Time to knock the dust off and try something new or just make your plans for the summer! Here are a lot of fun and supportive opportunities in our area to check out. Some of them require signing up ahead of time, others you can show up on the day to register. Choose courage over comfort and see what you and your horse can learn together!
Camps For Kids
Centaur Rising in Pine – Kids and Adult Camps & Clinics. CentaurRising.com for all camps, information and openings. Openings for August 2-4 and August 9-11 camps. 303.838.5086, info@CentaurRising.org.
Rollings Riding Academy at Happy Hooves Ranch in Conifer – For schedule and more information: RollingsRidingAcademy.com, Jennie Heismann 303.601.8371, Richard Rollings 303.619.4371, koho64@hotmail.com
Clinics
Horsemanship & Trail Clinic with Tucker Black in Conifer – June 25 & 26. Day 1 – Horsemanship & Control, Day 2 – Obstacles & Trail. Two Sessions: Beginner/Intermediate 9am-12pm. Intermediate/Advanced 1-4pm. Both sessions: $700, $375 for one session. To sign up or for questions: 303.434.1739, stewartshannonk@gmail.com.
Horsemanship & Cow Clinic with Tucker Black in Conifer – July 30 & 31. Day 1 – Horsemanship & Flag Work, Day 2 – Live Cow Work. Hour-long sessions with three people max. $60 per session or $160 for three sessions. $160 for cow session. To sign up or for questions: 303.434.1739, stewartshannonk@gmail.com.
Dressage and Jumping
Schooling Shows
Dressage and Jumping at Mile High Horse Ranch in Parker – June 15, July 6, August 3, September 3, October 1. For information and entry forms: MileHighHorseRanch.com.
Mountain Classic Hunter Jumper at Indiana Equestrian Park in Arvada – Something for everyone to try from pile of poles to 3-foot jump classes. G19dionne@gmail.com.
Great Places to Go Ride
Spring Gulch Equestrian Park – Open year-round, 7am-8:30pm. 9490, US-85, Highlands Ranch. $5 day fee or $25 annual pass, $5 donation if you use the jumps. This is a hidden gem right near Murdoch’s on Santa Fe (you cannot see from road due to a dam), so close to the foothills. If you haven’t been there, you will be amazed it was there all along. 105 acres of riding space including cross-country jumps of all sizes, banks and ditches. Lovingly cared for by the Mountain States Eventing Association. Occasionally closed on horse event days.
Indiana Equestrian Center – Open year-round. Free use. 7500 Indiana Street, Arvada. Two arenas, round pen, bridle path around land, open fields, trail obstacles and smaller jumps around the property. Panel stalls. Facebook: Indiana Equestrian Center.
Equestrian Skills Park – Open year-round. 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd, Colorado Springs. Enter at Norris-Penrose Event Center and follow signs to Skills Park Parking. Incredible trail skills course park that is always being added to. RV camping and stalls overnight at Norris-Penrose Event Center. EquestrianSkillsCourse.org.
Ranch Sorting
Evergreen Ranch Sorting Association, Pine Junction – Find on Facebook. Mostly Saturdays, May-October. Fun, educational, supportive and close-knit group. Contact Jerry Toman 303.674.5096, jerryrtoman@msn.com.
Social/Educational Groups
Jefferson County Horse Council – Virtual meetings first Mondays at 7pm. Go to JeffcoHorse.com to join or receive a link to the meeting. Important horse-related topics including trail use, local clubs and fairgrounds’ status. Mission statement: promote and protect all equine activities in Jefferson County.
Gymkhanas/Open Shows
Conifer Area Gymkhana Series in Conifer – Hosted by Pleasant Park Shooting Stars 4-H, June 5, July 10, August 14. Register online here: bit.ly/PP4H_Gymkhana
Front Range Gymkhana Series in Arvada at Indiana Equestrian Center – May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17. 303.564.6714 or babydoe6714@yahoo.com.
Open Horse Show in Conifer – hosted by Pleasant Park Shooting Stars 4-H, July 9. English, Western, Trail. Register online by July 7: bit.ly/PP4H_Horse_Show
Colorado Stock Horse Association Open Show Series, Indian Equestrian Center, Arvada – All breeds and discipline classes offered. Fun and supportive group. May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21, September 18. Rain Date: October 2 (if needed). ColoradoStockHorse.com
More areas on Facebook at Colorado Open Horse Shows
Pair Paces
Mile High Horse Ranch in Parker – May 28, September 24. Great fun with your friends. Many people and horses dress up in costumes. Go to MileHighHorseRanch.com for entry forms and details.
Trail Riding
Overnight Horse Camping Trips –
TheMcWilliamsGroup.net/go-horse-camping-in-colorado
Trail Riding – TheMcWilliamsGroup.net/time-trail-riding.
Also, see Margi Evans’ “Riding Colorado” book series available on Amazon.
Call me with any questions! 303.638.0994.
Heather McWilliams ©2022
