Parker, CO – December 19, 2014 – Mark Bellissimo announced today that a new partnership has been formed and has signed a contract to acquire the Colorado Horse Park (CHP) in Parker, Colorado. The 148-acre Colorado Horse Park was founded by Helen Krieble in 1992 and is the largest horse park west of the Mississippi. It hosts over 40 events per year, has 11 competition arenas, 100 Boarding Stalls, an RV Park, 2 Covered Arenas, 300 permanent stalls, and enough portable stalls for over 1,000 competing horses. The partnership is also contracted to acquire an additional 47 acres zoned as residential that abuts CHP.
CHP’s “Summer in the Rockies” series is one of the most prominent hunter/jumper equestrian circuits in the United States and spans over six weeks. CHP hosts all types of equestrian events including Hunter/Jumper, Eventing, and Dressage competitions and has hosted the North American Young Rider Championships three times. CHP also has a long term contract on 276 contiguous acres which hosts a cross-country course designed by Eventing Olympian David O’Connor.
Mark Bellissimo commented, “Helen has been one of the great visionaries in equestrian sport and has done an amazing job in creating the Colorado Horse Park. Her passion for the facility and her impact on the community over 23 years is inspirational. We are honored to continue Helen’s legacy.”
Helen Krieble added, “I am thrilled that Mark and his partners have contracted to acquire the Horse Park. It has been my passion for 23 years, and I am confident that it will be in good hands. It was important to me that the Horse Park was kept intact. The contract includes the purchase of an additional 47 acres that abuts the horse park. I believe this will ensure CHP has the ability to operate effectively and preserves the area from future residential development. This is a great day for Colorado equestrians, residents, and businesses.”
The partnership, to be named Colorado Equestrian Partners, includes Mark and Katherine Bellissimo, Roger and Jennifer Smith, Howard and Gwen Dvorkin, Lisa Lourie, and Diana and Jenji Mercer, who are also partners in the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, which operates the world-renowned Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) and the Global Dressage Festival (GDF) in Wellington, Florida, and the newly established Tryon International Equestrian Center in Tryon, NC.
WEF is the world’s largest and longest running equestrian festival which spans 12 weeks and hosts participants from 50 states and 33 countries and has over $8 million dollars in prize money. The GDF is the world’s largest dressage competition and includes seven CDI competitions over the winter. The WEF and GDF events contribute close to $200 million dollars in annual economic impact on Palm Beach County and generate over 120,000 bed nights for local hotels.
Bellissimo added, “We are excited about the future of equestrian sport, and we believe the CHP facility can be a significant central hub to serve all disciplines and to continue to develop the hunter/jumper, dressage, and the eventing disciplines as well as a catalyst to develop the next generation of horses and riders. Colorado has a great equestrian tradition, and we hope to cultivate that market as well as bring new riders into the sport. We contemplate great investments in the park over the next few years and making it one of the premier facilities in the world.”
Consistent with its other facilities, the partners will be developing philanthropic initiatives as well as developing outreach programs to work with community schools to raise awareness to the opportunities in horse sports.
Tiffany Cooke and Patent Pending. Photo by Cristy Cumberworth.
Parker, Colo. – August 23, 2014 – It was cross-country day for competitors participating in the Colorado Horse Park CCI ** / CCI*, Training and Novice 3-Day, National Horse Trials and Area IX Championships. Tiffany Cooke, Olivia Cliver, Bonner Carpenter, Haley Clark and Amy Dalrymple all held on to their leading positions established in the dressage phase.
CCI**
Cooke, who practices law in Dallas, and her horse Patent Pending maintained their dressage score of 52.80. The big liver chestnut Thoroughbred marched around the 25-obstacle, 4,781m course without penalty in a time of 8:34. The optimum time was set at 8:42.
CCI*
Cliver and My Mitch also remained on top over the competition after a fantastic cross-country effort. The pair was only 6 seconds off the optimum time and held on to their leading score of 45.90 and completed the 24 jumping efforts without incident. Cliver trains with Mike Huber and Heather Morris of Gold Chip Farm.
