Mount Margaret

About 20 miles west of livermore, horseback riders have a choice to make. Turn left and explore the Lady Moon trail or turn right and explore the Mount Margaret area. 

The Mount Margaret parking lot is well maintained with ample room for trailers. The trailer parking area has pull through spots and easy access to the restroom facilities. The trail heads north though a gate out of the parking lot.  The trail is wide and meanders though open pine forests and meadows. 

About a mile from the gate, the trail crosses south lone pine creek. The crossing is friendly and wide, and should be easy for any horse, even those unfamiliar with water.  The trail continues through meadows and open forest areas to a rickety old gate. 

Shortly after the gate, the trail branches, the dowdy lake trail heads off to the left, while the Mount Margaret trail heads straight. As the trail continues, there are several trails that branch off giving riders the opportunity to make their ride as long or short as they want. 

The main trail is well marked and easy to follow, but doesn’t have a well marked end at the summit. There is very little altitude gain on the trail, but toward the end of the trail, riders a treated to a gorgeous view of the canyon carved by the north lone pine creek.

Along the trail are 9 campsites available for back country camping. Each site comes with a bench and enclosed fire pit. While not equipped with horse stalls, camping with hobbles or high lining is possible at the sites. 

This area is a gorgeous place to ride for any level of horse and rider and definitely worth the drive.

For more information about the trail, and other trails in this area, check out the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers website.

Happy Trails!

Colorado Equine Emergencies

Spring time is a great time to travel with your horse for trail rides and shows, but here in Colorado we have a few concerns for people traveling with horses to be aware of.

Equine Herpes Virus 

A horse recently was euthanized after showing neurological symptoms associated with Equine Herpesvirus Myeloencephalopathy, which also is known as EHV-1. This virus caused a massive outbreak last spring after horses were exposed to it at a large event in Utah.

Currently, only a few barns are affected. The horse that was euthanized had been transported from Iowa by a transport company along with several other horses. The facilities affected are locked down and monitoring their horses for symptoms.

Caution should be used when brining new horses onto your property, and all new horses should be quarantined for at least two weeks before being allowed to interact with other horses on the property.

Several good resources for information on this outbreak are online.

For information about the disease and prevention of its spread: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/ehv/equine_herpesvirus_brochure_2009.pdf

http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/ceh/docs/EHV-1WhitePaper.pdf .

For news and updates on the outbreak in Colorado:

http://www.colorado.gov/ag .

For news and updates around the rest of the nation:

http://www.aqha.com/en/Showing/News-Articles/05102012-EHV1-Outbreak.aspx .

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Hewlett Gulch Fire: Protect Your Horses!

At 1 p.m. Monday, a fire broke out in the Hewlett Gulch region near Poudre Canyon. The fire has caused trail closures in the area including the Hewlett Gulch and Gray Rock trails.

The Hewlett Gulch area often is used by horseback riders. As of Tuesday night, there are no evacuations, but residents are on alert in case the fire’s path changes. The fire covers more than 600 acres and is 10 percent contained.

Equestrians should not trail ride near the area and may want to avoid Poudre Canyon in general to allow emergency crews unhampered access to the area. The smoke is thick and can be seen along much of the Front Range. Riders should use caution when riding because horses can be affected by the smoke in the air.

Horses may need to be evacuated from the fire area. If you are in the area and need help with horses, or have resources available to help with the fire, visit the Facebook group Front Range Area Equestrians at https://www.facebook.com/groups/346370242066987/.

If you cannot get your horses evacuated, make sure they have identification (such as a halter with contact information). Then, open gates on the property so horses can escape from the fire if needed.

Please try to plan ahead and get horses and other pets out of danger before being forced to resort to last-minute measures.

Cherokee Park State Wildlife Area: Lone Pine Unit

Cherokee Park State Wildlife Area provides opportunities to see a wide variety of species including bighorn sheep — and to enjoy a beautiful day in the hills with your horse.

The state wildlife area can be entered through two main access points: one off of Cherokee Park Road (Larimer County Road 80C, which leaves U.S. Highway 287 22 miles northwest of Fort Collins) and the other off of Red Feather Lakes Road.

Maintained by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, Cherokee Park is divided into five management units which cover almost 21,000 acres of public land.

The Lone Pine Unit connects with all the wildlife area's other units, so riders can feel free to explore and ride for days. It's named after Lone Pine Creek, which runs through the tract. Access is off of Red Feather Lakes Road, about 8 miles from the Livermore turnoff along U.S. 287. The dirt parking lot has plenty of room for most horse trailers to pull in, park and turn around, but there are no designated parking spots. Drivers should be courteous to fellow trail users and park so that other trail users have easy access to the lot.

