Ghost Towns in Colorado

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Colorado experienced a mining boom in the late 1800s, making it one of the most prosperous regions of that time. Ambitious miners flocked to the area, establishing towns near rich deposits of precious metals amidst scenic meadows and hillsides. Some towns like Breckenridge, Leadville, and Idaho Springs remain popular destinations, while others turned into captivating ghost towns. Exploring these tranquil locations revives Colorado’s boom era, letting adventurers wander through abandoned streets that once thrived with saloons, outlaw encounters, and a flourishing industry that shaped the American West. Continue reading for a closer look at some of the ghost towns 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.

Yuma County Ghost Towns in Colorado

Yuma County Colorado is the home of many ghost towns in Colorado. These include Arlene, Armel, Arnold, Avoca, Logan, Mildred, Newton, Waverly, and Witherbee just to name a few. Some of these ghost towns still have residents and have formed unincorporated towns. Like Abarr. Officials surveyed and established Abarr, also known are Brownsville, officially in 1922. However, a year later, in 1923, it underwent a name change and became Abarr. During this time, a post office was also established under the name Abarr, which operated until 1948. The town received its new name as a tribute to Ethel Hoffman, the wife of Silas Hoffman, who owned the local post office. Ethel Hoffman’s maiden name was Abarr.

Situated in northern Yuma County, Colorado, Clarkville stands as yet another captivating ghost town. The intersection of State Highway 59 transitioning from an east-west route to a north-south direction indicates the town. The town’s initial settlement occurred in 1933. Over the years, movers relocated various structures to Clarkville, including two residential homes and the schoolhouse. The moves transported them from the nearby town of Haxtun in 1940. Initial resident Ted Clark named the town after his family. However, Clarkville’s fate changed in 1947. The owners sold the town, resulting in the gradual depopulation and ultimate abandonment of the town.

The Benefits of Automatic Horse Feeders

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Feeding horses through traditional methods can be laborious, time-consuming, and detrimental to their health and overall well-being. Horses naturally require frequent small meals due to their digestive system, and feeding them large meals infrequently can result in health issues like colic, ulcers, and laminitis. Furthermore, extended gaps between feedings can lead to undesirable behavioral habits such as cribbing, biting, weaving, pacing, and food aggression. If you’re seeking a solution, read more to learn about automatic horse feeders. 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.

Automatic Horse Feeders

Feeding hay can be a messy and time-consuming task, as many horse owners are well aware. Finding reliable stable help can be both costly and challenging. Moreover, frequent handling of hay can pose respiratory issues for humans, including allergies, worsened asthma symptoms, and potential long-term lung damage from exposure to irritants.

Hay feeders are available in a variety of sizes and configurations. Also, prices range from $150 to $3,200 (based on 2021 prices). They come in different designs tailored for specific feeding needs, accommodating small quantities of hay or entire bales, be it small square bales or large round bales. Experts categorize certain feeders as “slow feeders,” enabling horses to access only a small amount of hay with each bite. Others are “free choice” feeders, allowing horses to consume as much hay as they desire. Some owners choose to combine a hay net with a free choice feeder. This can regulate the eating rate and reduce hay waste simultaneously. Livestock equipment dealers typically offer a wide selection of hay feeders to choose from.

Vacationing in Colorado

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You should consider vacationing in Colorado. According to the U.S. News & World Report ranking, Telluride has secured a spot among the top 30 vacation spots in the entire country. With its breathtaking beauty and charm, Telluride proudly claims the 24th position on the list. Not far behind, Colorado Springs also shines brightly at 25th place, highlighting the state’s remarkable offerings for memorable vacations. Plan your trip to Telluride and Colorado Springs for an unforgettable experience that showcases the very best of Colorado. Continue reading for more information on these great Colorado cities. 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.

Spots for Vacationing in Colorado

When you arrive in Telluride, make sure to prioritize a memorable experience by taking a complimentary gondola ride. This delightful journey spans the San Sophia Ridge and transports you into the enchanting Mountain Village. In just 13 minutes, you’ll ascend above the majestic mountainside, treating yourself to breathtaking vistas of Telluride and the magnificent canyon walls. The panoramic views offered during this quick and scenic ride are bound to leave you in awe of the natural beauty that surrounds this captivating destination. Telluride is also great of fly fishing, horseback riding, and hunting.

