Nonprofit horse park brings crowds to Parker

By Marty Metzger
North Forty News

The Colorado Horse Park in Parker is about to undergo exciting changes while keeping the same focus after a horseman/investor purchases the illustrious equine event center.

According to Brian Curry, facility manager, the first year under new ownership should see most of the same activities at the park. Future plans include a 6,000-seat arena, expansion of existing arenas, and additional improvements designed to make year-round events possible. Curry expects the park to maintain its 501(c)(3) status, which is part of the sale.

It's that nonprofit status that annually draws hundreds of volunteers. In thousands of generously donated hours, they set up events, work in the information booth and handle other details. They're dedicated to advancing the facility as a premier equestrian competition venue, similar to those such as the Kentucky Horse Park. Staff and volunteers believe in the park's mission statement: "The purpose of The Colorado Horse Park is to showcase the history and heritage of the West using the horse as the primary teaching tool through hands-on educational programming, museum exhibitions, competitions, boarding and training, recreation, entertainment and therapy for all ages."

Paid membership is currently offered, allowing cardholders benefits including season tickets, newsletter, discount coupons and access to showgrounds, indoor arenas and trails.

Corporate sponsorships are also available, providing benefits that promote businesses while simultaneously increasing revenues used to maintain and improve facility features. Sponsorships are customized for each company's goals. The long list of choices include corporate events, signs and banners in high traffic areas, VIP tickets and parking passes, hospitality suites and tents, and public service announcements during events.

Vendor opportunities during events bring representatives to an area in the park called Vendor Alley, a group of manicured outdoor spaces designed for trailer setup. Jen Wright, owner of Happy Horse Tack and Saddle Shop in Fort Collins, said the North American Young Riders Championship this past July drew about 25 vendors.

An enthusiastic devotee of The Colorado Horse Park, Wright participates in events as both vendor and rider. She rates the park as "a wonderful facility to be able to access."

Numerous breed associations, a variety of discipline competitions and individual equestrian experts all confirm Wright's measure of the park. Some of their open-to-the-public crowd-pleasing events include The Colorado Horse Park Three Day Event, Pony Club Rally, The Colorado Horse Park Sheep Dog Trials, several Grand Prix Show Jumping events in various months, draft horse shows, CHPC Endurance Ride, National Horse Trials, Halloween with Horses and North American Junior Young Riders Championship.

Wright said that the Young Riders Championship is basically Olympic level competition for equestrians under age 22 and can be a precursor to the Olympics. That these classes are held at the CHP defines its international reputation as a distinguished facility.

Halloween with Horses has been featured on the Martha Stewart Show and in Woman's Day magazine. The unique event offers a horse costume contest, trick or treat barn, stable of terror, crafters, horse and pony rides, petting zoo and a pumpkin patch. The Draft Horse, Mule and Gypsy Horse Show's conformation and harness classes offer old-fashioned fun for spectators and competitors alike.

Grand Prix Show Jumping's challenges of 5-feet-high, 6-feet-wide obstacles and prize money in excess of $225,000 assure feverish competition. Highly skilled riders atop supremely talented flying mounts include many Olympians. They'll adeptly and athletically rise out of their saddles while keeping spectators on the edges of their seats.

Other fun and exciting equestrian draws are fall and winter Pair Paces (timed over a jump course against an unannounced, pre-set time) and foxhunting (actually a laid-down coyote drag scent). The Arapahoe Hunt (www.arapahoehunt.com) holds an Autumn Cross Country Pace event.

Trainers, equine artists and other professionals call the park a favored place to work or display their talents. Hopefully, they, along with riders, vendors and spectators will find the revised direction of The Colorado Horse Park an even finer and enhanced experience.

More information is available by calling Brian Curry at 303-918-2908.