Leg Up Equine

02/12/2025

What a fun surprise! We were nominated for the Best of Mile High in the Equestrian Services category. Just being nominated is an honor, however, please vote for Leg Up Equine Enterprises LLC at

Thanks for supporting Best of Mile High by voting and reviewing our 2025 nominees! Just a few things to keep in mind… If you run into any trouble or if you have any questions, please use the Send Us a Message form.

02/10/2025

Thank you AAHA!

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01/30/2025

I'm tired of the ice and mud 😒

I recently listened to the Humble Hoof podcast on caring for hooves in the winter. I quickly found out that the frozen, rutted out mud tracks made when melting and freezing happens in pastures and paddocks is the toughest ground for horse hooves 👇

11/21/2024

Input needed!

We Need You!
The Jefferson County Open Space would like to know how many of you use the horse trails at Flying J Ranch Open Space, near Conifer, CO?
Specifically, they are looking for input from the equestrian community in support of keeping the livestock tank open.
A short letter or note, sent in support of this service would be great, an included photo of you watering your horse at the tank would be even better. If you have questions, please contact Mary Ann Bonnell, Visitor Services and Natural Resouces Director at Jeffco Open Space. (303-271-5995). You can mail your notes, letters, and photos to, attention Mary Ann Bonnell:
Jefferson County Open Space
700 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 100
https://www.jeffco.us/1220/Flying-J-Ranch-Park
Golden, CO 80401

thank you!

11/01/2024

November Table Topic 🐴 Leading by Example

"Serving as a president, committee member, ambassador, social influencer, writer or any similar role within an organized equestrian group goes beyond merely coordinating trail rides, organzing fundraising events or promoting trails. These individuals play an important role in modeling appropriate trail use and promoting trail ethics. Showcasing poor (sometimes illegal) behaviors, such as riding with unleashed dogs, consuming alcohol while riding, and various other infractions, not only undermines relationships with public agencies but also sets bad examples for fellow riders and non-equestrian trail users.

If the infractions (highlighted above) were carried out by individuals outside the equestrian community, there would be an uproar, yet when equestrians riding on public land make similar poor decisions, they often go without repercussions within their group."

www.horsetrailexpert.com

10/17/2024

PARKER, Colo. (KDVR) —A video is making its rounds on social media of a heated exchange between a horse rider and a cyclist over trail right of way. In the video, you can see a heated exchange betw…

10/10/2024

I love our trails

Leading by Example

"Serving as a president, committee member, ambassador, social influencer, writer or any similar role within an organized equestrian group goes beyond merely coordinating trail rides, organzing fundraising events or promoting trails. These individuals play a crucial role in modeling appropriate trail use and promoting trail ethics. Showcasing poor (sometimes illegal) behaviors, such as riding with unleashed dogs, consuming alcohol while riding, and various other infractions, not only undermines relationships with public agencies but also sets bad examples for fellow riders and non-equestrian trail users.

If the infractions (highlighted above) were carried out by individuals outside the equestrian community, there would be an uproar, yet when equestrians riding on public land make similar poor decisions, they often go without repercussions within their group."

www.horsetrailexpert.com

09/30/2024

I love our trails, let's take care of them!

"One of the consequences from renegade riders who choose not to self-regulate is agency imposed seasonal, blanket trail closures. Trudging around saturated trail sections during freeze thaw cycles and seasonal wet periods has serious and far-reaching effects.

And while I don't agree that this is the best option, it IS the simplest option to manage rider misuse. The negative impact of closing riding trails for four months is noticeable for businesses who rely on equestrians (even during the slow season), and recreational trail riders who prefer cooler weather riding. These types of trail closures can negatively affect other parks who might experience increased usage as riders filter over because their normal riding areas have been temporarily closed.

Blanket closures can be avoided. Horse clubs and trail riders have an obligation to proactively protect trail use by reining in misuse through self policing, reporting riders who buck rules and regulations, and by actively promoting proper trail etiquette within their user group - not just etiquette for cyclists, ORV and foot travelers."

www.horsetrailexpert.com

Horse Trail Expert

09/26/2024

Advocacy is the act of publicly speaking, writing, or recommending on behalf of or in support of an idea, action, cause, policy, or proposal. It can also be specifically helping someone to achieve their needs related to their rights. Let’s talk about advocating for what your equine community needs and how to do it. For equestrians, access to land, facilities, and trails is a cause to embrace.
Read more here: bit.ly/effective-advocacy-for-equestrian-land-access

09/07/2024

So cool!

08/25/2024

08/25/2024

The best relationships are always built on trust.

08/16/2024

I knew it!

“Horses have the ability to think and plan ahead and are far more intelligent than scientists previously thought, according to a Nottingham Trent University study that analysed the animal’s responses to a reward-based game.

“The horses cannily adapted their approach to the game to get the most treats – while making the least effort.

“Previously, research has suggested that horses simply respond to stimuli in the moment, they don’t proactively look ahead, think ahead and plan their actions – whereas our study shows that they do have an awareness of the consequences and outcomes of their actions,” said the lead researcher, Louise Evans.”

https://www.theguardian.com/science/article/2024/aug/12/horses-can-plan-ahead-and-think-strategically-scientists-find

The actual research paper…

“Whoa, No-Go: Evidence consistent with model-based strategy use in horses during an inhibitory task”
Louise Evans et al.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159124001874?via%3Dihub

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