“There wasn’t anything on the course that had me too worried,” said Cliver. “We ended up having a pretty scary ride at the up bank. I should have done five strides but I ended up doing six. That was our only hairy moment; other than that it was a lot of fun. I had just done a two star but this was my first CCI. I wasn’t sure how he’d finish at the end and he came off and was ready to go back in five seconds!”
Cliver admits that show jumping is their weakest phase. “I’m feeling pretty nervous about show jumping tomorrow but Mitch jogged great,” she said.
Hayley Clark and Bold Impression. Photo by Carrie Wirth
Training 3-Day
Hayley Clark from Garden City, MO and her 15.3 hand consistent partner Bold Impression also enjoyed a successful day out in the wide-open spaces of the beautiful cross-country course at the Colorado Horse Park. They will carry their score of 33.20 from their dressage test into the show jumping phase on Sunday.
“He was awesome today,” said Clark. “He is always great cross-country. If I say go, he goes. I rode really well into the second water – I sat down, widened my hands and he went. He’s pretty strong in all three phases. Show jumping is probably our weakest phase. Tomorrow we just have to keep all the rails up!”
“We’ve worked very hard on his front end,” Clark said. “We’ve done a lot of grid work. I got him two years ago. He came from a dressage barn. He didn’t know how to go out in the field or what a cross-country jump was. Once he got it, he loved it.”
Clark plans to step him up to preliminary at the end of this year. Then she’s going to Florida this winter and hopes to do her first one star and go to the North American Junior and Young Riders Championships next year.
Novice 3-Day
Amy Dalrymple from Eagle, Colorado and her own Triton’s Echo, a Connemara/Oldenburg cross, remain in strong contention advancing to the show jumping with no penalties added after cross-country and carrying 32.00.
“I have never done the Novice 3-Day so that was all very new to us,” said Dalrymple. “The roads and tracks and the steeplechase were the most exciting part of that, especially the steeplechase – to gallop to the jump like that! It was great because she was calm after roads and tracks and the steeplechase phase and she was better on cross-country.”
Dalrymple, who trains with Sophie Mueller, hopes to step her up to training level.
“I was really happy to be first after dressage yesterday,” Dalrymple said. “It has only happened once before. That had always been our weakness. She’s come a long way.”
Dalrymple has really enjoyed her experience at the Colorado Horse Park.
“It has been great,” she said. “The whole show makes you feel like you’re at Rolex.”
Bonner Carpenter and Basco. Photo by Cristy Cumberworth
Open Intermediate
Bonner Carpenter from Dallas and her own Basco, a bay Dutch Warmblood gelding, are still in the lead after cross-country in the Open Intermediate Division.
“He’s been really good all weekend,” said Bonner. “I couldn’t ask for him to be much better than he’s been. He is the strongest in dressage or show jumping.”
Bonner, who trains with Mike Huber and Heather Morris, is headed to California to compete at several three-stars and then the three-star at Galway in November.
Open Preliminary
Heather Morris from Lewisville, Texas and Laker, owned by Mike Huber, were in the lead going into cross-country but had a stop on the course.
“This is his first prelim so he just had a green moment,” said Morris. “I’m not worried about it. It’s one of those things that happen when they first move up. It’s not a big deal.”
Morris is very proud of her clients from Gold Chip Farm.
“I am feeling good about my group,” she said. “Everyone stepped up and had good rounds today. I’m proud of each and every one of them.”
International rider James Atkinson and Landonn II OHF, owned by Dan Michaels, took over the Open Preliminary lead.
“Actually it was really fun,” said Atkinson. “The horse is a catch-ride. Dan asked me to ride him and he’s a really nice horse. He was fun to ride.”
“My own upper level horse was injured at Rebecca Farm,” shared Atkinson. “He was my hopeful for the Pan American Games next year. So, we’re thinking to make a push to get Dan’s horse there. He’s certainly has the kind of quality to do the job. So, this may be the beginning of a very cool relationship. We’ll see.”
Atkinson is the cross-country course designer of the event and he asked to make a comment about the competing on the course he has built.
