I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.
—Pablo Picasso
READY, SET, GO! The busy horse season in Colorado is here! Here are a lot of fun and supportive opportunities in our area to check out. Signing up early is recommended, but sometimes not necessary. Just reach out to the contact.
Camps for Kids
Centaur Rising in Pine – Kids and Adult Camps & Clinics. CentaurRising.com for all camps, information and openings. Still a few openings for 6/18-20 or 7/16-18 camps. Please call/text Kris at 303.847.9862 or email [email protected].
Sagebrush Stables on Titan Road in Littleton. Camps, Trail Rides, Pony Birthday Parties and More! For more information, go to sagebrushstables.com
Gymkhanas/Open Shows
4-H Shows: All 4-H shows are “Open,” meaning riders outside of 4-H are welcome! Classes for all ages, Western and English!
Gymkhanas: Classes such as barrels, poles, keyhole.
Open Shows: English & 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 2, July 14 & Aug 11. Register early online here: bit.ly/PP4H_Gymkhana
Front Range Gymkhana Series in Arvada at Indiana Equestrian Center – May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19. Contact Tanya at 303.564.6714
Rebel Riders Gymkhana Series in Arvada at Indiana Equestrian Center – June 2, July 7, August 4, September 8. Find more information on Facebook!
Open Horse Show in Conifer – hosted by Pleasant Park Shooting Stars 4-H, July 13. English, Western, Trail. Register early online here: bit.ly/PP4H_Gymkhana
Trio 4-H Open Show at Westernaires Indoor Arena in Golden, June 23. Equilite, 303.335.5632
Gilpin/Archwood 4-H Open Show in Blackhawk at Gilpin County Fairgrounds. July 19. Krystal Meyer, 720.518.9016.
Colorado Stock Horse Association Open Show Series, Indian Equestrian Center, Arvada – All breeds and discipline classes offered. Fun and supportive group. May 19, June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15. ColoradoStockHorse.com
Evergreen PRCA Rodeo
Father’s Day Weekend! Evergreenrodeo.com
Get your cowboy/cowgirl on and help volunteer! Contact Marty at [email protected]
June 15, Saturday – Parade 10 am, Rodeo Grounds gates open at 2 pm for Pre-Show, Rodeo at 5 pm.
June 16, Sunday – Rodeo Grounds gates open at 11 am for Pre-Show, Rodeo at 2 pm.
Trail Riding
Front Range Trail Riders Facebook Group to connect with other trail riders!
Check out all of the options in Margi Evans’ “Riding Colorado” book series available on Amazon.
Dressage & Jumping Shows
Go to rmds.org/calendar for all area Dressage shows and clinics.
Colorado Hunter/Jumper Association shows and clinics, visit chja.org/show_list
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 25, June 29, July 27, August 31, September 28. Find registration info at their Facebook Page: Mountain Classic H/J Series.
Great Places to Go Ride
McKeever Arena, Conifer. Membership based at $30/year. Outdoor arena, trails, trail course. Always check the calendar before going as it is closed if being used for scheduled event. mckeeverarena.weebly.com
Spring Gulch Equestrian Park – Open year-round, 7 am-8:30 pm. 9490, US-85, Highlands Ranch. $5 day fee or $25 annual pass, $15 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. 105 acres of riding space including cross-country jumps of all sizes, banks and ditches. Lovingly cared for by the 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 Road, 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. Starting May 26. Mostly Saturdays, May-October. Limited space in this fun, educational, supportive and close-knit group. Contact Jerry Toman 303.674.5096,
Social/Educational Groups
Jefferson County Horse Council – Meetings first Mondays at 7 pm, sometimes online option. Go to JeffcoHorse.com for more information and to join. Keep informed on important horse-related topics including trail use, local clubs, and fairgrounds. Mission statement: promote and protect all equine activities in Jefferson County.
Email me with questions! [email protected]
Heather McWilliams ©2024