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Types of Horses and Equestrian Facilities in Colorado -

Brian Lee BurkeBrian Lee Burke
Jul 30, 2021 4 min read
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Types of Horses and Equestrian Facilities in Colorado -

Colorado is one of the best places to own a horse, and there are many equestrian properties available across the state. Horse owners in Colorado can enjoy a wide range of activities, from riding along the extensive trail system to competing in English riding events at local clubs. Kenna Real Estate Group can help you find your dream home in Colorado with space for your horses. We've put together this guide to owning a horse in Colorado to help you find the best property to meet your needs. 

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Popular Horse Breeds in Colorado

Horseback riding is a popular activity in Colorado, and many people own their horses. You will see a wide range of different breeds of horses in Colorado. It's essential to choose a horse that has the right temperament and training for you. You'll also need to ensure your horse is the right size for you or your family to ride. Consider one of the following popular breeds if you're planning to buy a horse when you move to Colorado. 

Appaloosa Horse in Colorado

  • Appaloosa: a common sight across the US, the Appaloosa has a distinctive spotted coat that is one of the main reasons for its popularity. Appaloosas are a healthy breed, although some are vulnerable to recurring uveitis (eye inflammation). 

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Arabian Horse in Colorado

  • Arabian: the Arabian is a popular breed worldwide, known for the usually concave profile of their heads. Arabians are very versatile and intelligent horses, but they can be sensitive, so they are best with experienced riders. 

Colorado Ranger in Colorado

  • Colorado Ranger:  as a breed that developed in the High Plains of Colorado, the Colorado Ranger is ideally suited to the local climate. Many Colorado Rangers are registered with the Appaloosa Horse Club, and spotted coats are standard. Colorado Rangers also trace their ancestry to two Arabian stallions brought to the state in the late 19th century. 

Morgan Horse in Colorado

  • Morgan: a breed developed in Massachusetts, the Morgan is trendy across the US. Morgans are generally athletic and compact but have a very refined appearance. The Morgan was created as a carriage horse but is now often used for both English and Western-style eventing. 

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Quarter Horse in Colorado

  • Quarter Horse: another popular breed across the US, the American Quarter Horse was developed for Western-style riding and is ideally suited for short sprints and western events such as barrel riding. However, Quarter Horses are an adaptable breed, and they are also often used for English-style riding and eventing. 

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Equestrian Activities in Colorado

Best Locations for Equestrian Activities in Colorado

Colorado has facilities for all kinds of horseback riding and activities. If you're buying your equestrian property, you may also have your facilities for dressage, jumping, or other activities. However, you may want to join a local equestrian club or have access to additional space for your horse. It is a good idea to find out where the best equestrian facilities in Colorado are before you decide where to move.

Your Kenna realtor can help you to choose the right areas to focus your search for a new home. We have plenty of experience with equestrian properties in Colorado, so we know where to find the best homes for horse owners. 

Ready to find your dream home in Denver?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents.

Trail Riding in Colorado

Trail Riding in Colorado

Colorado has plenty of open spaces and trails where you can ride. If you want to get out into nature with your horse, then focus on properties that have easy access to the extensive trail system. However, you can always use a trailer to reach other trails that are further away, including the many spectacular routes through the Rocky Mountains National Park. Some of the most popular routes for horseback riding in Colorado include: 

    • Red Rock Park: horseback is a great way to enjoy the spectacular red rock formations of this popular park near Colorado Springs. Many trails are suitable for horses, but some routes and areas are off-limits or set aside for other activities. 
    • Horse Ranch Park: an excellent location for camping on a more extended trip with your horse, the park has managers and space where your horse can be high-lined for the night. The park is at the trailhead for the Dark Canyon Trail, which is an excellent route for horseback riding through nature. 
    • Monarch Lake Trails: just to the west of Denver, Monarch Lake has both stunning scenery and a variety of trails to enjoy on horseback. The most popular routes will take you around the lake, but you can venture further into the neighboring Indian Peaks Wilderness. 
    • South Platte River Trail: one of the best rides through Denver, the South Platte trail follows the river through Littleton. It is ideal for a gentle ride with children, but there are also more open areas to speed up. Although the trail is relatively short, with a 19-mile loop, it's an excellent place for your regular ride if you buy a new home nearby. 

