfather in humans. Often known as the broodmare sire or maternal grandsire.
  6. Frog—A tough, rubbery, triangular part of the underside of a horse hoof that acts as a shock absorber for the horse’s foot and also assists in blood circulation of the lower leg.
  7. Jennet—A small, gaited equine of the Middle Ages, developed originally in Spain, used as a riding animal. Another word for a female donkey.
  8. Outlaw—This is one of those horse terms that horse owners love. It is a horse that is vicious or cannot be handled by humans.
  9. Quirt—Short-handled, flexible, weighted whip, of braided leather or rawhide, that is used by some Western-style riders.
  10. Typey—Slang for a horse that conforms to its breed standards, or type.
  11. Zebroid— Hybrid offspring of a zebra crossed on another equine, term includes the zorse, zony and zedonk. If you are looking for a horse property in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today.

10 Terms Only Horse Lovers Know

Horse Sand Roll

This is our list of horse terms that only horse lovers know. Have you heard of these terms? Many of these horse terms are about riding and eventing.

Horse Terms

  1. Amble—A general term for a range of four beat intermediate speed horse gaits. These gaits are approximately the speed of a trot or pace but far smoother to ride. Various terms for lateral ambling gaits, based on style, speed or rhythm of gait and breed of horse.
  2. Balking—When a horse refuses to move. Multiple causes, including disobedience, fright, and pain or injury.
  3. Bolting—When a horse suddenly runs away, with or without a rider. When a horse eats its feed too rapidly.
  4. Bucking—A behavior where the horse lowers its head and rapidly kicks its hind feet into the air.
  5. Canter—A three-beat horse gait, with both front and rear legs on one side landing further forward than those on the other side – see lead below.
  6. Counter Canter—A form of the canter where the equine is deliberately asked to canter on a curve with the outside leg leading, which is opposite of usual. Also known as galop faux, false canter, or counter lead. It is used to help build muscle and suppleness in a horse.
  7. Dressage—A classical form of equine training, involving the gradual training of the horse in stages. An Olympic level equine sport based on classical principles of horsemanship, involving taking tests designed to gauge the training level of horses in classical dressage.
  8. Hand—A measurement of the height of a horse. Originally taken from the size of a grown man’s hand but now standardized to 4 inches.
  9. Rearing—When a horse rises up on its hind legs.
  10. Sand Roll—A stall or yard covered with deep sand, which is used by horses to roll in after exercise.

Top 5 Most Expensive Homes in Colorado

Most Expensive Homes and Horse Properties in Colorado

It is no secret that Colorado has some of the biggest and most beautiful luxury homes in the country. Homes zoned for horses adds even more, with rustic flares and of course the land that comes along with it. The following is a list of the top 5 most expensive homes in the world (according to us!). Oh and don’t forget, all of these luxury homes are for sale at Colorado Horse Property.

1. Homes For Sale in Gateway, Colorado

Gateway Colorado is a testament to the great old Colorado life, though nowadays there is great cell phone coverage in the area and the community has access to the internet. Gateway has an old general store and is home to an auto museum. To the north lies The Palisade, a three-mile (4.8-km) long butte. Most notably, Gateway is home to the Gateway Canyons Resort, one of the most expensive homes in Colorado. This beautiful resort offers kayaking, off-road tours, guided fly-fishing, horseback riding, air tours and more. In the past, the resort  hosted several foot races each year and a large bike race.
Guess what? The Gateway Canyons Resort is for sale!

Gateway Canyons Resort

40275 Highway 141, Gateway, CO 81522

That’s right, with the price tag of $279,000,000, the Gateway Canyons Resort is the most expensive horse property on our list. According to the listing, there are tons of amenities that comes with that large ticket price. “The offering includes a full-service resort, in addition to West Creek Ranch – featuring an extraordinary residence and four unique parcels of land, all creating this unique destination where humanity can pause and contemplate its relationship with nature.

