Updated 12/12/2024
Please be at the ride at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to allow for tacking up. If you are going to be late, contact the trail boss or they will not wait for you.
Trail Rules and Regulations
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These rules apply to the regular, slow group. If you go with the fast group, some of these rules are hard to apply - so ride at your own risk! Ride in the group to you and your horses ability.
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Be courteous and respectful at all times. No foul language permitted.
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The Trail Boss is the person in charge on the ride. Be sure to check in with the Trail Boss and sign the roster sheet along with any applicable release forms.
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Be saddled and ready (release signed etc.) at the time listed for the ride—don’t keep everyone waiting.
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Do not move out until all are mounted.
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If your horse kicks, put a red ribbon in its tail. If riding a stallion, he should have a yellow ribbon in his tail and forelock.
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Maintain a safe distance from other horses. Keep at least a horse’s length between you and the horse in front of you at all times, especially going up and down hill.
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Do not pass the trail boss without permission.
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Club members are responsible for any guests they bring. They should ensure the guest has signed a release and introduce the guest to the trail boss.
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Your horse should be tied to your trailer with a quick release knot. No hobbles or ground ties permitted.
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No riding double.
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No smoking on trails except at areas designated by the trail boss.
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Children under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or sponsor.
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Cantering will be controlled and at the discretion of the trail boss.
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Ask for permission to pass slower horses. Do not trot or canter up to or past other riders.
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If crossing water, do not stop immediately in front of other horses to water your horse. Try to find a spot either above or below the water crossing. If your horse won’t cross the water move out of the way so that other riders may cross and follow someone whose horse willingly goes through.
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No foul language and be respectful of other riders.
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Last but not least, relax and enjoy your ride, the company of your mount and your fellow club members!
Upcoming Trail Rides
Ride Challenge Dates:
Fortunate 500 - November 1, 2024 to October 31, 2025- Cost: $30.00
T-Shirt 200 Challenge - April 27, 2025 to October 26, 2025 - Cost: $20.00
A non-member can ride with us two times ($1 charge) before they must become a member. Applications are not taken at the ride - you must mail them or sign up online.
In case of inclement weather, monitor the website or Facebook. You can also call the Trail Boss to see if the ride is still on.​​​​
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If everyone that had RSVP'd for the ride is at the trailhead and ready to go at 15 minutes to the ride start time - then they are clear to leave. If you are running late and didn't RSVP - then you should call the trail boss so you don't get left.
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Cancelled ***Weather
Sandstone Ranch
Where: Sandstone Ranch Open Space
Ride time: 3-4 hours
Trail Boss: Nancy Reinhardt 719-339-9319
When: Saturday, April 19 - Ready to ride at 11am
Directions:
9605 S Perry Park Rd, Larkspur, CO 80118
Trail Difficulty: Beginner
Shoes: Not required
Notables from the Trail Boss: Bicycles, Joggers, rolling hills, some gates to open
Website: https://www.douglas.co.us/open-space-natural-resources/properties/sandstone-ranch/
Sunday May 4th - 10am
Air Force Academy
Trail Boss: Lois Fagerquist 719-310-1353
Shoes: Not required but parts of the trail may be rocky
Park: at the USAFA Equestrian Center
Directions: Use the South Gate off Academy. Enter the gate and follow the road until you cross a bridge, take the first left after the bridge onto Pine Dr. Follow road and take a left on Carlton Dr. Take first right onto Pine Drive Loop and then left on Dogwood. You can follow the signs to the stables at this point. Parking is to your left as you enter the stables area. There is a $10 trailer fee. Please park as close together as possible as we may not be the only trailers in the lot.
Length of Ride: Approximately 3 hours 7-9 miles. I am still considering trail options and will advise you as the date gets closer.
Type of things encountered: The ride will start from the stable parking lot and we will immediately go into the woods by crossing a creek. There may be other water crossings but nothing too difficult. I rarely encounter anything but other riders or an occasional hiker or bike rider.
Ride level: Beginner
Saturday, May 10 - 10am
Pineries
Where: Pineries
Ride time: 3-4hours
Trail Boss: Adriana Hayes 719-507-9580
When: Sat, May 10th – Ready to ride at 10am
Directions: 13201 Vollmer Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80908
Parking to the right of the cars.
Trail Difficulty: Beginner
Shoes: Not required
Notables from the Trail Boss: Bikes and hikers. Leashed dogs. Two narrow foot bridges. Trail is about an 8.5 mile loop.
FIRST WNR! Wed, May 14th 6:30pm
Homestead
Where: Homestead Park
Trail Boss: Tony Ruggiero 719-331-4471
When: Wed, May 14th – ready to ride at 6:30pm
Directions: 16444 Gollihar Road., Peyton, CO 8031
Homestead Ranch Regional Park can be reached from Interstate 25, exit 139 (Hwy 24-toward Limon/Airport) or ext 149 (Woodmen Road). From Woodmen turn Left onto US-24 to Elbert Highway; left on Elbert Highway to Sweet road; Right on Sweet to Gollihar Road; left on Gollihar Road and the park with be approximately 1/5 mile north to Park Entrance.
