High Plains Forge Horse Farriers in Colorado

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Looking for an experience farrier? High Plains Forge in Ault has you covered! High Plains has a skilled farrier, Garrett Thompson. Garrett takes pride in his 14-year tenure as the owner and operator of a Farrier business in Northern Colorado. Garrett holds a BS in Animal Science from Middle Tennessee State University. His expertise is in various areas, including racehorses, jumpers, rodeo, retired companions, and corrective shoeing. He is also an AFA Certified Farrier. Garrett holds a Thoroughbred Racing Commission Blacksmith License. He also has successfully completed over two years of apprenticeship, and boasts 17 years of professional experience. Continue reading for more information on horse farriers in Colorado. 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.

Horse Farriers in Colorado

Horse farriers are skilled professionals dedicated to the care of horses’ hooves and lower limbs. Their responsibilities include trimming hooves, as well as fitting and applying horseshoes. Overall, horse farriers play a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being, comfort, and soundness of horses through specialized hoof care.  In Colorado, horse farriers play a crucial role in the well-being and performance of equines across the state. These skilled professionals, like Garrett in Ault County, dedicate themselves to the art and science of horseshoeing and hoof care. Farriers work in diverse equestrian disciplines such as racing, jumping, rodeo, and general equine maintenance. Needless to say, they address the unique needs of each horse.

The demanding terrain and varying climates in Colorado require horse farrier to adapt their techniques to ensure the comfort and functionality of horses in different environments. Whether it’s the arid conditions of the plains or the challenging mountainous regions, farriers in Colorado have the experience to provide specialized care. With a commitment to ongoing education and professional development, these horse farriers contribute significantly to the overall health and performance of Colorado’s equine community. For more horse farriers in Colorado, check out the farrier list from your friends at Colorado Horse Property.

Great Escape Mustang Sanctuary

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Nestled amid the stunning landscapes of Colorado are various wild animal sanctuaries. They offer refuge to many species, ranging from iconic lions and bears to the more unconventional residents like camels. These sanctuaries not only serve as critical conservation hubs but are also great to visit. One of the most popular sanctuaries is The Great Escape Mustang Sanctuary, located in Deer Trail. Here are the details. 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 Great Escape Mustang Sanctuary

This Sanctuary has been a beacon of hope for wild mustangs and burros since its establishment in 2011. This sanctuary, positioned just 60 miles east of Denver, stands as a testament to Colorado’s commitment to wildlife conservation. Also, with a primary focus on the rehabilitation, the sanctuary aims to find them forever homes. The main facility amazingly spans 800 acres. It serves as the mother base, providing a tranquil and expansive environment for approximately 30 horses.

The sanctuary actively engages with the community through a plethora of events, showcasing its commitment to creating awareness and fostering connections between humans and these remarkable animals. Notable among these events are the adoption showcases, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to witness these precious animals up close. Prospective adopters can spend quality time with the horses, ensuring compatibility and forming a bond before committing to adoption.

Winter Sleigh Rides

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In the heart of Colorado, partaking in a sleigh ride offers more than just a winter excursion. It encapsulates an experience of warmth and comfort. Experience cozy blankets, the crisp winter air, and melodious jingle bells. Sleigh rides transcend mere outdoor adventures. They unfold into elegant affairs featuring sumptuous dinners, the finest local Colorado wines, and the comforting ambiance of roaring fires. Continue reading for two of the most popular winter sleigh rides in Colorado. 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.

Winter Sleigh Rides in Colorado

Relinquish the need to grasp a steering wheel and immerse yourself in the magic of a hot-cocoa sleigh ride with Golden Horseshoe in Breckenridge. This enchanting experience entails a horse-drawn journey through a winter wonderland. Sleighs are guided by the gentle-giant Belgian draft horses, beneath the canopy of snow-draped trees. A picturesque pause at a scenic overlook invites you to capture breathtaking snapshots of the majestic peaks. However beyond the hot-cocoa sleigh rides, Golden Horseshoe offers an array of experiences. Also they have a mining-camp dinner theater ride to romantic rides and even summer hay-wagon adventures.

Experience the allure of mule-team-driven winter sleigh rides with 2 Below Zero in Frisco, where a rustic chuckwagon dinner awaits amid the serene backcountry setting. A family-owned establishment for three decades, 2 Below Zero has been a cherished tradition for residents and visitors in Frisco. They also serve Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Silverthorne, Dillon, and Keystone. Also, come summertime, the same mule team transforms into wagon pullers, guiding guests to the backcountry camp for an entertaining Wild West show and a delectable barbecue dinner, ensuring year-round enchantment for all who seek a taste of Colorado’s frontier spirit.

Riding in The Weminuche Wilderness

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With Summer visiting Colorado at last, it’s time to prepare your horse for the warm weather. Looking for places to ride? There are many national parks in Colorado that allow horseback riding. However, during this part of the year these places can quickly become crowded. Weminuche Wilderness is an unexpected gem for riders looking for an area free from tourists. Keep reading for a quick history of this unique Colorado wilderness area. 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.

