Ccc spring gulch horse trials

Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Recent improvements to the cross-country course at the Spring Gulch Equestrian Area in Colorado will be the highlight of the second Spring Gulch Horse Trials that will take place August 7 and 8, The combination of new jumps built by Greg Schlappi, the painting of existing jumps by the MSEA-CCC organization that runs the event, and new tracks set by organizer and course designer Andy Bowles will welcome approximately entries.

The longstanding event held at the Spring Gulch Equestrian Area, a acre public equestrian park owned by the U. Army Corps of Engineers, will feature levels from Prelim to Intro offered as one-day events.

Many of the jumps are portable so they can be moved off the galloping tracks and free up space for schooling, a task that Giustina undertakes herself.

The cross-country course runs inside the bowl of the dam, which makes for gently rolling terrain for all the courses. The footing is sandy and provides excellent drainage, so even after heavy rains or snows the footing remains good. Indeed, last year it snowed six inches the Thursday before the event, but the footing was perfect for the competition over the weekend.

One of the most unique and challenging things about hosting an event at Spring Gulch is that the facility has no running water or electricity. Spring Gulch draws approximately to riders each spring, which makes for a very tight-knit community with familiar faces at every event.

Spring Gulch is also the first Area IX event in Colorado every spring and is the first chance for many riders to get out to compete again after the winter, which is longer for eventers in Colorado than those in California or on the East Coast.

Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. About 35 years ago some far-sighted equestrians petitioned the Corps and Colorado to use the land as a horse park, primarily as a schooling area for cross country jumps.

As you can imagine, the sport of combined training was fledgling in the Rockies and through the hard work and dedication of a few individuals, Spring Gulch Equestrian Park was created. Colorado State Parks used to lease the park in year increments, but the contract for the park has now transferred to the Highlands Ranch Metro District. Because Highlands Ranch Metro District is responsible for maintaining the park there is the regular park fee that is due upon use of the park.

The Metro District takes care of the bathrooms, trashcan collection and placement of picnic benches among other chores. The Corps of Engineers is responsible for maintaining the drainage at the area.