“At the FEI levels you’re not allowed to ride your own course. The reason it’s allowed at the national levels is because if course designers aren’t allowed to ride, then course designers will be people that don’t ride,” he explained. “Honestly, working on the course in the past four days I’ve probably had a total of six hours sleep. I’m out here aerating the footing until four in the morning every morning then I’m back out here at five getting things ready. I am probably the least focused person when it comes to riding. It also helps to really know the footing to get out there and gallop a horse. You just don’t get that by kicking the footing around with your foot.”
Eventing concludes on Sunday at the Colorado Horse Park with exciting show jumping action.
About the Colorado Horse Park
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado. The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually. CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.
The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space. The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.
Official Veterinarian:
Littleton Equine Medical Center
(303) 794-6359
Show Grounds Address:
7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134
From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway. Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road. Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.
From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway. Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.
Important Note for Competitors:
VS has not been reported at the Colorado Horse Park, however all horses competing are required to have a health certificate dated 3-5 days before arrival stating that the horse is VS free. All horses will be checked by a veterinarian upon arrival. Please enter the Horse Park by the main entrance on Bayou Gulch Road.
Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
One of the three water complexes of the Colorado Horse Park cross-country course. Photos by Cristy Cumberworth.
Expect Top-Notch International Eventing Competition
Parker, Colo. – August 20, 2014 – The Colorado Horse Park will hold the eventing highlight of the year, CCI 2*/1*, Training and Novice 3-Day, National Horse Trials and Area IX Championships.
The Concours Complet International or CCI events are designated international competitions of the equestrian sport of eventing, governed and assigned ratings by the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI).
The three-phase competition kicks off on Friday, August 22 and runs through Sunday, August 24, with dressage on Friday, cross-country on Saturday and show jumping on Sunday.
The Colorado Horse Park’s spectacular cross-country course spans over many acres and was originally designed by David O’Connor, Olympic Gold Medalist and current Chef d’Equipe of the U.S. Eventing Team. The course is now designed by highly-regarded, international eventing competitor and trainer James Atkinson. Atkinson has represented Canada in international competition on many occasions. The course includes many unique obstacles, including impressive and solid natural jumps, ditches, banks, open spaces and three water complexes.
Members of the media and spectators are welcome at all events. Shop at equestrian-themed boutiques and enjoy great food and fresh brewed coffee drinks throughout the event. General admission and parking are free. The competition starts at approximately 8:00 a.m. each day.
Sydney Conley Elliott and SaffariO
About the Colorado Horse Park
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado. The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually. CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.
The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space. The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.
Official Veterinarian:
Littleton Equine Medical Center
(303) 794-6359
Show Grounds Address:
7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134
From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway. Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road. Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.
From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway. Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.
Important Note for Competitors:
VS has not been reported at the Colorado Horse Park, however all horses competing are required to have a health certificate dated 3-5 days before arrival stating that the horse is VS free. All horses will be checked by a veterinarian upon arrival. Please enter the Horse Park by the main entrance on Bayou Gulch Road.
Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Devon Wycoff and Power Play at the Colorado Horse Park’s High Prairie Dressage I, II and III. Photos by Dawn Hawkinson.
Parker, CO – June 6, 2014 – The first dressage shows of the season at the Colorado Horse Park’s High Prairie Dressage I, II and III kicked off May 30 – June 1 with successful results for Young Rider Devon Wycoff, and seasoned veteran, K. C. Parkins-Kyle.
Wycoff, a 20-year-old film and drama student from Boulder, CO, and Power Play, her own 17-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Pik Noir Feldessa, Top of Class), took the opportunity to fine-tune their tests and freestyle before the 2014 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions to be held next week at the USEF Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ. The duo placed second in the FEI Young Rider Team Test with a 68.947 percent, and went on to sweep wins in the Young Rider Individual Test with a 70.197 percent and the Young Rider Freestyle with a 71.43 percent.
“I think this past weekend went well,” Wycoff said. “I was pleased with the quality of horse I had in the arena all three days. It was important to me to see what works and what doesn’t in both the ring and in the warm-up.”
She used the warm, friendly atmosphere at The Colorado Horse Park shows to help her gain confidence in the arena after a recent shift to a more correct approach to riding.