The main residence boasts more than 22,000 square feet of indoor living space and 3,500 square feet of covered verandas, with eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms on four levels. Also, Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa offers seventy-two rooms that house guests who seek a place to relax, reflect, and quench their curiosity. The resort features exceptional lodging, dining, outfitting, educational programs, outdoor adventures, and the world-class Gateway Colorado Auto Museum. For more information about this extraordinary offering, please visit GatewayCanyonsProperties.com.”
Listing By: Listed by Kerry Endsley, LIV Sotheby’s International Realty.

2. Homes For Sale in Edwards, Colorado

This next horse property is not a full resort and spa, but it is in the town of Edwards Colorado, which is only 4 miles to Beaver Creek Resort, a ski resort with beautiful white slopes. Edwards offers a modern downtown area that was built next to the Eagle River, which is full of popular fishing spots. Downtown Edwards is called Riverwalk, and boasts many shops, restaurants and businesses. The motto for Riverwalk is “Live, Work, Play”, meaning residents can do all three downtown. Edwards is also a popular camping spot because of its proximity to Sylvan Lake, which has over fifty campsites, and the National Forest.

Edwards Colorado Horse Property

25 Casteel Creek Rd, Edwards, CO 81632

Home much will it cost you to live in this fantastic horse property? Casteel Creek has a price of $78,000,000. According to the listing, there are tons of amenities that comes with that large ticket price. “Experience the best of Vail Valley without ever leaving home at majestic Casteel Creek Retreat a 439-acre retreat nestled between Edwards, Beaver Creek Ski Resort, and Vail Mountain Club. Also, it borders 2 million acres of White River National Forest with snowcapped views of the Gore Range. 32,000 sq. ft. main home has 8 en suites, elevators, theater, pool, hot tub, gym and spa.

Also on-site are 3 apartments, 1 caretakers apartment, 2 guest homes and 2 cabins with a total of 21 bedrooms and 34 bathrooms. Can build 5 additional homes! Extensive water rights, 12+ miles of groomed paths for snowmobiles, skiing, horseback riding, hiking, and biking. Plus, a recreation building with 5 story rock climbing wall, shooting range, Olympic lap pool and Teppanyaki grille. Offering includes 12 high-performance snowmobiles, 3 ATVS, stocked trout pond, tubing hill, soccer field, indoor arena, on-site gas station, spots for helipad and meeting rooms. Fully-staffed, furnished, and turnkey.”
Listing By: Listed by Kerry Endsley, LIV Sotheby’s International Realty.

3. Homes For Sale in Meeker, Colorado

Our next horse property can be found in the beautiful Meeker, Colorado. Meeker is largely an agricultural community, located in the wide fertile valley of the White River. This winding river flows west, then northwest, past Meeker (site of the White River Museum), and across the broad valley between the Danforth Hills on the north and the Roan Plateau on the south. Northwest of the town of Meeker you will find the Colorow Mountain States Wildlife Area, where there is camping, hunting, hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing on the 1500-acre park.

Meeker Colorado Horse Property

22110 County Road 8, Meeker, CO 81641

This is one of the most expensive homes in Meeker. It is right in the middle of all outdoor wonders, so that  you can enjoy the beauty that is the river, the mountains, and the forest from the comfort of your home. And with a price tag of $46,000,000, there are plenty rooms to enjoy these views from! “Westlands is one of Colorado’s premier mountain recreational and retreat properties. Within its 4,603± deeded acres is some of the finest private river fishing in the mountain states, excellent big game hunting, bird hunting, an exquisite owner’s home and guest quarters, extensive support buildings, four hole Greg Norman designed golf course, tennis court and immaculately maintained grounds.

Located in the treasured White River valley in Colorado’s western slope near Meeker, Westlands has hosted many distinguished guests, from CEO’s of large corporations to well-known dignitaries, political figures and celebrities. Also, Westlands has been carefully developed and nurtured over the last 30 years by its owner who has spared no expense and whose fine eye for detail has created a family and business retreat that is unrivaled.”
Listing By: Listed by Brian Smith, Hall and Hall Partners LLP.