The trailhead presents two choices: Follow historic Maxwell Ranch Road or take a trail up the hills. Both trails reconnect in the gorgeous canyon where Lone Pine Creek runs. The road is flatter, wider and easier, although it makes several stream crossings before  reconnecting with the other trail. The other route climbs over a few hills, and provides for gorgeous views in all directions. The descent into the canyon following this route is steep, rocky and not for inexperienced riders or horses.

Once down the hill, riders can head due west, following Maxwell Ranch Road, which also follows Lone Pine Creek. The road crosses the creek several times, but the crossings are friendly, shallow and great for teaching horses about water crossings. The road heads up a hill and then descends into another beautiful canyon. The road is about 8 miles long and enters Forest Service property.

Riders who head northeast along the road will find a bathroom and access to the Lone Pine Trail. This trail loops through the unit and reconnects with Maxwell Ranch Road. The loop is about 8 miles long as well, so riders should plan for around half a day of riding.

This area is open to recreation from May 1 through Sept.1 but is limited to hunting and fishing the rest of the year. Permits are required for hunting, and if riding during those months, riders should be cautious and wear orange hunting vests and other fluorescent-colored gear.

Happy trails!

Coyote Ridge Natural Area: An Adventure

For those looking for a more challenging trail experience along with gorgeous views, Coyote Ridge Natural Area is the natural area for you.

The parking lot is off of South Taft Hill Road, just south of the Fort Collins landfill. The large lot has plenty of room for horse-trailer parking and hitching posts for those that can't be tied to your trailer.

The trail heads west from the parking lot across plains full of prairie dogs. About a mile from the parking area is a cabin and restroom facilities which include hitching posts for your horses.

The trail then climbs into the foothills. It's fairly wide in most places but does rise fairly rapidly -- and, as you climb, the trailside drop-off is long and steep. The trail also is very rocky, with some slick, flat stones as well as small, sharp ones; your horse should have shoes or strong feet.

Cresting the second hill, you follow the ridge and then start heading down the other side. At this point, a sign recommends that all riders dismount for the stairs. The part-rock, part-wood stairs are between 1 and 2 feet high. The turn in the fairly narrow steps is difficult for some horses to navigate, especially when being led and having to watch out for the person leading them. There is no path around the steps. If you choose to descend the stairs, make sure you or someone with you are experienced and confident so that your horse can safely be led through this obstacle.

After the stairs, the trail narrows and switchbacks down into a wide valley. Across the valley, it heads into a canyon. This part of the trail is narrow and cuts into the side of the hill. Horses need to be surefooted here because the rocks on the side of the trail give way easily and there is not much room for error.

The trail forks as you leave the canyon, but taking either fork will lead back to the same point because it is a small loop. You can leave the loop and connect into the other Front Range trails which connect Devil's Backbone to Lory State Park.

After the short loop, riders must return on the same trail. While no sign advises riders to dismount before riding up the stairs, less experienced riders may want to lead their horses to stay safe.

This area is best to ride in the spring or late fall, because many rattlesnakes gather on the rocks and in the grass during the warm summer months.

While this trail is intense, the rider is rewarded with views of Fort Collins, Loveland, and Rocky Mountain National Park.

Rocky Mountain Horse Expo: March 9-12

A great way to get geared up for spring riding and competing is the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo.

Hosted this Friday through Monday at Denver's National Western Complex, this event has everything a horse person could ask for -- including clinics, art, shopping and competitions.

The clinics are a great learning experience for every level of horse person. This year's featured clinician, Julie Goodnight, is a Colorado local but is known nationwide as the Horse Master and has her own show on RFD-TV.

Other clinics include cattle working with Jeff and Gerrie Barnes, working obstacles with Debbie Bibb, an introduction to three-day eventing, starting your horse over fences and improving your horsemanship.

The expo also features an art show and craft fair as well as an extensive trade show. Riders can spend hours just wandering this area to find all sorts of tack, clothing, supplies and decorations.

Those who want to watch the horses will have many opportunities at the expo. All of the clinicians will work with several riders, but you can sign up to “Ride with an Expert” next year by visiting the website.

A miniature horse and pony show will be held all three days. The “Mane Event” on Friday and Saturday nights will feature reining, dressage, vaulting and other exciting riding which shows off both horse and rider.