“I grew up showing there starting when I was 9 years old,” she said. “I love that place. The staff is like a well-oiled machine. They are always so friendly and they are there whenever you need something. It is incredibly refreshing to have a show grounds that takes the footing so seriously. The footing has always been a priority for the CHP, and it shows. The facility, the staff and the overall show experience have always been top notch for me. I always look forward to showing at the Colorado Horse Park every year!”
The experience at the show helped her focus her attention before heading off to New Jersey for the Festival of Champions.
“Really, it’s all there,” she said. “It now comes down to finding that confidence in my own riding with this new approach, especially in the show arena. In the long run, I think it will help Player move up the levels and be fitter as well as prepare me to be a knowledgeable and correct FEI rider. I think just this past weekend the training and my own confidence with the training started to click in the show arena – we still had some mistakes that are costly but I am very happy with how fit Player feels.”
She added that it was only the second time they had ridden the Freestyle in the arena.
“The actual pattern and test itself was a bit all over the place and I am finding there are still some kinks to be worked out in the music but, like I said, Player felt super and we received quite a few 9s on movements, so I am very happy with that,” she said.
Wycoff believes Power Play, whom she also calls Player, Power Noodle, or just The Noodle, is the hardest worker she has ever had the pleasure of riding.
“I adore him with every fiber of my being,” she said. “He enjoys long walks on the beach and is very committed to his vegan diet and his favorite book is ‘A Tail of Two Cities.'”
K. C. Parkins-Kyle and Hudson
Also fresh off wins was Parkins-Kyle on Olaf, an 18-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Wagenaar – Jerianne) owned by Sarah Bushon-Weeks, and Hudson, a 10-year-old Hanoverian gelding (His Highness 2 – Windspiel, Walt Disney) also owned by Bushong-Weeks.
Perkins-Kyle, a United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Gold Medalist based out of Hidden Ridge Farm in Franktown, CO, and Olaf earned scores of 61.400 percent and 59.006 percent in the Grand Prix. She and Hudson earned the blue ribbon in Sunday’s Prix St. Georges with a 66.974 percent and third place in Saturday’s Prix St. Georges with a 62.763 percent.
“Although the judging was tight, it was very fair and accurate,” Kyle said of her tests on Hudson. “My ride on Sunday was probably one of the better ones I’ve had on that horse.”
Their partnership is only about a year old and she expects the horse to move up into Intermediaire with an eye toward Grand Prix.
“I’m working on a freestyle but they don’t have those at Prix St. Georges, so that means I’m going to have to get to some I-1s,” she laughed. “I like doing the freestyles a lot anyway. I hate to say this because it’s not the type of music I like, but I think Hudson will be going to some disco. I went through that the first time and I don’t know why I want to do that again but I won’t be wearing a leotard or a satin shirt.”
Dressage at the scenic Colorado Horse Park will continue in August with Dressage in the Rockies I, II and III Aug. 1-3. Show information can be found at the Colorado Horse Park website, www.coloradohorsepark.com.
About the Colorado Horse Park
Celebrating its 21th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado. The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 35,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually. CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist, David O’Connor. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity to house more than 1,000.
The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space. The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.
Parker, CO – April 21, 2014 – Colorado Horse Park is pleased to announce that Mary Sayre and her North Woods Farm will move their operation to the park. Sayre, who hails from Rockford, IL, began showing and riding in the ponies in the Chicago area when she was 9 years old, then she moved up to the junior hunters. She became a professional at 18 and has been at it for 32 years. Sayre discovered Colorado on ski trips and fell in love with the area. She is head trainer of North Woods Farm and recently made the decision to move her business to the Colorado Horse Park.
“We’re there showing all the time and it will make my life so much easier,” Sayre said. “We are literally there three weeks out of every month in the summer. They have been very welcoming and accommodating. Plus, we will have everything that the Colorado Horse Park has to offer, such as all the wonderful rings with great footing, the trails and the beautiful scenery. We’re excited about being at the Colorado Horse Park!”
Sayre, who has two grown sons, has many children and juniors in her client roster and is particularly gifted at pairing horses and riders.
