Fireproofing Your Horse Barn

Posted on September 29, 2023 by blogeditor

Colorado is known for its dry climate. In fact, much of Colorado is designated as a high desert. Dry climates are a recipe for fires and Colorado has seen its fair share of this type of disaster. Horse owners have a lot at stake when it comes to facing fires. However, there are many things you can do to prevent fires from starting in your stables. Continue reading for some tips on fireproofing your horse barn. Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.

Tips on Fireproofing Your Horse Barn

There are several precautionary measures you can implement to reduce the risk of a fire starting in your horse barn. Firstly, ensure that any heat lamps or space heaters you use are positioned at a safe distance from flammable materials. Make sure to place these heating devices on stable, non-tipping surfaces. In terms of electrical safety, refrain from using extension cords within your barn. Regularly inspect your wiring for any signs of damage, and ensure that all electrical equipment is explicitly labeled for agricultural or commercial use. Installing protective covers for your lightbulbs is essential to shield them from dust, moisture, and breakage.

Since feed, hay, and straw are highly combustible, store them separately from your horses, ideally in a separate space or building. It is advisable to designate your barn as a smoke-free zone, following the guidance of your local fire department. Additionally, ensure that all individuals working in the barn know the proper use of fire extinguishers to swiftly respond to potential emergencies. If you need help fireproofing your barn or horse stables, contact your local fire department. Ask them if they have any resources that you can use to prevent a fire in your stables.

Wild Horses Are Good For The Environment

Posted on September 29, 2023 by blogeditor

Did you know that wild horses are good for the environment? Wild horses, also known as mustangs in North America, play a vital role in promoting environmental health and biodiversity. Firstly, these magnificent creatures help control plant overgrowth through their grazing habits. By consuming various types of vegetation, wild horses can prevent the dominance of certain plant species. This promotes the growth of various plants. This natural grazing behavior can prevent the spread of invasive plant species. It also contributes to the overall balance of the ecosystem. Continue reading for more information. Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.

How Are Wild Horses Good For The Environment?

Wild horses help disperse seeds, inadvertently aiding in the regeneration of plant life. As they search for food and water, they carry seeds in their fur and digestive tracts. These seeds are subsequently deposited throughout their range. This assists in the natural reseeding of native plants and contributing to the overall biodiversity of the region. The presence of wild horses can enhance the landscape’s resilience to environmental changes. Their activities, such as digging for water in dry riverbeds or wallowing in mud holes, create small-scale disturbances that can serve as microhabitats for a variety of other wildlife. These disturbances can increase the overall habitat diversity and provide opportunities for smaller animals, birds, and insects to thrive in these unique niches.

In summary, wild horses play a valuable role in maintaining the health and diversity of their native ecosystems. Through their grazing habits, seed dispersal, and habitat modification, they contribute to the ecological balance and resilience of their environments, making them an integral part of the natural landscape. Efforts to protect and manage wild horse populations should take into account their positive impact on the environment and the broader ecological benefits they provide. Colorado is home to a bustling wild horse population.

What Does “Equine” Mean?

Posted on September 29, 2023 by blogeditor

The word “equine” has its origins in Latin. It is derived from Latin meaning “pertaining to a horse”. The Latin word “equus” means “horse”. It is often used in English and other languages to describe things related to horses and horse-like creatures. Continue reading for more information on how we use this word in English. Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.

Answering The Question: What Does “Equine” Mean?

Equines include a relatively small number of species compared to some other animal families. There are three extant (currently living) equine species commonly recognized—horses, donkeys, and zebras. Horses are the most domesticated equine species. They come in various breeds. We use them for various purposes, including riding, racing, work, and companionship. Donkeys, also known as asses, are closely related to horses. Horses are hardy animals and we use them in agriculture and transportation, especially in regions with challenging terrain. Most people recognize zebras for their distinctive black and white striped coat patterns. There are several species of zebras, including the plains zebra, mountain zebra, and more. Unlike horses and donkeys, we typically find zebras in the wild. In other words, humans have not domesticated them to the same extent as other equines.

The term “equine” is also an adjective that pertains to or relates to horses, donkeys, and other animals of the horse family. It describes characteristics, attributes, or things associated with these animals. Equine anatomy refers to the study of the physical structure and body parts of horses and related animals. There is also equine behavior is the field of study that explores the behavior patterns, social interactions, and psychology of horses and equids. Equine industry is a term that describes the collective businesses and activities related to horses, including horse breeding, racing, riding, and more. Another big term is equine medicine. This is a branch of veterinary medicine, specifically for the health and medical care of horses and related species.

Colorado Stargazing

Posted on August 23, 2023 by blogeditor

Due to Denver’s elevated altitude and arid climate, enthusiasts of the night sky can relish enhanced visibility. It is truly the premier urban center for stargazing. As a result, don’t forget to include these five stargazing spots in the vicinity of Denver on your must-visit list. Two of the best place near Denver for stargazing is the Red Rocks Amphitheater and Lookout Mountain Park. Continue reading for more information about these Colorado stargazing locations. Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.