4. Homes For Sale in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

If you enjoy skiing, then this next horse property is going to be your favorite! Number four on our list of most expensive properties in Colorado is located in Steamboat Springs. The city is an internationally known winter ski resort destination. Steamboat Springs is home to the Steamboat Ski Resort on Mount Werner and the smaller Howelsen Hill Ski Area. Horseback riders will also love Steamboat Springs. This town is located in the upper valley of the Yampa River, just west of the Continental Divide and Rabbit Ears Pass and is full of horseback riding trails for residents to enjoy.

Steamboat Springs

46600 CR 129, Steamboat Springs

Coming in at just under $40,000,000, this horse property has one of the most expensive homes in Steamboat Springs. “Big Creek Ranch is approximately 4,850 acres of pristine ranch land. This ranch checks off nearly every box a legacy ranch buyer has: prime big game hunting, outstanding fishing along Big Creek, public land boundary, smart improvements and close proximity to a major resort area. Over 80% of the boundary is shared with the Routt National Forest and the setting is nothing short of spectacular. Tucked in its own private valley, the house provides the ideal space for large family or corporate gatherings.

The cold, high mountain and richly oxygenated waters of Big Creek flow through the ranch for over 6 miles; this is some of the best fishing you’ll find in the Rocky Mountain west. Steamboat Springs, with its famous slopes, great dining and boutique shopping, is a only a few minutes’ drive on paved, year-round county roads. Big Creek Ranch is arguably the finest large acreage ranch within 10 miles of a major resort area on the market today.”
Courtesy of: Christy Belton, RANCH AND RESORT REALTY.

5. Homes For Sale in Cherry Hills Village, Colorado

Our last luxury home for sale in Colorado can be found in Cherry Hills Village. This is one of the most expensive homes in Cherry Hills Village. There are over 30 miles of trails in this beautiful town. Cherry Hills Village also has 47 acres of park lands, and boasts two horse areas. The city is also the home of the exclusive Cherry Hills Country Club, where seven USGA championships and two PGA championships were held. The club features a championship 18-hole golf course and a 9-hole par three golf course. It also has a lap pool and eight tennis courts. Cherry Hills Village is also a great place to raise a family because it has some of the most prestigious schools in the country. These include St. Mary’s Academy, Kent Denver School, and the Cherry Hills Village Elementary School.

Cherry Hills Village

8 Cherry Hills Park Dr, Cherry Hills Village

Considerable cheaper than the Gateway Canyons Resort, this horse property is a steal at $19,750,000. “Words do not adequately describe the splendor of this incredible property. Amazing entertainment options in a resort setting. Although grand in scale it is also a home for family and friends to comfortably share life and love.

Also, it has tiled rug and skylight in the gathering room imported from Italy and England. Conservatory imported from England; Awesome great room surrounded by walls of doors opening to pool and entertaining courtyards; wine grotto boasts cigar lounge; Beautiful secondary bedroom suites appointed with sitting areas and fireplaces; professional wellness studio includes racquet ball court; two lane regulation bowling plus golf simulator; Gardens and grounds are nothing less than phenomenal with multiple fountains and waterfalls; changing rooms off pool; Two bed/four bath guest cottage. Visit www.8CherryHillsParkDrive.com.”
Listing By: Listed by Sandy Weigand, KENTWOOD REAL ESTATE DTC, LLC.

Horse Properties in Aurora Colorado

Aurora Colorado

Moving is one of the most stressful things that you can do in your lifetime. Moving with horses is exponentially harder. There aren’t many realtors out there that know the ins and outs of buying/selling a horse property. That’s why Colorado Horse Properties has horse-people realtors that can help. One of the most spacious and beautiful areas in Colorado to own a horse property is in the city of Aurora. Also, Aurora is the third most populous city is Colorado. Aurora has a lot to offer anyone looking for a place to settle down in their very own horse property. The City’s slogan is “worth discovering.” There are so many places to go and things to see you couldn’t do them all in a day.