“I have a lot of kids, a lot of ponies, children’s and junior hunters and I have some adults,” Sayre said of her clients. “They are successful in the show ring because they work really hard. We try to have a lot of fun.
“My whole career I have been told that I have the amazing ability for matching people with the right horse,” Sayre continued. “I feel blessed that I can do that. There are a lot of horses in our barn that we think that they actually look like their owner. They have the same eyes or some other feature. It is uncanny.”
Sayre’s client Marisa Haag on her mare Taylor Made 2013 Zone 8 Champions in the Amateur Adult Hunters 18-35.
Sayre and her clients have had multiple year-end championships. She said that the secret to their success is that they set goals and they’ve been able to meet those goals. Some of her young clients don’t do a great deal of showing while others set their sights on year-end honors.
“We’ve had lots of success,” Sayre said. “We work hard but have fun. I do this because I like horses and I like working with the kids. I like my job. I am so fortunate to do this for a living.”
Sayre and her clients will move to the Horse Park and enjoy the spring and summer shows from their new home.
“Carole (Kenney, equine manager) and Helen (Krieble, founder and president) have made the transition to Colorado Horse Park really easy,” Sayre said. “We all look forward to enjoying Colorado Horse Park.”
About the Colorado Horse Park
Celebrating its 21th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado. The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 35,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually. CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist, David O’Connor. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity to house more than 1,000.
The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space. The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.
Parker, CO – April 22, 2013 – The Colorado Horse Park is pleased to announce that they will be hosting the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA), Zone 8 Emerging Athletes Program (EAP) June 25-28, 2013. The deadline for application is fast approaching. Young riders have until Monday, April 29, 2013 to apply. Each year, hundreds of young riders apply to the Emerging Athletes Program in hopes of furthering their education, not only as riders, but as complete horsemen.
The EAP creates opportunities for young riders to advance their education as they strive to become knowledgeable horsemen within the hunter/jumper community. The Colorado Horse Park will be the ideal setting and athletes will be at the facility in the midst of the amazing Colorado Horse Park “Summer Circuit”. The place will buzz with activity!
Ten EAP Regional Clinics are offered throughout the country during the months of June, July and August, with a total of 24 riders selected for each clinic. During these four-day clinics, riders have the opportunity to work with top riding clinicians and stable managers. Regional Clinic attendees are instructed on flatwork, gymnastics, related distances and course work, in addition to participating in an intensive stable-management curriculum. Riders also complete a written test as part of their evaluation for the National Training Session. Sixteen riders are selected to advance to the EAP National Training Session where one rider is named the EAP Champion and receives a $3,000 grant for advanced training.
The Colorado Horse Park is pleased to have Cynthia Hankins as the Zone 8 clinician this year. Hankins was a junior equitation star, having placed in the top ten of several equitation finals before winning the USEF Medal Finals in 1975. She spent much of her professional career traveling between the U.S. and France, where she rides and trains at a top breeding farm. Many of her students have gone on to become successful professionals within the hunter/jumper community.
Hankins holds an “R” judge’s license in both Hunter and Hunter Equitation and has judged numerous shows in the United States and France including several equitation finals and most recently the 2011 Maclay Finals at the National Horse Show in Lexington, KY.
In addition to judging and training, Hankins shares her knowledge and expertise with riders as a top clinician and in the articles she contributes to publications such as The Chronicle of the Horse and Practical Horseman.
In order to be considered for the Emerging Athletes Program, riders:
Must be a current member of USHJA in good standing.
Must not have reached their 21st birthday before December 1 of the current competition year according to USEF rules.
Must be able to display proficiency in completing jumper style courses set at 1.10m or higher. Riders are expected to supply the horse they ride in the Regional Clinic, and the horse should be comfortable jumping a course at 1.10m.
May not have competed in classes over 1.35m in height at the time of application and may not have competed in FEI Championships for jumping, such as Young Riders or Children’s International Jumping Competition.
Must pass the Level One USHJA Horsemanship Quiz Challenge with a score of 80% or higher.
For more information, contact clinic organizer Vivien Van Buren at VNIVIV@CS.com.