Popular Colorado Stargazing Locations

Red Rocks Amphitheater offers more than just live performances and morning hikes; it’s also an excellent location for stargazing. Situated just a 25-minute drive away from Denver, some residual city light pollution exists. However you can still savor impressive views of the nighttime heavens while soaking in the splendor of Red Rocks. You can check out the Red Rocks website for upcoming performances this September throughout the rest of the year.

Located in Golden, Lookout Mountain Park, which is roughly a 35-minute drive from Denver, not only treats you to sweeping panoramas of the nearby terrain but also provides an unobstructed vantage point for observing the celestial expanse. Along Lookout Mountain Road or within the Lookout Mountain Park parking area, you can find suitable parking spots. This park gazes upon towering peaks in the northern direction and offers views of both the city of Golden and downtown Denver towards the east. Notably, both observation points are accessible to wheelchairs.

Rocky Mountain Elk

Posted on August 23, 2023 by blogeditor

As late August transitions into September, the Colorado elk’s mating season commences. The prime locations to witness this animal are the town of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Here, Mother Nature’s spectacle unfolds in all its grandeur. Male elks shed their velvet, sharpening their antlers. They use their antlers to fight other males, all in pursuit of a female partner. Continue reading to find out more about Elk and Elk Fest. Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Festival

The resonant bugling calls of male elks, audible from miles away, pierce the air as they beckon potential mates. The expansive grassy meadows within the park and even downtown Estes Park become the stage for these herds of elk. During the enchanting period affectionately known as “elktober,” encountering an elk becomes an almost certain occurrence. So beloved are these four-legged inhabitants that Estes Park orchestrates an annual affair, Elk Fest, to commemorate this special phase of the year. Typically taking place during the final weekend of September or the initial weekend of October, this event stands as a testament to the reverence for this remarkable time in nature.

Estes Park will host the 2023 Elk Fest from September 30th to October 1st. According to their website, “Celebrate Estes Park’s resident elk at Estes Park Elk Fest, a family-friendly festival in Bond Park (170 MacGregor Ave). Enjoy vendors, live music, food trucks, bugling contests, performances and more!” On both days, the festivities start at 10AM. Frequently, tourists observe wild elk both within the town and in the vicinity of Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s essential to bear in mind that elk are untamed creatures. Prioritize maintaining a safe distance, particularly in the presence of males (bulls) who might exhibit aggression as they protect their females (cows) from rival bulls during this season.

Popular Barn Types

Posted on August 23, 2023 by blogeditor

A barn is a versatile agricultural structure primarily found on farms. They serve a range of functions. In North America, we associate “barn” with buildings designed to shelter livestock such as cattle and horses. These structures also provide storage for equipment, feed, and often grains. Consequently, the term “barn” is frequently specified with various qualifiers, denoting specific uses. For example, there are tobacco barns, dairy barns, cow houses, sheep barns, and potato barns. Continue reading for some of the most popular barn types. Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.

The Most Popular Barn Types in Colorado

Throughout history, one of the barn styles that enjoyed considerable popularity was the threshing barn. Builders usually constructed these with a threshing floor, intended for the processing and safekeeping of cereals under dry conditions. Distinguished by its notable features, a threshing barn typically boasted sizable double doors situated at the center of one side, complemented by a smaller door on the opposite side. Storage space flanked both sides of the barn, accommodating both harvested and unprocessed cereal crops. The spacious larger doors permitted horse-drawn wagons to pass through, facilitating the transportation of crops.

More popular barn types include the Pole barn. This uncomplicated design involves erecting poles into the ground to serve as supports for a roof, and it can be configured with or without exterior walls. The distinguishing characteristic of the pole barn is its absence of a conventional foundation, which results in significantly reduced construction expenses. Originally intended for purposes such as sheltering livestock, storing hay, or housing equipment.

Women in Rodeo

Posted on August 23, 2023 by blogeditor

In many ways, American rodeo is a male-dominated sport. However, women have played a large part in it for a long time. The inaugural indoor rodeo event that welcomed women into its ranks took place in Texas in 1918. Swiftly, by 1920, women were making their mark as participants in various rodeo categories, including relay racing, rough stock riding, and even trick riding. The year 1928 saw a remarkable development: women’s competitive events were incorporated into a notable third of all rodeos. Continue reading for more information about the history of women in rodeo. Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.

The History of Women in Rodeo

However, as time progressed, the journey for women to participate in rodeo had its hurdles. Unfazed by the scarcity of opportunities, a group of women united in a hotel room in San Angelo, Texas. They aimed to revolutionize the treatment of women in this arena and secure a lasting place for them in the sport. This endeavor led to the establishment of the Girl’s Rodeo Association, comprising 74 dedicated members and approval for 60 tour events, marking a significant step forward in the history of women’s rodeo. Established by women, the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), with its headquarters situated in Colorado Springs, stands as the oldest women’s sports organization in the United States.