Aurora Colorado

Aurora is the home of the Aurora Fox Arts Center. This is an award winning professional theater company operated by the city of Aurora’s Cultural Services Division. Aurora was originally built in 1946. Also, Aurora is a member of Actors’ Equity Association, Small Professional Theater Tier One. Aurora is the home of the Aurora Symphony Orchestra. Also, The Aurora Symphony offers a myriad of musical opportunities for children of all ages in their young musicians program. All the members of the orchestra have a strong commitment to arts education in the community. Through this they hope to develop better citizens and a life-long love of music. Also, Aurora Colorado is the proud home of the Aurora University.

Otherwise known as the University of Colorado in Aurora, this unit of higher education is unmatched to other schools in the area. The following is a statement on the university’s website. The University of Colorado is a public research university with multiple campuses serving Colorado, the nation, and the world through. There is a focus on leadership in education, professional training, public service, advancing research and knowledge, and health care.

Preventing Horse Lyme Disease

horse lyme disease prevention

Equine Lyme Disease Prevention

Before reading, consider checking out our previous articles on Defining Equine Lyme Disease and Testing for Equine Lyme Disease. It is not an easy thing to care for a horse that has developed problems due to this disease. Horses that have developed neurological problems and uveitis tend to have a poor recovery. Very few horses with neurological signs are treated successfully. Unfortunately, most horses with uveitis lose their vision. No horse owner should have to go through that. This is why it is so important to prevent your horse from contracting the disease.

Lyme disease prevention consists of environmental management and controlling the risk of exposure. Mow all tall grasses, clear shrubs and bushes, and remember to keep your horses out of forests and woodland. Using fences to keep out animals carrying ticks is not always enough. Deer often transport ticks to horses, even if they do not have access to your pasture. Consider using feeding stations with insecticide-laden rubbing posts to treat deer for ticks that wander near your property. Also, use mulch between the woods and your pasture to create a buffer like a moat around a castle.

The Best Prevention Method is Simple

Regular grooming and careful tick removal is the best prevention method for equine Lyme disease. This helps prevent ticks from staying attached to horses long enough to transmit the disease. Remember to be careful when removing ticks from your horse to ensure that it does not survive and latch onto you instead. Also, apply a tick preventive such as a Permethrin spray to deter ticks from latching onto horses in the first place. Also, some veterinarians do administer a canine Lyme disease vaccine. Are you looking for a horse property in Colorado? Don’t settle for a regular realtor that doesn’t have experience with horses. Contact one of our horse-person realtors today.

Testing for Equine Lyme Disease

testing for equine lyme disease

Does My Horse Have Lyme Disease?

Detecting and diagnosing equine Lyme disease can be very challenging. There is little to no scientific literature on the subject and therefore a lack of an experimental model for equine infection. Also, a positive lab test is not definitive enough to lead to a positive Lyme disease diagnosis. Because of this, equine Lyme disease is often over diagnosed. Though, you should still get your horse tested. However, lab results show the horse has been exposed to the disease at some point and has produced antibodies against it. With all these problems with diagnosis, here are a few sure-fire steps to figure out if your horse has the infection:

  1. First of all, is your horse is located in an area where Lyme disease is prevalent?
  2. Also, look for the clinical signs consistent with Lyme disease. You can find them in our article Defining Horse Lyme Disease.
  3. You might have to rule out other causes of the clinical signs your horse is showing. These signs tend to overlap with many other equine diseases.
  4. If your horse is in a Lyme Disease region and is showing common clinical signs of the disease that cannot be attributed to something else, then have your horse tested.