While the expo brings together many excellent horse people, it also is hosting the Holistic Horse Fair and many related clinics. As with holistic health care for humans, many of the ideas of holistic horsemanship are not founded in reality or science. While some of their methods or ideas may be harmless, many are not and could lead to injury or death of rider or horse. If you choose to participate in these clinics, please be cautious when applying any of these ideas and use common sense. If something sounds dangerous or if you do not know what is in the supplements you are giving your horse, ask your veterinarian or trainer, or avoid that activity.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo!

Cross Country Schooling Opportunities

As spring approaches, it's time to start schooling and getting yourself and your horse ready for the show season.

The Front Range provides many opportunities for cross-country schooling. Each course offers a unique combination of jumps, terrain and atmosphere.

Lory State Park 

Lory, located west of Fort Collins, has a great variety of trails and conditioning opportunities as well as a wide variety of cross-country jumps. The course was originally built to host recognized events, so jumps range from beginner novice through prelim. It has been many years since these events were held at the park, so many of the jumps are not well maintained. Colorado State University's English riding club has been doing maintenance on the jumps, however, so plenty of schooling opportunities remain.

Before jumping, please inspect the jumps as well as the approach and landing because there may be hazards both on the ground and on the jump. The jumps are scattered throughout the south valley, so some great opportunities can be found by simply taking some time to wander around.

Lory State Park charges a parking fee unless you have a Colorado State Parks pass.

Windy Wyoming at Wyoming Territorial Prison Park

Installed a few years ago at the park in Laramie and still under construction, this cross-country course is only open on specific days throughout the year. Riders will need to contact the Windy Wyoming Eventing Club for more information.

A fee is charged for schooling and use of the park grounds. All the jumps are safe and up to competition standard because the park hosts several schooling shows and an annual recognized event. Full courses through preliminary level are featured.

With a wide variety of jumps and more coming soon, this course will evolve into a great place to both school and compete.

Spring Gulch

Located just south of Colorado Highway 470 in Littleton, this park is a great place for beginners and introducing horses to the next level of jumps. The jumps and terrain here are friendly and inviting and promote confidence for both horse and rider.

Several schooling shows and recognized events are held here, many of which support the local pony club and young riders' groups. A parking fee is charged unless you have a Colorado State Parks pass.

Tomora Training Center

Located on the west side of Greeley, this course is easy to access from U.S. Highway 34. To school here, you must sign up for lessons with the trainer on site. The farm hosts several events and schooling shows each year, so schooling here is great preparation for those shows. An expansive schooling area is featured, and some unique jumps are great practice for your horse and rider.

Remember to never school cross country alone. Always school with your trainer and wear your helmet, vest and boots. Enjoy schooling, and good luck at your shows this year!

Spring into action with rider fitness

Guess what? It's almost spring - and with spring comes the start of a new show season.

Have you slacked off this winter? Are your breeches and boots getting a bit tight? Or are you just looking to be more fit and more competitive this show season? In any case, it's time to start an exercise program for both you and your horse.

The keys to getting back into shape are simple and apply to rider and horse alike:

• Don’t push yourself too hard. This can lead to injury, which can put you even further behind on getting into shape for show season.

• Create a plan you can stick to and which challenges your mind and body. If you or your horse get bored with a program, you won’t be able to stick to it.

• Incorporate a variety of exercises so that you work all of your muscle groups and continually challenge your muscles.

• Most importantly, have fun!

Every rider will work a bit differently. Some prefer group efforts or going to the gym. Others prefer to work at home on their own. Find what works for you.

Local tack stores such as Jax Farm and Ranch and Happy Horse have a library of books on rider fitness and getting your horse into shape. Remember that you not only need to do work on yourself and your horse, but also with both of you working together.

Those old exercises your instructor made you do, the ones you thought were torture, actually are great for getting both rider and steed into shape:

Try working without stirrups, especially at the trot. Slowly extend the amount of time you trot and post without stirrups to increase your strength and balance while your horse gets a cardio workout.

Spending time in your two-point position will not only strengthen your legs but also allow your horse to pick up its back, strengthen its abdominal and back muscles, work on extended gaits and do some stretching.

Ask your riding instructor or a friend to give you lunge-line lessons so that you can work on your balance and strength without interfering with the horse.

Another great way to get into riding shape is to incorporate some yoga or pilates into your fitness plan. Julie Leiken of Boulder has a great program designed to use pilates instruction to improve riding and communication between horse and rider. She offers clinics, group and private lessons both in dressage and pilates.

Good luck meeting your fitness goals!