Equally as impressive is the city of Colorado Springs. The Springs boasts the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the United States Olympic Museum and the famed Garden of The Gods. However, dominating the local recreation and the landscape is Pikes Peak. Ascending America’s Mountain, Pikes Peak, presents a variety of captivating options. For a unique and invigorating experience, embark on the Pikes Peak or Bust Jeep tour with Adventures Out West, where you can relish unobstructed views and the wind rushing through your hair. Alternatively, the recently reopened Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway offers a relaxing and family-friendly four-hour journey, allowing you to soak in the scenic wonders along the nine-mile route.

Summer Fun in Fort Collins

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Get ready for the upcoming summer season in Fort Collins as familiar classics make their return. The historic streetcars, food trucks, and drive-in theater are getting ready to bring back the nostalgic vibes and mark the beginning of a vibrant Fort Collins summer. These iconic elements serve as the early signals that the season is just around the corner, filling the air with anticipation and excitement. Continue reading to find out more about summer fun in Fort Collins. 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.

Ideas for Summer Fun in Fort Collins

Did you know that old town Fort Collins has a streetcar? The beloved Birney Cars 21 and 25 have returned for another exciting season! Also, you can join in on the fun by heading to the City Park Depot at 1501 W. Oak St. During weekends and holidays, from noon to 5 p.m., these charming trolleys will be in operation, taking you on a delightful ride. Departing every 30 minutes, the trolleys will be available for rides until October 1, weather permitting. Don’t miss this opportunity to hop aboard the streetcar experience! The cost of a ride is $2 for adults and $1 for seniors and children, while children under 3 can enjoy the ride for free. Cash, credit cards, and debit cards are all accepted for payment.

Exciting news for music lovers! The free summer concert series have just announced their incredible lineups for the season. Starting on June 1, Thursday Night Live will commence a series of captivating concerts every Thursday in the heart of Old Town, running through September 7. At Colorado State University’s campus, get ready for The Lagoon Summer Concert Series, featuring an enticing new summer lineup. These Wednesday night shows, held twice a month, will begin on June 14 and promise to be a fantastic musical experience. But that’s not all! New Belgium Brewing is back with a bang, bringing their renowned Friday night summer concert series. Prepare for a treat as free live music fills the air from 5-7 p.m. every Friday, continuing until October. Mark your calendars for these unforgettable musical events!

The Colorado Tiny House Festival

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Get ready for the grand return of the Colorado Tiny House Festival on June 24 & 25, 2023! This year, the festival promises to be bigger and tinier than ever before! Prepare to be amazed by the incredible variety of small living structures showcased at the event. From charming tiny houses on wheels and innovative container homes to unique conversions like a semi-trailer, skoolies, van conversions, teardrops, yurts, and more, the Festival has it all. 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.

2023 Tiny House Festival

The event will take place at the sprawling grounds of the Riverdale Regional Park, formerly known as Adams County Fairgrounds. The Colorado Tiny House Festival creates a perfect blend of the tiny living movement’s spirit. Plus, you’ll get the latest information on embracing a minimalist lifestyle. Also, the event will feature the themes of simplifying your life, and living in an environmentally friendly manner.

The 2023 Colorado Tiny House Festival is where attendees can engage with experts and attend informative workshops. You will also hear firsthand experiences from tiny homeowners. This invaluable opportunity offers insights into downsizing and simple living, while touring a variety of real tiny homes, including custom-built houses on wheels, van conversions, yurts, and shipping container homes, showcasing innovative use of space and eco-friendly design. Witnessing these remarkable creations up close provides an authentic understanding of the true essence of tiny living.

Colorado Barn Weather Vanes

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Homeowners utilize barn weather vanes or wind vanes to indicate wind direction. Farmers commonly mount them on barns and other structures. They serve as a practical tool for farmers and ranchers to make informed decisions about planting and harvesting. Over time, weather vanes have become popular decorative instruments, adding a classic and elegant touch to any building or facility. Continue reading to learn more. 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.

What Makes Good Barn Weather Vanes?

Engineers craft weather vanes from various materials, including copper, aluminum, stainless steel, and wood. Copper is a popular choice due to its durability and rust-resistant properties, making it ideal for areas with high humidity such as barns. Aluminum weather vanes are lightweight, weather-resistant, and offer a sleek and modern appearance, making them a favorite for contemporary buildings. They are also generally more affordable than other materials. Stainless steel weather vanes are long-lasting and frequently used in commercial and industrial settings. Also, experienced metal workers craft weather vanes to create unique decorative pieces for Colorado barns.