Testing Methods

Laboratory tests consist of blood and tissue testing from the affected area. Veterinarians test horse blood in several different ways. These include the indirect fluorescent antibody test, Western blot test, or whole cell immunology. However, blood testing alone can be inconclusive without tissue testing. The broad-spectrum tetracycline and similar antibiotics are the most commonly used drugs to treat equine Lyme disease. For more information check out our other articles on Lyme diseases in horses. Are you looking for a horse property in Colorado? Don’t settle for a regular realtor that doesn’t have experience with horses. Contact one of our horse-person realtors today.

Photo by Lucas Vasques on Unsplash.

Lyme Disease In Horses

Lyme disease in horses

Lyme Disease in Horses

Horses are exposed to many things because they are large mammals that spend most of their days out in the elements. Unfortunately, one of these things is diseases. You have probably heard about Lyme disease. It is transmitted by ticks to humans, cats, and dogs. You might not know however, that this disease can also affect horses. In humans, infections can lead to a wide range of clinical signs, including rashes, arthritis, and cardiac issues. For our house pets, Lyme disease can cause problems with the kidneys. Lyme disease in horses causes neurological issues, uveitis (eye inflammation), muscle atrophy, and behavioral changes, just to name a few.

In Colorado and other western states, Lyme disease is carried by the Western black-legged tick. These ticks have a two-year life cycle and feed on the blood of mammals to survive. Adult ticks are more active in the spring and fall. They climb to the top of the grass when temperatures rise above 40°F. When horses lie down in the grass or walk through tall grass, their hair brushes up against the leaves. This is typically how a tick attaches to the horse.

Equine Lyme Disease

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (or the CDC), reports that black-legged ticks are endemic in 14 states in the Midwest and along the East Coast. These areas have a cooler climate, therefore humans and house pets are unlikely to get the disease. Also, their geographical range appears to be expanding. However, horses live primarily outdoors, and are naturally at a higher risk of contracting Lyme disease.. In fact, horses might be more widely exposed to the disease than we realize. For information on equine Lyme disease, stay tuned for more upcoming articles on our blog. Are you looking for a horse property in Colorado? Don’t settle for a regular realtor that doesn’t have experience with horses. Contact one of our horse-person realtors today.

Photo by bradley on Unsplash.

Horse Properties in Strasburg CO

Strasburg CO

Homes For Sale in Strasburg CO

If you are looking to relocate to a small quiet town with your horses, Strasburg CO could be the right place for you. Strasburg is between the city of Denver and the high plains of Adams County. This agricultural community is rightfully cherished. Its 1,400 townspeople appreciate open fields, a simpler lifestyle, good schools and caring neighbors. Enjoy the comforts of living within driving distance of the city, with less noise, traffic, and bustle at home.

There are many developed areas in and around Strasburg where you may find available horse properties. These include Wolf Creek Farms and Coyote Ridge, and houses for sale in areas such as Strasburg East, Autumn Ridge, TC Estates, Comanche Crossing, Hutton Estate and Headlight Mile Road Estates. With so many options, Colorado Horse Property is here to show you what is actually available at any given time. If you need help in your search, contact one of our horse-person realtors today.

Strasburg CO

Besides its beautiful countryside, Strasburg is an important part of American history. Strasburg CO is the place where the last spike was driven to complete the Trans Continental Railroad. There is still a railroad depot in Strasburg as a reminder of the past. The depot is part of the Comanche Crossing Historical Society and Museum. The Comanche Crossing Historical Society and Museum also includes an old school, period house and additional display buildings.

Even though the town is small, Strasburg features a few shops, some casual sit-down restaurants, and beautiful parks. Denver isn’t the only thing within a short drive. There are several recreational facilities outside of town, including Barr Lake State Park. Barr Lake State Park is ideal for boating, fishing, bird watching and camping. You could also go to the Aurora Reservoir. The Aurora Reservoir includes a scuba-diving area, where a sunken twin-engine airplane can be viewed.

