Boarding in Colorado

[RS]

I may be making a move to the south side of Denver for work, and am a little nervous about the horsey ramifications of that. I’ve only ever had horses on the east coast and I know it’s pretty different…

Does anyone know of where to start looking for boarding for two older event horses, with following preferences…true training barn not required, I pretty much do my own thing, but would like the possibility of a weekly lesson (could also trailer out for that). Would love to have stall board with turnout in a real pasture (doesn’t have to be huge but more than a run off a stall). Indoor arena. Flexible hours as my work schedule often requires I ride early or late. Would love to have enough room to gallop or ride out, but at minimum an indoor and outdoor arena will do the trick. Fairly open budget for excellent care. Suggestions?

[FaithView]

I suggest you get in contact with the vet in the area. They usually have an insiders look on facilities and may know of some that aren’t even listed on the internet.

[gertie06]

You’ll want to look in the Parker, CO area. That’s the horse country on the south side of Denver. Tons of options there. I recommend joining a FB group called “Colorado Sporthorses: Eventing, Hunter/Jumper, Dressage.” You’ll get more suggestions there, methinks.

Point 1: I’m not an eventer, so I can’t really speak to eventing trainers!
Point 2: Pasture turnout is rare in CO. It’s very dry, so most of the turnout winds up being dry lot.

[RS]

Thanks for the advice! I’d be living in Parker or Castle Rock so it’s nice to know that’s the right part of town. I should clarify that by “pasture turnout” I just mean 2-5 acres or so; dry lot is ok. Both my horses are plenty fat. They’re just accustomed to being able to roll, wander around, etc and at their age and with some arthritis I don’t think they’d do well if they only lived in a stall-and-small-run type of situation.

[Equkelly]

Parker is definitely the right place to be. That’s the eventing hotspot out here. There’s another Facebook group called “horse boarding/training in Colorado” and that’s probably your best bet. Good luck!

[gertie06]

@RS

Thanks for the advice! I’d be living in Parker or Castle Rock so it’s nice to know that’s the right part of town. I should clarify that by “pasture turnout” I just mean 2-5 acres or so; dry lot is ok. Both my horses are plenty fat. They’re just accustomed to being able to roll, wander around, etc and at their age and with some arthritis I don’t think they’d do well if they only lived in a stall-and-small-run type of situation.

Both good choices! There are back roads that lead directly from Castle Rock to Parker. It’s not super close (about 20-25 minutes I’d say), but there’s rarely traffic. Castle Rock has become VERY built up. So if you like a ton of restaurant and retail choices, that’s for you. If you prefer a more small-town feel, choose Parker. I personally adore Parker; it’s cute as a button.

[Lunabear1988]

I’d check out Platinum Farms. Rochelle is a fantastic trainer and when I was there horse shopping, the facility looked great.

[Where_sMyWhite]

Include Elizabeth in your search as well Kiowa is a bit further out.