Trail Riding Etiquette
We follow the guideline of 12 heartbeats together to minimize impact on the trails we ride.
Twelve heartbeats equals 6 horses and 6 riders. If we have more than 6 riders we split into two groups.
All riders pay attention to the descriptions and suggestions about the need for horseshoes.
Prior to the day of the ride, riders obtain documents as needed (Coggins, Health Certificate if out of State and Brand Certificate if more than 75 miles from home).
Members respect other riders by conditioning their horses for the distance/terrain.
We respect other riders by honestly evaluating our own abilities and limitations and the horse's condition or ability before attending a ride.
During a ride we all understand unexpected tack issues or injuries. However, we expect prior planning by all so we have an enjoyable and uneventful as possible ride.
Riders are responsible for their own food and water as well as first aide supplies, unless otherwise stated before the ride.
If the ride meets at 10:00 - be prompt.
Guidelines and Trail Boss Duties
The contact person for the scheduled ride checks information listed on the website calendar, conveys the trail difficulty as accurately as possible, supplies information for appropriate gear and food needed. Trail bosses also clearly communicate to all riders the difficulty, pace and length of any ride.
Follows LNT (Leave No Trace) Principles
Follows 12 heartbeat rule
Monitors the pace of each horse and rider and adjusts as necessary
Knows places along the trail for watering horses, grazing horses and having lunch breaks.
Featured Trail Locations
Larimer County Parks
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Larimer County Parks
https://www.larimer.org/naturalresources/parks
Located on the edge of Livermore, CO, Eagles Nest Open Space features rolling hills, creek crossings and flat land riding. Access to National Forest trails is available for extended rides.
Another trail in this area - West of Livermore on Red Feather Lakes Road, Larimer County, Road 74E, is Lon
https://www.larimer.org/naturalresources/parks
Located on the edge of Livermore, CO, Eagles Nest Open Space features rolling hills, creek crossings and flat land riding. Access to National Forest trails is available for extended rides.
Another trail in this area - West of Livermore on Red Feather Lakes Road, Larimer County, Road 74E, is Lone Pine. These trails follow the creek for a couple of miles, there are several water crossings. Shoes or boots are recommended. A large portion of your ride follows an old two track roadbed.
Fort Collins Area
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Larimer County Parks
http://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/finder
The Red Mountain Open Space and Soapstone Open Space are favorites for equestrians. These Open Spaces do not charge a fee for entry. The roads into these areas can be rough at times.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Click on Things to Do - Choose your activity from the drop down menu.
Lory State Park is a favorite place to ride in this area. There are lower easy trails as well as trails that connect you to the Soderburgh Open Space system.
A litany of trails are available through the above link. A fee is required for entry. Presently the fee is 7.00/day at Lory SP.
Fort Robinson State Park
Mount Margaret and Lady Moon Trails
Fort Robinson State Park
Located near Crawford, NE this is a can't miss riding paradise! Although the trails are not well defined in some areas you can ride here for hours. You can even ride into Crawford if you'd like.
This is a former Cavalry Fort which has been beautifully preserved. The stables are the original Cavalry Stables utilized b
Located near Crawford, NE this is a can't miss riding paradise! Although the trails are not well defined in some areas you can ride here for hours. You can even ride into Crawford if you'd like.
This is a former Cavalry Fort which has been beautifully preserved. The stables are the original Cavalry Stables utilized by Cavalry Regiments of the 1800's including the Famous 10th Cavalry.
Pawnee Buttes
Mount Margaret and Lady Moon Trails
Fort Robinson State Park
Located in a remote region of NE Weld County, the Buttes are an easy ride through geological formations from earth's ancient past. Shoes/boots not required.
From Highway 14 in Ault, CO, travel approximately 30 miles East. Turn North on CR 390 for about 14 miles. Turn East on CR 112 to CR107, approximately 6.5 miles, turn South on CR 107 f
Located in a remote region of NE Weld County, the Buttes are an easy ride through geological formations from earth's ancient past. Shoes/boots not required.
From Highway 14 in Ault, CO, travel approximately 30 miles East. Turn North on CR 390 for about 14 miles. Turn East on CR 112 to CR107, approximately 6.5 miles, turn South on CR 107 for about 2 miles to CR 685, turn East 1.2 miles to the trailhead.
This is a "Scenic Byway" with signs posted along the way. County Roads are gravel and can be rough in sections.
Mount Margaret and Lady Moon Trails
Mount Margaret and Lady Moon Trails
Mount Margaret and Lady Moon Trails
These trail heads are located across the road from each other on Larimer County Road 74E (Red Feather Lakes Road), 18 miles from the Highway 287 junction at Livermore, CO.
Both trail heads feature vault toilets and parking for 6 rigs. Shoes or boots may be required as there are a few rocky places. There is at least one creek crossing on th
These trail heads are located across the road from each other on Larimer County Road 74E (Red Feather Lakes Road), 18 miles from the Highway 287 junction at Livermore, CO.
Both trail heads feature vault toilets and parking for 6 rigs. Shoes or boots may be required as there are a few rocky places. There is at least one creek crossing on the Mount Margaret side. The Lady Moon side connects with the Elkhorn Trail system as well as Molly Lake Trail system.
Elkhorn Trailhead is located off CR 68C (commonly called Boy Scout Road) and features water crossings and a lesser used trail system.