Horse Properties in Arvada CO

Horse Properties in Arvada CO

City of Arvada

There are many horse properties for sale in Colorado. Colorado Horse Property alone has over 3,000 listings to choose from. With so many great locations, it can be hard to start your search. A great place to look from horse properties for sale is Arvada Colorado. Arvada CO is in Jefferson and Adams counties, and a part of the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metropolitan area. Therefore, this city has a great mix of urban and rural life that accommodates horses as well as their owners. In other words, you will have the space to care for your horses and then not have to drive a ton to get to civilization.

Arvada is the seventh most populous city in Colorado. The Olde Town Arvada historic district is only 7 miles away from the Colorado State Capitol in Denver. In fact, many horse owners work in Denver and are still able to go home to a quiet life with their horses. Check out our listings in Arvada today.

Arvada CO Attractions

Arvada CO, is full of things to do. For the horse owners, you can visit the famous Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities. Also, their is the Cussler Museum, which boasts a rare automobile collection. For the horses, their are many equine trails in the area they can benefit from. Most noteworthy of these trails follow beautiful creeks and canals. They are also Regional in nature, linking to other cities and counties outside Arvada’s boundaries. Popular trails include Ralston Creek Trail, Van Bibber Trail, and Little Dry Creek Trail. Arvada is also home to Rocky Mountain Horse Rescue and Iron Gait Ranch.

Arvada Weather

The city of Arvada has just the right climate for rearing horses. The average high temperature in Arvada is in 88 degrees Fahrenheit in July. Average low temperatures occur in January at 16 degrees Fahrenheit. The average precipitation is approximately 15.6 inches per year.

WZ Ranch and Colorado Horse Boarding

Horse Boarding

Colorado Horse Boarders

Looking for a home is not easy. Finding the perfect area for you and your family will depend on many factors. Add a few horses into the mix and that search just got a lot harder. Finding the property with the right stable and pasture spaces can be difficult. Your friends at Colorado Horse Property suggest the best way to see if an area is suited for your horses is to bring them into the area. When searching for a new house, don’t you like to take a look at it first? Well, the same can be said for your horses. For a lot of horse owners, this could be an impossible task. Searching for a new home is hard enough for you and your family. Having to worry about hauling your horses up and down the state of Colorado puts stress on you and your horses. This is where a specialized horse boarding facility can benefit you.

There are many options for horse boarding services in Colorado. When choosing where to board your horse, ask yourself “what is important to me when looking for horse boarding near me?” Does your horse like to graze? Do you and your horse need ample trail riding nearby? Do you need access to a round pen or arena for training? If you said yes to these questions, then WZ Ranch is the overnight and short-term boarding facility you’ve been looking for.

WZ Ranch

WZ Ranch, a unique boarding facility accommodating traveling and relocating horsemen, is run by Tom and Phyllis Ellis. If regular overnight horse boarding facilities are horse hotels, WZ Ranch is the horse Hilton! Located just off of I-25 between Colorado Springs and Denver, WZ Ranch has everything you and your horses need. The ranch boasts grand indoor stalls, paddocks with loafing sheds, indoor and outdoor runs, a round pen, a large indoor arena, and several grazing pastures as well.

The Ellis team moved to the Palmer Divide from Texas with the dream of offering spacious, clean, and safe spaces for horses traveling through Colorado. You will definitely want to pick their brains, since they have thirty years of experience with horses and the rodeo circuit. They can also connect you with the best clinicians, veterinarians, and farriers in the area. To make things more convenient for you while looking for your Colorado horse property, WZ Ranch offers LQ-RV pads with hookups so you don’t need to be away from your horses while searching for the perfect Colorado horse property. The Spruce Meadows and Greenland Open Space equestrian trailheads are only a few minutes away. For more details, visit the WZ Ranch website. If you need help looking for a horse property for sale, contact one of our horse-person realtors today. Also, check out our local resources page for more information on the horse services that Colorado has to offer.

WZ Ranch Photos

Taken by Colorado Horse Property with permission from Tom and Phyllis Ellis of WZ Ranch.