About Weminuche Wilderness

The Weminuche Wilderness spans 499,771 acres. Also, it is the largest wilderness area in Colorado, covering an area approximately three quarters the size of Rhode Island. It is a part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The Wilderness Act of 1964 established the area to safeguard a lasting resource of wilderness for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. Congress designated the Weminuche as a wilderness area in 1975. The area was expanded by the Colorado Wilderness Acts of 1980 and 1993.

The Weminuche Wilderness stretches across the Continental Divide, which is the geological spine of North America, with its watersheds flowing to both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Several peaks, including Eolus, Sunlight, and Windom, tower above 14,000 feet, while many others exceed 13,000 feet. Despite its average elevation of 10,000 feet, the Weminuche is a harsh terrain. Its ecosystems are also very delicate. Riders should be careful when disturbing the landscape of local wildlife. Make sure to plan your trip before heading out.

Post Pandemic Horse Vacations

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Looking for unique horse vacations this year that will get you off your devices and connecting with nature? Colorado has some of the best guest and dude ranches that you can visit in the country. Many guest ranches offer horseback riding, swimming and fishing, hiking, hayrides, cookouts and more. Here are the top rated guest ranches in Colorado. Remember to check for availability while things are slowly opening back up due to the pandemic. 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.

Horse Vacations in Colorado

One of the top rated guest ranches in Colorado is the Lost Valley Ranch. With over 20 secluded cabins, each nestled in the pines overlooking the ranch, there is room of everyone. Riding the amazing trails in the area or hiking through the Pike National Forest are some of the highlights. Also, you will ride with the professionals, enjoy heated swimming pools and learn the ways of the cowboy by helping the wranglers with their daily chores. Lost Valley Ranch has a pickle ball court, guided hiking adventures and family-friendly evening entertainment.

And then there’s Vista Verde Guest Ranch. Each private log cabin at the ranch is unique in design and décor and the amenities are amazing. They include a private hot tub on the deck, Italian linens, cozy comforters, spa robes, locally made bath products, and more. Also, summer is the season for the traditional family horse vacations. At Vista Verde enjoy the horseback riding, cookouts, green grass, quivering aspens, and fun barn dances. However, the winter is also a great time to visit. The ranch offers sledding, sleigh rides, hot chocolate, bubbling hot tubs, horses and snowshoes. Remember to check for availability before making any vacation plans.

The Best Colorado Riding Trails

The Best Riding Trails in Colorado

Stay at home orders are beginning to lift and the parks are opening back up. Also, riding trails have started to reopen their gates. There are many Colorado riding trails all over the state and can be found on our Colorado Horse Parks and Trails page. The following is a list of some of the most popular places to ride in Colorado. Remember, if you are looking to buy or sell horse property in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property for assistance. We have horse-person realtors who have been in the business for decades.

The Most Popular Places to Ride in Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park

There’s so much to see at Rocky Mountain National Park that you can’t see it all in one day. Accessed through the city of Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park can be viewed a number of ways. You can hike, cycle, and even drive through the area. Also, this park provides wonderful Colorado riding trails for horseback riding. Go for a scenic ride along rushing rivers and high mountain lakes. Horseback riding through this park will bring you face to face with wildlife and nature.

Roosevelt National Forrest

Another gem that is accessed through Estes Park, this park is also popular with riders. Roosevelt National Forrest brims with sprawling valleys, thick forests and glistening alpine lakes. Start your horseback journey in the city and continue into the Forrest. Roosevelt National Forest is also teeming with wildlife like deer, elk and coyotes. All of this and more can be experience on horseback.

Maroon Bells Park

The two peaks that make up Maroon Bells are the most photographed peaks in Colorado. This beautiful vista is located on the border of Gunnison and Pitkin Counties in western Colorado. Maroon Bells Park also includes a reflective, glass-like lake just below the aspens and conifers framing the often snow-spotted rocky peaks. All of this and more can be experience on horseback.

Colorado Horse Racing

Colorado Horse Racing

Horse racing has a long and distinguished history and has been practiced in civilizations across the world since ancient times. Archaeological records indicate that horse racing occurred in Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. This sport has been around for a long time and though many tracks have closed since their heyday the industry is stronger than ever. In fact, the sport is worth around $100 billion dollars. Also, the horse racing industry employs around 1.5 million people. There are approximately 10 million horses in the US that contribute to the racing industry. Despite this, betting on horses is legal in 22 states. Another fun fact is that 60% of horse betting is now done on mobile phones. If you are looking to buy a horse property in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak to one of our horse-person realtors.

Arapahoe Park

Colorado was once home to many horse racing facilities, like Centennial Park and Memorial Park. Today the Arapahoe Park racing track is the premiere Colorado horse racing track. Arapahoe Park is a horse-racing track in Arapahoe County, Colorado on the outskirts of Aurora, owned and operated by Twin River Worldwide Holdings. Located at 26000 East Quincy Avenue, Arapahoe Park hosts Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, Paint Horse and Arabian horse racing. Check out our posts on popular horse breeds for more information about these types of horses.