About the Colorado Horse Park
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado. The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually. CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O’Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.
The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space. The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.
About Emerging Athletes Program: The EAP was created specifically to provide opportunities for young riders to advance their education, as they strive to become knowledgeable horsemen within the hunter/jumper community, which may or may not include a career in the horse industry.
Show Grounds Address: 7375 E Bayou Gulch Rd, Parker, CO 80134
From North: I-25S exit Ridgegate Parkway – go east under the freeway. Ridgegate Parkway to S. Chambers Road, approx 3 miles (Traffic light) – turn right/south onto Chambers Road. At end of Chambers Road turn left/east onto Hess Road. Hess Road to Parker Road/Hwy 83 – turn right/south onto Hwy 83 approx 4 miles to Bayou Gulch Road. (Traffic light). Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.
From South: I-25N, exit Founder’s Parkway. Founder’s Parkway to Highway 86, approx 4 miles (traffic light). Turn east/left onto Hwy. 86 to Franktown/Hwy 83. At Franktown go north on 83 approx. 7 mi. to Bayou Gulch Rd. (Traffic light), turn right/east onto Bayou Gulch Rd. Follow signs to Colorado Horse Park.
Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
Clearly, owned by Larry Glefke and ridden by top hunter professional Kelley Farmer, won the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at Colorado Horse Park in 2012. Photo by Flying Horse Photography.
Parker, Colorado – March 20, 2013 – In January 2013, the results of a study providing a clearer snapshot of the economic impact of the horse industry in Douglas and Elbert counties in Colorado was released to the public. Summit Economics, LLC, a research and consulting service specializing in applied economics, public policy, municipal finance and business strategy development, conducted the research. The firm has extensive experience in preparing economic impact studies for government and business.
“Summit Economics has an excellent reputation and has prior experience with analysis of horse-related events and venues,” said Geoff Combs, Chief Financial Officer at the Horse Park.
Douglas County is located midway between Colorado’s two largest cities, Denver and Colorado Springs. The county population is estimated at 292,000. The county seat is Castle Rock.
Elbert County’s population is estimated at 23,000 with the county seat of Kiowa. Despite its location on the eastern plains, Elbert County is part of the Denver-Aurora Metropolitan and the Denver-Aurora-Boulder Combined statistical areas.
The results of the study estimated the horse industry impacts the Douglas and Elbert counties by adding between $110 million to $135 million into their economies. Activity at Colorado Horse Park, located in Douglas County, generates just over $15 million, or between nine and 15 percent of the total two-county economic activity, per year and supports between 300-350 jobs.
“It is so easy to dismiss the value of the industry because horse people and horse activities are so diverse,” said Helen Krieble, President and founder of the Colorado Horse Park. “We all really wanted decision makers to understand the vitality of the industry and that it directly and indirectly touches so many other industries and generates private and public earnings.”
The rationale to evaluate the industry varied between supporters. Their reasons ranged from creating a greater understanding of the value of equestrian real estate and the value of property rights of horse owners to evaluating the health of the industry.
The last study of the horse industry was conducted in 2007 and was a broader, statewide study. The new study was developed in two parts. Part One focused on Colorado Horse Park and Part Two wrapped the entire industry together for both counties. The results of the study confirm that horses are a major economic driver in the two Colorado counties.
The employment impact of the horse industry in Douglas and Elbert Counties, both direct and indirect, is estimated at between 1,400 and 1,950 jobs. Total spending by Colorado Horse Park competitors on lodging, food, with vendors and other personal shopping was $917,000 spread over an average of 22 days. The total spending by spectators, staff and competitors was $15,286,064 during the 2012 season.
Colorado Horse Park staff was invited to present the results of the study at a recent meeting of the National Coalition of Horse Councils. Groups in Florida, Virginia, Kentucky, Texas and other states, public entities and private organizations have also conducted horse-related studies.
Funding for the study was provided by the Colorado Horse Park, together with partners, Douglas County, the Town of Parker, the Parker Chamber, the Dumb Friends League, Murdochs Ranch & Home Supply, Douglas-Elbert County Horse Council and citizens invested in the study to quantify the value of the highly fragmented and segmented horse industry in their region.
