Horse show competitors and visitors of all ages are invited to celebrate the magnificence of the horse this summer at the Colorado Horse Park in Parker, CO. The calendar is packed with more than 30 unique and diverse events designed to entertain, educate and enthrall. Nearly one-million dollars in prize money will be distributed to hunter, jumper, equitation, dressage, eventing and draft horses throughout the season.
“The 2008 season will be one of our best ever,” predicts General Manager Rob Janson. “We have great awards and prize money, and offer some of the highest-quality judges for all equestrian disciplines.”
Highlights of the 2008 calendar include the CIC** Three-Day Event, May 30-June 1, followed by Dressage at High Prairie, June 6-8. The Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Show, held on June 20-22, features Western, English and halter competitions for all skill levels. The summer fun continues with the Colorado Summer Circuit, including three grand prix show jumping events, July 2-27, and Dressage in the Rockies, August 8-10, with great rewards and prize money. Families can mark their calendars to attend the Draft Horse and Gypsy Show with Sheep Dog Trials on August 15-17 and the famous Halloween with Horses on October 18.
For more than 15 years the Colorado Summer Circuit hunter/jumper show has been a spectator favorite. Over the course of four weeks, equestrian riders from around the globe compete for the chance to win the Colorado Horse Park Triple Crown and prize money worth over $425,000. Overall the circuit features more than a half-million dollars in prize money.
Children of all ages can celebrate the fall season with the Ninth Annual Halloween with Horses trick or treat barn, pumpkin patch, or stable of terror, while enjoying the famous costumed horse contest, petting zoo, the Stable of Terror, the Trick or Treat Barn, face painting, pony rides, entertainment, food, crafters and more.
In addition to the usual events, The Colorado Horse Park welcomes back the North American Junior Young Riders Championships, July 29-August 3. These international championships for riders under 21 years of age in dressage, three-day eventing, show jumping and reining showcase future Olympians and World Champions.
Janson continued, “The Colorado Horse Park is the cornerstone for equestrian competitions throughout the region. The Board of Directors is working hard to ensure that the future of the horse is bright here in Parker.” Longtime board member Chuck Mangan has replaced Hank Held as chairman and will continue to pursue the park’s mission. The park is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is currently looking for someone to take over the reins of founder and president Helen Krieble.