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. Still openings for July 25-27 and August 1-3 camps. 303.838.5086, info@CentaurRising.org.
Gymkhanas/Open Shows
(Classes such as barrels, poles, keyhole) & (English and Western classes with Pattern, Pleasure classes) Interested in joining 4-H? Go to 4honline.com or call 303.271.6620.
Open Gymkhana Series in Conifer – Hosted by Pleasant Park Shooting Stars 4-H at McKeever Arena. June 4, July 9 & Aug 13. Register online: bit.ly/PP4H_Gymkhana
Front Range Gymkhana Series in Arvada at Indiana Equestrian Center – May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16.
Rebel Riders Gymkhana Series in Arvada at Indiana Equestrian Center – June 25, July 30, August 13, September 24, October 15.
Open Horse Show in Conifer – hosted by Pleasant Park Shooting Stars 4-H, July 8, August 13. English, Western, Trail. Register online at: bit.ly/PP4H_Horse_Show
“Choose courage over comfort and see what you and your horse can learn together!”
Open Horse Shows With Gymkhana
Trio 4-H Open Show at Westernaires Indoor Arena in Golden – June 25.
Gilpin/Archwood 4-H Open Show at Gilpin County Fairgrounds in Blackhawk – June 24, July 16, August 19.
Parker Trail Rider Shows at Salisbury Equestrian Park – May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16.
Colorado Stock Horse Association Open Show Series at Indiana Equestrian Center, Arvada – all breeds and discipline classes offered. Fun and supportive group – May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17, October 1. ColoradoStockHorse.com
Evergreen PRCA Rodeo
Father’s Day Weekend! Evergreenrodeo.com.
Get your cowboy/cowgirl on and help volunteer! Please contact Marty at skymoma79@hotmail.com.
Saturday, June 17 – Parade 10 am, Rodeo Grounds’ gates open at 2 pm for Pre-Show, Rodeo at 5 pm.
Sunday, June 18 – Rodeo Grounds gates open at 11 am for
Pre-Show, Rodeo at 2 pm.
Trail Riding
Colorado Obstacle Challenge – Indiana Equestrian Park, July 22.
Overnight Horse Camping Trips – Visit bit.ly/3LTD6am
Trail Riding – Visit bit.ly/42jxIo4
Also, see Margi Evans’ “Riding Colorado” book series
available on Amazon.
Dressage & Jumping Shows
Dressage and Jumping at Mile High Horse Ranch in Parker – June 14, July 19. Derby (Dressage & Cross-Country Jumping) July 8. 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. May 27, June 24, July 29, August 26, September 30, October 28.
Great Places to Go Ride
McKeever Arena – Conifer. Membership based at $30/yr. Outdoor Arena, trails, trail course. Always check the calendar before going as it is closed if being used for scheduled event. bit.ly/42n7Ac6
Spring Gulch Equestrian Park – Open year-round, 7 am-8:30 pm. 9490 US-85, Highlands Ranch. $5 day fee or
$25 annual pass, $10 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), 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 Central Colorado Eventing. 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. Only a few spots left in this fun, educational, supportive and
close-knit group. Contact Jerry Toman, 303.674.5096,
jerryrtoman@msn.com.
Social/Educational Groups
Jefferson County Horse Council – Meetings first Mondays at 7 pm, sometimes online option. Go to JeffcoHorse.com to join. Keep informed on important horse-related topics including trail use, local clubs and fairgrounds’ status. Mission statement: promote and protect all equine activities in Jefferson County.
Call me with questions! 303.638.0994.
Heather McWilliams ©2023