This year marks a significant milestone as the primary governing body for professional female rodeo athletes commemorates its 75th anniversary. The organization is celebrating the numerous accomplishments it has accomplished for cowgirls over the decades. Emerging from modest origins, the association has evolved into a powerhouse. It boasts a membership exceeding 3,000 individuals. It also orchestrates over 1,500 events and disburses prize money that has now exceeded the $5 million mark. The WPRA’s role extends as a catalyst for women across both the United States and Canada. They grant women everywhere opportunities to partake in timed events such as barrel racing, breakaway roping, and more.

Popular Draft Horse Breeds

Posted on July 31, 2023 by blogeditor

Draft horses have earned widespread acclaim for their robustness, stamina, and gentle disposition. These horses originated from demanding climates. Draft horse owners employed them for arduous manual labor tasks, such as plowing and hauling heavy loads. Despite their impressive muscularity and strength, most draft horses possess a docile temperament and exude a sense of tranquility. Breeders developed various breeds of draft horses, each specimen with its own unique qualities and characteristics. Continue reading to learn more about some of the most popular draft horse breeds. Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.

Most Popular Draft Horse Breeds

The Shire horse stands out as the largest breed among draft horses, originally hailing from regions in England such as Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and Hertfordshire. Initially deployed as war horses, they later found purpose in hauling heavy loads and supporting agricultural endeavors. Shires have a range of coat colors, including brown, bay, black, gray, and occasionally chestnut, though white spots or marks are considered undesirable in the breed. These magnificent creatures typically measure between 16.2 to 19 hands high and weigh a substantial 1,800 to 2,500 pounds. They boast muscular bodies, elegantly arched necks, distinctive Roman noses, and eye-catching feathering on their legs.

Percherons, one of the oldest draft horse breeds, trace their origins back to France, specifically the province of Le Perche. Initially serving as war horses, they later transitioned to become reliable partners in agricultural endeavors. The exact ancestry of Percherons is somewhat mysterious. However, experts believe that they bred from a combination of Flemish and Barb horses, with a possible influence of Arabian horses. Displaying distinct French draft horse features, Percherons possess a broad forehead, small ears, and large, expressive eyes. They typically stand between 15 to 19 hands high and weigh an impressive 1,600 to 2,300 pounds.

Measuring Your Horse in Hands

Posted on July 31, 2023 by blogeditor

Have you ever heard of measuring your horse in hands? Experts have standardized the hand, a non-SI unit of length, to precisely 4 inches. It serves as a measuring tool for determining the height of horses in various English-speaking countries. These include Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Originally, this unit was based on the width of an average human hand. In 1959, with the acceptance of the international inch, a standardized imperial form was established, enabling easy metric conversions. Horse owners abbreviate the hand measurement as “h” or “hh”. Continue reading for more info Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.

Tips On Measuring Your Horse in Hands

Currently, the hand serves as a measuring unit for determining the height of horses, ponies, and other equines. Citizens of countries that utilize the metric system, like Australia, the US, and New Zealand use this measurement. However, in continental Europe and in international competitions, metric units like meters or centimeters are the norm for measuring horses. In specific regions like South Africa, measurements are sometimes provided in both hands and centimeters. Also, in Australia, equestrian regulations mandate the provision of both measurements. However, handlers use inches for smaller equines like miniature horses.

When measuring your horse in hands, the process involves determining the distance from the ground to the highest non-variable point of its skeleton, known as the withers. For official measurements, the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra is found through palpation and marked if required. Some varieties of Miniature horses have their height measured at the base of the last true hairs of the mane. Some experts even measure them without shoes. The Joint Measurement Board in the UK oversees the measurement of horses. They mandate the removal of shoes and proper hoof preparation before measurement.

The Benefits of Modern Cabins in Colorado

Posted on July 31, 2023 by blogeditor

Apart from attracting visitors to reconnect with nature, owning modern cabins in Colorado presents numerous advantages compared to conventional construction. Seasoned homeowners affirm that log and timber homes provide abundant benefits surpassing those of their neighbors’ stick and brick houses. Continue reading for some of the benefits to owning a modern cabin. Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.

Modern Cabins in Colorado

Due to the renewable nature of trees, log and timber homes boast a strong eco-friendly background. When manufacturers construct homes with solid logs, it effectively removes the carbon contained in those logs. The carbon is removed from the environmental cycle throughout the home’s entire lifespan. Additionally, some log and timber home producers responsibly source their materials from standing dead timber (affected by insects) or acquire logs from sustainably certified forests. Some builders even adhere to green building standards, further enhancing the eco-consciousness of these homes. Next time you encounter a know-it-all in the neighborhood who boasts about the durability of their brick home, you can share that log and timber homes in Europe have stood strong for over 800 years, and there’s even a log-constructed church in Russia that’s reportedly over 1,700 years old.

Beyond their green credentials, log and timber homes have proven their resilience against Mother Nature’s fury. Countless stories demonstrate how these homes have withstood the harshest weather conditions, including weathering Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. Their solid log walls have protected inhabitants and prevented further damage, making them a reliable sanctuary. Another remarkable aspect of log and timber homes is how harmoniously they blend with the natural landscape. Modern cabin structures effortlessly integrate into the topography. Their seamless fit with the land contrasts beautifully with the sometimes awkward imposition of other construction styles.