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Trail Ride at Flying J Ranch July 21, 2010

Horse Nut — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:16:00 GMT

The largest trail ride to date! Thirteen riders total. Ten riders, including seven Summer Campers came down from the Jubliee Horse Summer Camp came down to join three of us. Beautiful morning and very nice easy trail. The loop took us about an hour and ten minutes at a walk. The parking is just enough for two small rigs. One small water crossing and a seasonal stream that was dry. See pictures on the website home page at coloradocorral.com. Next ride to Centennial Cone and I hear the flowers will be in full bloom...

Trail Ride at Mt. Evans State Wildlife Area July 14, 2010

Horse Nut — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:45:00 GMT

We had to cancel the July 7th Trail Ride due to rain, so we had a make up ride Wednesday July 14th. We had some that could not come at the last minute, so it ended up just being Nancy and I. The flowers were amazing and near or at peak season. It was a beautiful day to ride and we didn't see another person in about 3 hours. We started at the Grass Creek Trail Head, went right when you get to the top of the huge meadow and took the first trail to the right to Lost Creek Trail. There is a spot in there after a great drinking area in the river for the horses, where the beavers have changed the trail so you have do go up and down some rocks. I have ridden down it before, but walked it today. There is a picture on the website Nancy took of me and Trouble walking down it. It ends at the parking lot for a trail head and then we headed down the road back to our trailers. Next trail ride is next Wednesday at Flying J Ranch off of Hwy 73. Please join us!

Pendragon Stud Beginner Event

Horse Nut — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 17:35:00 GMT

Summer and I went to our first event yesterday at Pendragon Stud in Larkspur. It was a great and supportive place to start. I think they put on one a year. It was a decent size. I did the Beginner Elementary Division, but there was also a Beginner Green division. There were also some Combined Training classes. We started with Dressage. We cantered after our salute, one stride, and Summer thought about stepping out of the open section of the arena early in the test, but overall it wasn't bad. We made the time on the Cross Country Course by 1 second because I really didn't know how fast 300mpm was, but after asking around I determined it was an easy canter, so I added some trotting now and then if I thought I had gone too fast. Now I know I could have gone faster!

For some humor for you, at the end of the xc course they said to give your penny to the girl in the green shirt. Well, we all thought maybe it was really a penny and some tradition, so we all looked for a penny. Well, they really wanted my number worn on a tie on cloth that goes over your vest... Felt a little silly there for a second.

No faults on the show jumping and had a blast overall. We ended up in second out of about 7 or 8 teams. I am definitely hooked and hope to do the real deal on August 15th at the Colorado Horse Park. If interested, the video of our ride is on my you tube account - hhorsesco.

Butterfield Ranch Trail Ride June 23, 2010

Horse Nut — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 04:49:00 GMT

Incredible day today at the Butterfield Ranch - Thank you to Thom and Allen for their hospitality. We had a 3 hour guided tour over a sampling of the ranch. Gorgeous land and great history. Go to their website at foxtonmorgans.com to read more history. The Morgans were beautiful and true mountain horses. What a place to live and ranch - Thank you again! We will be back!

THIS WEEKEND! Extreme Mustang Challenge - Julie Phillips

Horse Nut — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 22:44:00 GMT

This weekend, head up to Ft. Collins to see all of the competitors in the Extreme Mustang Challenge. Cheer on our Julie Phillips and Jackson Nevada! See the schedule on the www.extrememustangmakeover.com website. Then, look for the article on the competition and final results in July's Colorado Serenity Magazine!

SDRC Ranch Race Results May 30, 2010

Horse Nut — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:51:00 GMT

The SDRC Ranch Race Clinic and Competition turned out as promised - to be not only a good time, but educational. We had about 15 participants in the Clinic, with our clinicians Shane Alapai and Dan Bechler. Shane worked people with their horses through the roping, cutting and gate. Dan picked up from there with the rest of the course obstacles. Those who moved on to the competition Sunday, had confidence and probably calmer nerves, having negotiated the parts of the course Saturday. The results for Sundays Competition are as follows : Youth 13-18: 1. Katie White on Zip, 2. Kailyn Miller on Spirit, 3. Brianna McKinney on Bronco. Youth 12 & Under: 1. Lydia Miller on Applejack, 2. Delaney Taylor on Toby; 3. Lauren McKinney on Bronco. Green As Grass: 1. Sandi Simmons on Bella, 2. Barry Wilkins on Catmandu, 3. Kristin O'Connell on Chicklet, 4. Chelsea Brown on Warlock. Amateur: 1. Kim Meyer on Danny, 2. Tucker Black on Lena. Open: Heather McWilliams on Trouble, 2. Shane Alapai on Bella, 3. Heather McWilliams on Summer, 4. Shane Alapai on Dash. Jackpot: 1. Shane Alapai on Snap, 2. Kim Meyer on Danny, 3. Tucker Black on Lena, 4. Katie White on Zip, 5. Heather McWilliams on Summer. See pictures noe on the website and winners in the June Colorado Serenity.