The racing season generally begins in mid-May and continues through the late spring into the summer, wrapping up in mid-August. The track is home to the Mile High Futurity and the Mile High Derby, both quarter horse stakes races with final purses of over $100,000. For Thoroughbreds, the meet’s marque race is the Gold Rush Futurity, a 2 year old stakes race going six furlongs for $100,000 in purse monies. Arapahoe Park also hosts four graded stakes races, all for Arabian horses. For more information, check out the Arapahoe Park website.

Think You Want to Buy a Horse?

Photo by Sarah Olive on Unsplash. How to buy a horse.

Should you go to a breeder or is a rescue a better place to buy a horse? With so many paths for first time horse buyers and long-term horse owners, it can be hard to decide. Should you spend a ton of money on trained horse, or do you get a horse that you’ll have train? You can Google until your hands hurt, or you can learn everything you need to know from a professional. Colorado Horse Rescue‘s Head Trainer and Clinician Sarah Hofkamp is one such professional.

She will be going over how to buy a horse and horse ownership at the CHR’s March 15th clinic. Thickets for the clinic is only $65 per person and will begin at 10 AM. This clinic educates horse-buyers on the intricacies of selecting the right horse and how to keep it happy and healthy. Also, CHR is a great opportunity to get involved in your local equine community.

About Colorado Horse Rescue

If any one facet of the Colorado horse community were building a better future for horses, it would be CHR. There slogan is, “We see it. We believe in it. And we are here to make it happen.” Colorado Horse Rescue is an impact organization that has been operating in Colorado since 1986.

The organization works to create a reality where safe solutions exist for every horse. Unfortunately, due to poor education and limited options, not all horses have a safe home and that’s why CHR actively seeks out and takes in all types of at-risk horses. They enable owners who have fallen on tough times to re-home their beloved horses without judgement. They do their best to make sure that no horses are sent to slaughter or unsafe conditions via auction or sale. Looking for a new home for you and your horses? Call the Colorado Horse Property team today for the best horse-person realtors in the state.

Zapata Ranch

Zapata Ranch

Zapata Ranch

Choosing a guest or dude ranch for your next vacation is a great way to reconnect with nature. Horses are proven to reduce stress levels and can add adventure to your life. Colorado is one of the best states for guest ranches and has some of the most splendid views in the country. Additionally, Mosca Colorado is a great place in Colorado for guest ranches, including Zapata Ranch.

Zapata Ranch borders the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. This is the newest National Park in the United States. Also, the high desert grasslands, alpine forests, wetlands, sand dunes, creeks, and lush meadows offer one of the most scenic and ecologically diverse landscapes in the United States. In addition to their livestock operation, the ranch features working ranch vacations, educational programs centered around their bison herd, and active, ambitious conservation programs aimed at preserving the surrounding land. Take it straight from the horse’s mouth. “We believe in enjoying what we do, and we believe it shows. We feel privileged to be living on the land and living from the land, and we try to share that enthusiasm with each visitor to our ranch.”

Guest Ranches in Mosca Colorado

Are you interested in one of the many guest ranches that Colorado has to offer? You can check out Zapata Ranch and many like it on our Dude and Guest Ranches page. Enjoy living with horses? Looking for you own horse property to call home? Search our site from thousands of properties in Colorado. You can even sign up for alerts and get notified whenever a new property becomes available in your area. If you need help, contact one of our premiere horse-person realtors today!

Wind River Ranch

Wind River Ranch

Wind River Ranch

Note: Colorado Horse Property does not do reservations. If you’re looking to make a reservation at Wind River Ranch, please contact them at windriverranch.com.

Choosing a guest or dude ranch for your next vacation is a great way to reconnect with nature. Horses are proven to reduce stress levels and can add adventure to your life. Colorado is one of the best states for guest ranches and has some of the most splendid views in the country. Additionally, Estes Park Colorado is a great place in Colorado for guest ranches, including Wind River Ranch. Nestled in the majestic mountains of Colorado, Wind River offers a peaceful and beautiful setting for you and your family to enjoy a restful getaway from the norm.

Wind River Ranch runs all kinds of activities. Your rate includes on-ranch activities and a wide variety of off-ranch adventures. These include excursions for folks of all ages and desires. Also, they provide endless fun, games and activities for all your our kids—from babies to teens. It offers excellent supervision and guidance from their well-trained and loving counselors. Also, for those who are seeking rest and spiritual recreation, this ranch offers a beautiful setting with quiet spaces of solitude to relax, revel in nature, or just kick back and read a book. Therefore, there is truly something for everyone at this guest ranch!

Guest Ranches in Estes Park Colorado

Are you interested in one of the many guest ranches that Colorado has to offer? You can check out Wind River Ranch and many like it on our Dude and Guest Ranches page. Enjoy living with horses? Also, are you looking for your own horse property to call home? Search our site from thousands of properties in Colorado. You can even sign up for alerts and get notified whenever a new property becomes available in your area. If you need help, contact one of our premiere horse-person realtors today!