Horse shows, equestrian competitions and rodeos … Horse Riding in Colorado has a lot to offer.
In many US states, horseback riding is one of the most popular activities, and Colorado is no exception.
There are good reasons why horse riding in Colorado is such a well-loved sport, including Colorado’s dry climate and its rugged western terrain.
Additionally, Colorado has many horse breeds, an abundance of riding trails and contains several great quality equestrian centers that meet the needs of both horse and rider.
Horseback riding in Colorado has been an enjoyable activity for years, and it continues to be so today. Colorado residents ride horses for sport, in competition, and simply for the pleasure of doing so.
Top Colorado Equestrian Centers & Horseback Riding Facilities.
Colorado hosts a good number of equestrian centers geared to meet the needs of both novice and experienced horse riders.
Silver Quarter Acres – (303) 279-6896
5551 Indiana Street, Golden, CO 80403
Located in Golden, offers an all-discipline horse boarding and training facility with indoor and outdoor arenas and round pens, an onsite veterinary office, and access to over 133 acres of trails and open space
Ken Caryl Equestrian Center – (303) 979-4500
14422 West Ken Caryl Avenue, Littleton, CO 80127
Littleton is where the Ken Caryl Equestrian Center can be found; they offer summer camps, as well as horse boarding and rider training.
Two outdoor arenas, a large indoor arena and over 4,000 acres of Colorado plus 25 miles of trails are open to Ranch riders
Indian Hills Equestrian Center – (303) 697-5477
22828 Inca Road, Indian Hills, CO 80454
Indian Hills Equestrian Center is a full service equestrian facility located in the picturesque Rocky Mountain foothills just west of Denver outside of Morrison, Colorado.
Riversong Ranch – (970) 259-3122
1729 County Road 250 Durango, Colorado 81301
The Riversong Ranch horse boarding facility is conveniently located in the beautiful Animas Valley just north of Durango
Your horse will have turn-out into large fields five days per week. We continually invest in our ranch facilities to improve your horse riding experience
Colorado Facts
Colorado is in the western United States, and is part of the “Four Corners”.
The capital of Colorado is Denver and is home to most of the Rocky Mountain range, which provides a dramatic setting for horse riding in Colorado state. All of the state has low humidity, but the climate of Colorado differs between the mountains and the plains. In the mountains, the climate is quite cold for much of the year. But, in the plains, it is quite warm in the summer and cooler in the winter.
Many positive factors combine to make Colorado popular for horseback riding.
In every part of the state there’s a place to make horse riding enjoyable for everyone.
Colorado’s variable climate and breathtaking scenery, as well as its many different breeds of horses, multiple trail rides, and numerous equestrian centers, combine to make riding in Colorado a real pleasure.
Horse riders are able to take part in many well organised equestrian events located throughout the state. Providing a wide variety of choices, and making sure horseback riding will remain in Colorado for years to come.
Types of Horses in Colorado
Colorado has many types of horses available for its riders. Some of the different breeds include Quarter Horses, Morgans, Arabians, Missouri Fox Trotters, and Holsteiners.
Once an equestrian has been matched with the horse of their choice, they can select from one of Colorado?s plentiful horse trails.
Gunnison National Forest is home to many trails, such as Russler?s Gulch.
The Elk Creek and Squaw Lake trails are just a few to be found in the Rio Grande National Forest.
Horse Riding Events in Colorado
However, there are other venues for horse riding in Colorado; the state is home to many horse shows, competitions, and rodeos.
In Denver, the National Western Stock and Horse Show has been entertaining horse lovers for over 100 years.
The National Western Rodeo takes place here as well.
Colorado Springs holds the Excel American Quarter Horse Show every June.
In addition, even the youngest of riders have opportunity to shine at the 4-H Horse Show at the Colorado State Fair, located in Pueblo.