Congratulations to everyone! Thank you to Barry Wilkins and SDRC for all of the preparation and hard work! You do an awesome job putting on events! SDRC's next open show is June 13th. The fall Colorado Corral Ranch Race Clinic and Competition is September 18 & 19th at the El Pinal Rodeo Grounds in Evergreen. See you there!

Alderfer Three Sisters Trail Ride May 26, 2010

Horse Nut — Fri, 28 May 2010 12:37:00 GMT

Finally we had perfect weather for a trail ride! We crossed the road from the parking area to the south side, followed the Mountain Trail around then took a right instead of going back on the Ranch View Trail. This lead us to the other parking area by the church. We then headed up the sisters trail, which was not ideal for horses, unless you are looking to do some rock climbing. It goes up and over between two of the sisters. A beautiful two hour ride with lots of varied terrain! I think we passed one bike and two hiking groups in that time period. Perfect -

Extreme Mustang Challenge

Horse Nut — Wed, 26 May 2010 13:11:00 GMT

Almost two weeks until the Extreme Mustang Challenge in Ft. Collins with our local trainers Julie Phillips and Shane Alapai. Don't miss it! Friday and Saturday, June 11th and 12th are the riding portions and June 13th is the sale. Please come support these trainers and this event to promote America's Mustang's!

SDRC Ranch Race

Horse Nut — Wed, 26 May 2010 13:03:00 GMT

It is here! The first Ranch Race of the Spring is here this weekend, hosted by Squair Deal Riding Center. The beautiful thing is I get to ride in it myself this year! Thank you Barry Wilkins for putting it on! The clinic will have plenty of clinicians to make each rider have a lot of time with the trainers. There is still room for the clinic and competition, so let me know if you are not signed up yet. Right now it looks like the clinic may be divided up into 3 groups of around five. If you just want to watch, please come hang out with your neighbors and root them on. It is almost as fun to watch as it is to ride! You may see one or two of the Mustang Challenge Mustang's... Look for the article and division winners in the June Colorado Serenity Magazine.

May 2010

Horse Nut — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:40:00 GMT

On a personal note, which I try to avoid, I have been injured since early March. Yes, horse accident caused by a rock slide spook. I have had a very large hematoma on my rear area and I have not been able to ride. I have been keeping my girls in shape with ground work, lunging, cavaletti, etc. I am feeling much better the last week and feeling hopeful about riding soon! I am hoping to ride at the SDRC Ranch Race end of May too! I hope to see you soon!

Extreme Mustang Challenge - Shane Alapai of Conifer

Horse Nut — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:42:00 GMT

Shane Alapai of Conifer is also one of our local trainers involved in the Mustang Challenge, in addition to Julie Phillips. He has his gelding and will also be competing at CSU June 11-13. The April issue of Colorado Serenity will be part one of two with these two local trainers. I will be heading out this week to see both of these horses and trainers to see how the first couple of weeks is going.

Spring is Here!

Horse Nut — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:56:00 GMT

Time to get the horses legged up (if you are me and you have not been doing much riding this winter...). I will be going to Jeffco this Thursday for Open Riding. My first shows are end of April and May, so no better time then now to get them back into work. Please join us and don't forget the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo is this weekend at the National Western Events Center.

Mustang Makeover

Horse Nut — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:42:00 GMT

Here is a note from Julie Phillips the day after she picked up "Jackson Nevada"

Hi Heather, Well he is here ! I have named him Jackson Nevada ! He is a cute little bay gelding, 4yo. very kind eye. I think it is going to go great. now all I have to do is ride him !

This is a little blurb from the foundation: The Mustang Heritage Foundation is constantly searching for dynamic ways to introduce horsemen and women to the true value of the American Mustang," said MHF Executive Director Patti Colbert. "Al and Ken have been great friends to the Foundation having served as judges in the past and being available to trainers in offering advice and encouragement. With this competition, they'll have a more direct hands-on approach and trainers will be able to get their advice at the event to fine-tune the work they've done in the previous 90 days."
Trainers will be "drafted" at the event to the American League by Dunning of Scottsdale, Ariz., and the Patriots League by McNabb of Cody, Wyo. Trainers will compete in entry level reining, trail, and cow work from rules adapted from the American Stock Horse Association and the Stock Horse of Texas Association. Points will be earned individually and for the team by each trainer, with each coach selecting three trainers per competition element who points will count for the team, as well.
"Another great element to this competition is that fans are going to be able to vote for their favorite trainer through a bracket system on line," said Colbert. "The People's Favorite trainers and mustangs will then compete on Friday night of our competition during a Mustang Smackdown for cash and prizes." Top Ten finals will be held Saturday June 12 at 7 p.m. for individual qualifiers while both teams will compete in a team performance designed by their coach.
All mustangs competing in the competition will be made available for adoption June 13 at 10 a.m. The event is free to the public with the exception of the Saturday night Top Ten finals performance.