To request a copy of this study, please email kfenner@cohorsepark.com with “request study” as your subject line.
About the Colorado Horse Park
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado. The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually. CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist, David O’Connor. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.
The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space. The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.
Children Receive School Supplies Thanks to Step by Step’s “Back to School Backpack” Online Initiative before Fall Classes Begin
Emanuel Andrade champions the charity at the Kentucky Horse Park, by Ingrid Sabater
Parker, CO/Wellington, FL – August 5, 2012 – CEOs Liliane Stransky of Step by Step and Kyle Fenner of The Colorado Horse Park joined forces during the Summer in the Rockies horse show series to raise funds for the victims of the Waldo Canyon fire and charity helping, Colorado Springs Together. The event, held at the Colorado Horse Park in Parker, CO before the final $50,000 Parker Adventist Grand Prix, raised thousands for the displaced families in the community and their animals. In addition Stransky also introduced the Step by Step’s School in Backpack campaign, an online initiative which raised funds to buy supplies for students in the area before they go back to classes in the fall. This online outreach drew donations from around the country and, thanks to the success of both the Facebook and online promo, Stransky was able to purchase hundreds and hundreds of backpacks filled with much needed supplies which she and her staff sent out from the charity’s headquarters in Florida this week.
Kristen VanderVeen defended her title in the $50,000 Parker Adventist Hospital Grand Prix. Photos: Flying Horse Photography
Parker, CO — Six weeks of fantastic competition and wonderful events at the Colorado Horse Park (CHP) were capped off with a weekend to remember. There was truly something for everyone, including pony rides and face painting for military families during the second annual Military Appreciation Day; equestrian safety and the distribution of free helmets during the Parker Adventist Hospital Helmet Fitting; and the Wildfire Relief Fundraising Auction spearheaded by Liliane Stransky and her Step by Step Foundation that raised more than $6,000 for the victims of the Waldo Canyon fire. The day concluded with world-class competition in the $50,000 Parker Adventist Hospital Grand Prix.
Kristen VanderVeen, of St. Charles, IL, defended her title as reigning champion of the biggest Grand Prix of the Colorado Summer Circuit. On her horse Bull Run’s Zino Platinum, VanderVeen led the victory gallop for the second year in a row. Bull Run’s Zino Platinum is an 11-year-old Holsteiner (Accorodo) and has been with VanderVeen for about a year and a half.
Benefit Auction to Be Held after $50,000 Parker Adventist Hospital Grand Prix
Daniela Stansky is just 15 years old and already committed to helping others through her work in her mom's charity, the Step by Step Foundation. Photo: Flying Horse Photography
Parker, CO — The Colorado Horse Park (CHP) and the Step by Step Foundation are working together to help support the victims of the Waldo Canyon fire. As an alliance they are assembling a Wildfire Relief Fundraising Auction, and all proceeds will go directly to Colorado Springs Together, which serves as the primary community organization to restore the lives and structures affected by the Waldo Canyon Fire. The benefit auction will take place at CHP (7522 S. Pinery Drive, Parker, CO 80134) on Saturday July 21 in front of the main office beginning at 3:00 p.m.
“We are seeing some amazing outpouring of support for the residents affected by the Waldo Canyon fire. If everyone will do just one small thing to help, the results can be profound,” the Mayor of Colorado Springs, Steve Bach, told CHP.
Step by Step Foundation and CHP agreed, and are leaping to the aid of fire victims with a fundraiser to be held at the park. “Colorado is our community and in times like this we want to help,” said Kyle Fenner, CEO of CHP Foundation 501 (c) (3). “We are lucky to have the vehicle to do it, so we all jumped on board!”
WEF is the world’s largest and longest running equestrian festival which spans 12 weeks and hosts participants from 50 states and 33 countries and has over $8 million dollars in prize money. The GDF is the world’s largest dressage competition and includes seven CDI competitions over the winter. The WEF and GDF events contribute close to $200 million dollars in annual economic impact on Palm Beach County and generate over 120,000 bed nights for local hotels.
