Boarding in Fort Collins?

[sirbeastmom]

My Western pony is currently boarded out past Ault- about a 45 minute drive- and the commute is totally killing my motivation to ride. I’d love to move her into town, but am having trouble choosing a place to board.

It seems that most places in town cater to the English crowd, and even though good care regardless of discipline is most important, it would be nice to be among people of the same riding culture. All the Western oriented barns I have found seem to be show barns, not necessarily boarding barns.

Anyone know of a good barn in town that has a solid Western demographic?

[Simkie]

Well, Mountain View has the “solid western demographic” but is lacking on the “good barn” front.

I’ve heard good things about Lazy J Bar S in Loveland, but I have not boarded there.

It’s so tough to find decent boarding in this town, I’d really concentrate on the barn and not worry about the tack.

[sirbeastmom]

Thanks so much for the insight. Know any inside scoop a Stone Gate? The horses seem to be pretty happy and healthy, and its a five minute drive from my house which is really nice.

The owner seemed a little…kooky, but that seems to be de rigueur for boarding barns.

PM me if you’d like.

[Simkie]

I have not been out to Stonegate in a LONG time, and I think it’s changed hands several times since then. They did have some issues with nails in their indoor after they had to rebuild it perhaps 10 years ago now, but I imagine that’s been resolved. It looks pretty neat from the website, and they’ve added pasture board and turnout since I’ve been there. Didn’t realize they have schooling shows…we might try to get out there with the baby!

I have a friend at Savannah Ridge who likes it quite a bit. Sort of in the same area

[sirbeastmom]

So on a friend’s recommendation I think I’ll be moving Pony to a barn called Willowbrook. The lack of pasture is a bummer, but its close enough that I could ride or turn her out every day. Seems nice and low key, and the access to trails is a big bonus.

Thanks for all the advice!

[Simkie]

I haven’t even heard of Willowbrook. Details?

[sirbeastmom]

I’m sure there’s a bunch of other places out here I’ve never heard of. I wish there was a handy comprehensive list I could consult…so many barns don’t have a web presence. Super frustrating when looking for a place!

Anyways, here’s their website: http://willowbrookboarding.com/ - not much info on it though.

Place seems very low key- no in house trainers (brought in trainers are welcome) and I didn’t get a barn drama vibe. I think most of the riders are recreational trail riders, but the owner said a few of the college-aged boarders show.

Box stalls were nice, runs were on the smallish side but doable. Hay was great, and horses seemed fat and happy.

Round pen, some pretty pathetic “turn out” pens, and two outdoor arenas with sand footing. Barrels and jumps floating around. Access to the Poudre River trail system.

Overall it seems like a nice, small, private-ish boarding barn. Nothing fancy, but everything looks well maintained. Best part is the location; I can ride my bike there! Pony is barely four, so at this stage, having her close enough to ride regularly is more important than a bunch of amenities.

[lilitiger2]

Have you looked at poudre river stables? access to the trail system, round pen, outside arena, great GREAT barn owner!