Extreme Mustang Challenge - Our own Julie Phillips

Horse Nut — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:02:00 GMT

I am very excited to announce that Evergreen's own Julie Phillips has been selected to participate in The Extreme Mustang Challenge at Colorado State University. This is a great way to showcase and educate people on the Mustang. She picks up her Mustang in Canon City March 5th and has 90 days to prepare him for the competition and sale June 11-13th at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, Colorado. Stay tuned for more on this story!

The Colorado Ranch Race Schedule

Horse Nut — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:52:00 GMT

We have some Tentative dates for the 2010 Colorado Corral Ranch Race. Squair Deal Riding Center in Conifer is going to host a Spring Ranch Race May 29 & 30 with a clinic on Saturday and a Competition on Sunday. You can enter both or just one day.

The Colorado Corral Ranch Race at Evergreen Rodeo Grounds will Tentatively be on September 18 & 19 (clinic Saturday, competition Sunday), with inclimate weather dates on September 25 & 26. Just waiting for final approval from the Evergreen Rodeo Association Board. MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

The National Western Stock Show & HORSE SHOW - January 9-24 2010

Horse Nut — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:47:00 GMT

Happy 2010! I am coming out of my winter horse slumber. The girls are all fuzzy and it is just too cold to ride most days. Summer and Trouble appreciate a little time just to hang in the pasture without me bugging them. What a perfect time to go to the National Western Horse Stuff! I will be going down to watch the AQHA VRH WOrld Championships on Wednesday and Thursday hopefully and may have tickets to the Gambler's Choice Jumping. I will also be volunteering at the RMQHA booth in the Events Center this Saturday and Monday the 18th - stop by if you are around. If you have not been, there is tons to see without a ticket to an event. One of my favorite parts is going into the cattle barns, seeing the different breeds and watching them get prepared to show - no ticket required besides general admission. Hold on - spring is not far away!

The Colorado Corral Ranch Race in Colorado Serenity

Horse Nut — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:05:00 GMT

Don't miss the November issue of Colorado Serenity! Results and pictures of the five division winners and more pictures on www.coloradocorral.com. Congratulations to all!

Trail Ride at Bear Creek Lake Park November 4 2009

Horse Nut — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:48:00 GMT

We had beautiful weather and it had been warm since the weekend, but that was not enough to melt off the big snow from last week from the North side of the trails. We made it up and partially down Mt. Carbon, but from there down to the dam was crusty, icy snow. In interest of safety, we turned around and wound around some other sunny trails. Nice stream crossings and scenery. Not many rocks on the trails - mostly sand and crushed granite trails. I think we passed one biker. We still had a nice hour ride, then went back and messed around in the decent large ourtdoor arena where we parked. The arena ground is sand with some rubber mixed in. For the next few months our plan for these normal trail ride days will be to go to Jeffco Fairgrounds to get together and ride. We will plan to be there about 10:30ish and stay for a few hours. The cost is $5. See the website for more details and pictures of todays ride - Thanks for the pictures Nancy!

The Colorado Corral Ranch Race October 17, 2009

Horse Nut — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:28:00 GMT

We could not have asked for a more beautiful day for the first Colorado Corral Ranch Race. Twenty one riders total and a jackpot of nine riders. Winners of each division were as follows: Shane Alapai, Open; Tucker Black, Amateur; Katie Nelson, Green as Grass; Katie White, Youth 13-18; and Jhett Alapai, Youth 12 & Under. Emma Beebe shined in the Lead Line class, with the biggest smile I have ever seen on a little girl. Amazing, supportive and fun group of folks. I can't wait for the next one, hopefully in the Spring. We may try a two day format with a clinic Saturday and a competition Sunday - pick one or the other or both. Thanks so much to all of the participants, judge and volunteers!!! Thank you also to the Evergreen Rodeo Association for the use of the grounds - We raised just over $300 to go toward rodeo ground improvements!

Trail Ride at White Ranch, October 14, 2009

Horse Nut — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 05:01:00 GMT

The views from White ranch of Table Mountain are gorgeous. We parked in the East Access lot and followed Belcher Hill Trail to Longhorn Trail, to Maverick Trail and back down Belcher Hill. We only came across 2 bikes and one set of hikers in 3 hours. Belcher was mostly uphill, but the other two were a good variety. Very rocky at points - shoes or boots are a must. Great place for your horse to learn to pick through rocks. Again the views of Denver, vistas, ridgelines, lakes, Golden, Arvada and beyond were amazing. Pictures on the website.