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  • Cherry Creek Trail: one of the longest routes for horseback riding in the city, the trail goes from downtown Denver through Cherry Creek State Park and into Douglas County. Most of the trail is paved. 
  • High Line Canal Trail: another long route through Denver, the High Line Canal Trail passes through Waterton, Chatfield State Park, Englewood, Cherry Hills, and many other popular locations in the Denver area. Living near this trail will enable you to take long rides across the city. 

English Riding in Colorado

English Riding in Colorado

Colorado is traditionally associated with Western-style riding, but there are many facilities and events for English-style riding, too. You can join a club, use dressage or showjumping facilities, or compete with other riders. 

    • Cottonwood Riding Club: just 30 minutes from downtown Denver, this club offers boarding, horseback riding lessons for all ages, and some excellent facilities for showjumping and dressage as well as for polo. Western riding is also available at the club. It is also conveniently located near Chatfield and Roxborough State Parks, which have extensive trails. 
    • Denver Polo Club: located south of Denver, the club offers lessons, drop-in games, and a polo league for members. 
    • Colorado Horse Park: a large facility based in Parker, the Colorado Horse Park offers boarding and facilities for dressage and showjumping. It also holds eventing competitions throughout the spring, summer, and fall. 

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  • Spring Gulch Equestrian Area: as well as holding organized events, this popular facility has extensive trails, jumps, a dressage arena, and other facilities for English-style riding.

Western Riding is Popular in Colorado

Western Riding is Popular In Colorado 

Colorado is the perfect location for western-style riding, crucial in the state's history. Many working ranches still use horses across Colorado, while others have developed into horseback riding centers where you can ride. 

    • Front Range Back Country Horsemen: a group based near Golden, CO, that gets together for rides and to volunteer with the Colorado Trail Foundation and other organizations that help to maintain local trails. 
    • Ken-Caryl Ranch Equestrian Center provides boarding and training in a beautiful landscape with miles of trails. You can bring your horse to use the facilities if you prefer not to board. English-style lessons and facilities are also available here. 
    • 12 Mile Stables: if you're yet to buy your horse, this stables can provide horse rentals and riding lessons in the beautiful Cherry Creek State Park. It also has a boarding stables. 
    • Bear Creek Stables: a popular place to enjoy a traditional western riding experience, Bear Creek Stables offers lessons for all ages and rides along some spectacular trails near Lakewood. It's an excellent choice for children or if you want to prepare for owning your horse. 

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  • Chatfield Stables: an excellent boarding stables that also offers lessons, including in western horsemanship and trail riding along the Platte River and through Chatfield State Park. Chatfield State Park also has spaces to park trailers if you want to bring your horse here to explore the trails. 

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Finding a Horse Property For Sale in Colorado

No matter what type of horse you want to own or which style of riding you prefer, Colorado will be a great place to live. Many properties in the state have paddocks, stables, or even their arenas where you can ride. You'll also find lots of local equestrian clubs and events where you can meet other horse owners in the area. 

If you want to take advantage of all the superb trails, equestrian parks, and other facilities in Colorado, then Kenna Real Estate Group can help you find a property with land to keep your horse. We can recommend the best locations to find equestrian properties and allow you to compare listings to find the perfect new home for you and your horse. We have plenty of experience with equestrian properties, so we understand what you are looking for and which homes will be best for horses.

Ready to find your dream home in Denver?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents.

Links for more information on Denver Horse properties

Ready to find your dream home in Denver?
Let us help you. Call or Text Kenna Real Estate Group at 303-955-4220 to get personalized assistance from our expert real estate agents.

Explore Horse Property in Different Areas of Colorado:

Check out the latest Denver equestrian properties for sale.

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WRITTEN BY
Brian Lee Burke
Brian Lee Burke
AUTHOR, E-PRO®, REALTOR® BROKER

Brian Lee Burke is the founder and team leader of Kenna Real Estate Group, a real estate team at Keller Williams DTC. A licensed REALTOR® since 2002, Brian helps Colorado buyers and sellers navigate residential real estate, new construction, pricing, and negotiation. He is also the author of The Real Estate Playbook and Mastering Real Estate: Your Guide to Becoming a Top Agent.

View Brian Lee Burke’s full profile.