Trail Difficulty: Beginner
Shoes: Not required
Notables from the Trail Boss: Bicycles, joggers, dogs, wind mill.
Sunday, May 18 - 10am
Sandstone Ranch
Where: Sandstone Ranch Open Space
Ride time: 3-4 hours
Trail Boss: Lois Fagerquist 719-310-1353
When: Sunday, May 18th - Ready to ride at 10am
Directions:
9605 S Perry Park Rd, Larkspur, CO 80118
Trail Difficulty: Beginner
Shoes: Not required
Notables from the Trail Boss: Bicycles, Joggers, rolling hills, some gates to open
Website: https://www.douglas.co.us/open-space-natural-resources/properties/sandstone-ranch/
WNR- Wed, May 21st 6:30pm
Pineries - New 3.3 mile loop
Where: Pineries
Ride time: 1.5 -2 hours
Trail Boss: Nancy Reinhardt 719-339-9319
When: Wed, May 21st – Ready to ride at 6:30pm
Directions: 13201 Vollmer Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80908
Parking to the right of the cars.
Trail Difficulty: Beginner
Shoes: Not required
Notables from the Trail Boss: Bikes and hikers. Leashed dogs. Two narrow foot bridges. Trail is about an 8.5 mile loop.
Saturday, May 24 10am
Dawson Butte
Where: Dawson Butte Ride
Ride Time: 2-3 hours
Trail Boss: STILL NEEDED
When: Saturday May 24 - ready to ride at 10am
Directions: 1923 Tomah Road, Castle Rock. From I-25, take the Tomah Road Exit, Turn right/north onto the frontage road, turn left/west at Tomah Road; follow 1.5 miles to the Dawson Butte Ranch entrance on the right.
Trail Difficulty: Beginner
Shoes: Not required
Notables from the Trail Boss: Parking may be an issue - Runners, Bicycles, Strollers, Dogs
Monday, May 26 10am - Memorial Day Ride
Hidden Mesa
Where: Hidden Mesa Open Space
Ride Time: 3-4 hours
Trail Boss: Celeste Aragon 719-641-9763
When: Monday, May 26th, Ready to Ride at 10am
Directions: Travel one mile north of Franktown on Parker Road (Hwy. 83). It is on the west/left side with a large Hidden Mesa Open Space sign.
Trail Difficulty: Beginner
Shoes: Recommended but not required
Notables from the Trail Boss: Hikers, runners, dogs, water crossings, bicycles.
https://www.douglas.co.us/dcoutdoors/openspace-properties/hidden-mesa-open-space-and-trail/
WNR- Wed, May 28th 6:30pm
Fox Run
Where: Fox Run Regional Park
Trail Boss: Lois Fagerquist 719-310-1353
Ride time: 1.5 -2 hours
When: Wednesday, May 28th, Ready to Ride at 6:30pm
Directions: 2110 Stella Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 -- The park can be reached from Highway 24, North on Highway 83; west on Northgate Road for .5 mile; north on Roller Coaster Road 1.5 miles to Stella Drive.
Trail Difficulty: Beginner
Shoes: Not required
Notables from the Trail Boss: Bicycles, dogs, hikers, runners, no water crossings, possibly kites
Sunday, June 1 10am
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Where: Cheyenne Mountain State Park $10 Park Fee
Ride Time: 2-3 hours
Trail Boss: Tony Ruggiero 719-331-4471
When: Sunday, June 1 - ready to ride at 10am
Directions: 410 JL Ranch Heights Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80926--- I-25 exit #135, South Academy, head west on South Academy past Pikes Peak Community College, continue west to Highway 115, turn left (south) on Highway 115. Turn right at the first stop light, JL Ranch Heights Road (also the light for Fort Carson Gate 1), the park entrance is to the west. Go west and follow the road into the park. Look for state highway signs directing you to Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
Trail Difficulty: Beginner
Shoes: Not required, but recommended if you horse can't walk on shale for 20-30 feet
Notables from the Trail Boss: Bicycles, Joggers, narrow trails in spots
Sunday June 8 - 9am
Temple Canon - Grape Creek
Where: Temple Canyon
Ride time: 4-5 hours
​Trail Boss: Robert Rickgauer 719-339-8707
When: Sunday, June 8th – Ready to ride at 9am
Directions: Temple Canon Park
CO-115 to US-50 to S 1st Street in Canon City (left) to Eco Park Trailhead – follow 1.8 miles to the trail head.
Trail Difficulty: Intermediate - Advanced
Shoes: Required
Notables from the Trail Boss: Limited Dogs, many, many water crossings (some may be deep)