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July 9, 2023 by Lisa

Summer in the Rockies Horse Shows: Week 4

colorado horse park

While I had intended to go to every single week of the shows at the Colorado Horse Park for the Summer in the Rockies Horse Shows series, I fell short. So much has transpired in the past several months for me personally. It has been a whirlwind, to say the least!

I lost a horse, rescued two horses, started getting very serious about my riding, had to do a lot of ‘horsekeeping-type’ improvements to our property, and things at work got super busy too! Whirlwind for sure! But this weekend, I made the horse show a priority. And I am so glad that I did! I took a different approach to the show this time. Yes, of course, I went for the Grand Prix jumping. But I also did a little walking around the show grounds to see the rest of the horse show too. And I captures some pretty great photos, I think, which is what I wanted to share with you today.

Hmmmm…..Timone sure looks like a Western horse doesn’t he? And Pumbaa…oh my goodness, this little pony.

Rescuing horses

Isn’t he adorable? Honestly, both of these horses are incredible. I am so grateful to have them and continue on with my horsey-loving life. But this post isn’t about my horses. Nope, this post is all about the show this past week at the Horse Park.

Summer in the Rockies Horse Shows

This week at the show, I started with the International Arena for the Grand Prix. They had it at 8:00 in the morning, which is different than they had been doing it. Personally, I like it being early. With it being early and going to the showgrounds early, I still have plenty of time to come home and play with my own horses.

And this week there were a lot more people at the horse park.

the colorado horse park

The permanent barns were full, as well as all of the temporary tent stabling they have for the visiting horses. It was nice to see all of the cars. It made me happy to see all of the show enthusiasts at the show.

And then, of course, there were all of the awesome horses and talented riders. Just wow. I have no words that can express my admiration for the talent at this show. It never ceases to amaze me at the dedication and ability of these equestrians.

And I really like looking at the hardware the riders are using. Like this guy, his horse was wearing a double bridle. I don’t think I have seen that before in the jumper ring. Either that, or I haven’t looked close enough.

Summer in the Rockies Horse Shows

There were young riders, and there were adult riders, and everything in between. I would be willing to bet all ages and classifications of riders were at this show. Just as an example, the Grand Prix class was combined to include the junior riders, and they rode right along with the adults. They did really well too.

The Colorado Horse Park

I should have started the post with this photo. I have been coming to the Colorado Horse Park for YEARS. And for years, I have been saying, “I need to take a picture of the entrance sign…..” And I FINALLY did it! This is at the entrance to the park. And even though the sign shows a little bit of wear and tear, it’s still really cool! Especially the metal horse flanking the sing. Very cool, indeed.

You Gotta Love Good Ground

Colorado horse park International arena

Unless you are an equestrian, I don’t think there are too many people that would pay attention to the ground. Or maybe, it’s just me. But I find myself in awe over the ground conditions at the horse park. Daydreaming about how awesome it would be to have a spongy surface like this in my own arena at home. Ahhh, dare to dream. This is what dreams are made of, in my opinion.

Take, for instance, this arena groomer. This is the Drag-N-Fly groomer. But holy cow, this thing is expensive! However, if money was of no consequence, I would totally have one of these. My arena groomer is pretty incredible. And it was a fraction of the cost of one of these bad boys. But just wow. These things are incredible at what they do to the ground.

And Then There Were the Jumps

This was the first year that I noticed the horse jumps were crafted by a company. I think I remember hearing about Jumps by Fuzzy before. But this is the first time I have ever seen them. And they were beautiful, for sure.

Summer in the Rockies Horse Shows

And I like looking at the jumps up close, you know, to see how they make them! It was really cool to see all of these standards. They are gorgeous.

Jumps by Fuzzy? Maybe

And seeing the jumps set up, and being used, wow. So beautiful! I really liked these wings. With the detail work, they were impressive, to say the least.

Summer in the Rockies Horse Shows

This cloud jump was pretty neat. Even the poles had clouds on them. I couldn’t get close enough to see if they were hand-painted or more of a vinyl wrap. Whatever they were, it has inspired me to maybe try this on some rails. I bet they would be pretty!

horse jumps at the Colorado Horse Park

A Different View of the Show

And after the Grand Prix class was over, I started venturing around the showgrounds to see what else looked interesting.

Summer in the Rockies Horse Shows

There were lots of golf carts. I guess this makes sense because the grounds are pretty big. And if you need to get from one arena to another and then back to the barn, well, a golf cart would definitely save some time. As well as making a great place to watch the classes.

Summer in the Rockies Horse Shows

And one thing that there are plenty of is the trails specifically for foot and hoof traffic.

Summer in the Rockies Horse Shows

As well as arenas. There are so many arenas at the horse park. And most of the classes are going on here, versus in the International arena.

colorado horse park

These classes may not be as ‘showy’ as the Grand Prix, but they are no less important. Sure, the jumps aren’t as big or grand, but I would be willing to bet the smaller rings is where a lot of the top-level show jumpers start their careers.

Summer in the Rockies Horse Shows

And once they graduate to this level, they do incredible things. Like Castino with Bjorn Ikast. What a duo. And I felt really lucky to be at this particular show. Because it was at this show that Bjorn won his 150th Grand Prix.

Summer in the Rockies Horse Shows

Pretty cool to see this happen.

Summer in the Rockies Horse Shows

I am so glad that I made the horse show a priority this weekend. I had a great time, and love that the Colorado Horse Park is so close to my home. I need to remember what it was like during COVID, and when the horse park was in transition of ownership, the time when I didn’t have the option of going to a horse show. I need to never let an opportunity go to waste. Because you never know when opportunities like this will be gone. So seize the day and the opportunities. when they come up!

Colorado Horse Park Show Jumping

At least, that’s what I tell myself.

Related

Category: Articles, Colorado Horse Park, Horse ShowTag: can you be a spectator at a horse show, Colorado Horse Park, equestrian, horse show, horse show jumps, LEG horse shows, my favorites, show jumping, summer horse shows, Summer in the rockies, what is an a rated horse show like

About Lisa

I am horse crazy and love DIY projects, and finding great deals on everything horse related. When I have a new idea, or find a great deal I love sharing this information with you……..AND just to have FULL Disclosure:

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the blog posts on my site will allow you to purchase different products and services online provided by other merchants, and not myself. Some of the links that I post on my site are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive an affiliate commission.* I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn a commission by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
*Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kay Frederick

    July 9, 2023 at 3:44 PM

    Lisa, thank you so much for posting these pictures. And those jumps…wow! The first pic with horse #463…that isn’t a double bridle; the horse is wearing a pelham with a converter to be able to ride with a single rein instead of two sets of reins as usual. A double bridle utilizes 2 separate bits which require 2 sets of reins. Your new horses are really nice and glad you are enjoying them.

    Reply
  2. Vickie Heydman

    July 10, 2023 at 6:52 PM

    Great article, Lisa. What a beautiful facility. I need to make it a priority to go. How lucky are we to live so close!

    Reply

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Hi! I’m Lisa. I started The Budget Equestrian to share what I’ve learned about owning and caring for horses. If there is a budget way to do something with horses – I’ve tried it!
I’ve spent my whole life around horses, and I have recently adopted a Quarter Horse gelding named Timon and a little pony named Pumbaa. You can learn more here. Thank you for stopping by, and happy horsekeeping!

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