A vast selection of designs ranging from animals to sports and simple directional arrows is available for weather vanes. The design of your barn’s weather vane should ideally reflect the lifestyle and type of activity carried out at your property. For instance, if you own a breeding farm, a weather vane depicting a mare with its foal would be appropriate. On the other hand, if your facilities’ activities are focused on ranching, a weather vane featuring a cowboy on horseback or a rodeo-themed design would be suitable. Other potential designs for weather vanes could include horses, cows, bulls, or other ranch animals.

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.

Prepare Your Horse For The Summer

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During the peak of the summer riding season, your horse’s daily exercise routine will change. The horse requires longer exercise sessions overall and, more importantly, a diverse range of conditioning challenges throughout the week to prepare for this season. Both short and long sessions are beneficial to help the horse achieve the necessary fitness gains. Continue reading for a few tips on how to prepare your horse. 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.

Prepare Your Horse Gradually

To prepare your horse for the season, you can gradually increase their daily exercise sessions. After consistently training the horse four or more days a week with a progressive buildup of low to moderate speeds and intensity for six weeks, most of the exercise sessions should be around 40 to 50 minutes long. Also shorter days, such as groundwork or easy hack days, can be included in the weekly schedule. However, if they begin to occupy a significant portion of the schedule, it can lead to detraining. Try to find a balance that works best with your horse.

After this stage, the duration and intensity of the horse’s conditioning and workouts become more tailored and intricate based on the desired objectives. Typically, the horse’s fitness is enhanced over a four- to six-day work week. This includes sessions lasting between 40 to 50 minutes. Try incorporating one or both of the following: a high-intensity workout and/or an extended low-intensity session. For more specific workout plans, talk to your trainer or vet. If you own more than one horse, then your exercise routines will differ from horse to horse.

Your Horse Fitness Goals

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The fitness goals for your horse are very important. To prevent poor health in horses, it’s important to determine the duration of exercise needed to maintain their bodily systems. While the minimum amount of activity varies depending on age, all horses depend on a basic level of fitness to achieve certain health benefits. These benefits include promoting gastrointestinal motility, clearing secretions from the lungs, and boosting immunity to diseases. They also include lymphatic system function, hoof growth, regulating body temperature, and reducing stiffness and mental stress caused by domestication. 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 Fitness Goals Maintenance

Twenty-five to thirty minutes of exercise at 40% of the horse’s maximum heart rate will maintain health benefits. Also, this corresponds to a heart rate of approximately 90 beats per minute, which is similar to a brisk walk or easy jog. Engaging in this level of activity for at least four days per week helps sustain the adaptations in the bodily systems mentioned earlier and prepares the horse’s body for more intense conditioning programs in the future. The following is an example of what your horse’s routine should resemble. Remember, consult your horse vet or trainer before changing your horse’s routine.

  • Sunday—Resting period
  • Monday— 25 minutes of walking
  • Tuesday— 20 minutes of lunging
  • Wednesday— 30 minutes of riding
  • Thursday— Resting period
  • Friday— 25 minutes of riding
  • Saturday— 25 minutes of groundwork exercises

Cozy Fall Home Ideas

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Autumn has reached Colorado. The leaves have started to change color and the summer temperatures are starting to cool. For Colorado homeowners, this time of year marks a change of scenery in the household. Fun décor elements like fluffy throws and pillows, candles, and warm autumnal colors are common. Continue reading for some popular cozy fall home ideas. 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 Fall Home Ideas

As the temperatures start to cool, make your home a warm oasis. Start outside with a thick fabric welcome mat by your front door. Inside, use long curtain panels to insulate your home from the cold. Also, use soft throw blankets on your sofa and chairs. Similarly, add a fuzzy rug to warm up your floor. Don’t forget your bedroom! Swap out lightweight summer sheets and blankets for heat-trapping flannel sheets and winter-weight comforters. Add a fleece throw across the foot of your bed to bring the entire room together.

If your home has a fireplace, autumn is its time to shine. Though many homes in Colorado have fireplaces, they often go unused. Cleaning a used fireplace is tedious and messy work. Instead of burning firewood, fill your fireplace with thick pillar candles and light those instead. Also, don’t forget to dress your fireplace mantel. Use natural elements like gourds, leaves, and small potted mums for a autumn feel. A basket filled with a comfy blanket or two adds texture and color to your hearth area.