Kayenta Equestrian

04/28/2024

We cherish the veterinarians, technicians, and support staff contributing to the wellness of our horses and the welfare of all horses. There are hardly words to properly regard and commend the kindness, patience, dedication, expertise, and assurance those in veterinary care provide.

Thank you. For each and every day we have with the horses we love, thank you. For improving the lives of our horses, therefore improving our lives, thank you.

04/14/2024

The knowing grin of a rider whose patience, persistence, and preparation set her horse up for a first bridleless ride.

✓ Rhythm
✓ Suppleness
✓ Connection

Take care of the horse's foundation training, and it will take care of you!

03/01/2024

“Consider yourself from your horses point of view. Not many people do that. But we should.” -- Leslie Desmond

01/23/2024

Cheers to ten years! Thank you to all who joined us to celebrate the tenth 'birthday' of Kayenta Equestrian. The first draft of a business plan was written for a college course, inspired the search for a very special property where that plan might prosper, and transformed into an acute mission to provide quality horse care, welfare-forward training, and progressive education. Without the support of so many, this milestone would not be possible -- family, friends, partners, mentors, colleagues, employees, vendors, clients, and horses -- here's to you, and here's to ten more!

11/03/2023

Safety, health, and comfort are the objective of individualized care plans for horses at Kayenta Equestrian. We are on a mission to provide services that 'check all the boxes' for discerning horse owners, including:

✓ Free choice hay
✓ Premium grain
✓ Heated automatic waterers
✓ Clean, safe paddocks
✓ Pasture turnout
✓ Around-the-clock care
✓ Seasonal blanketing
✓ Seasonal fly control
✓ Vet and farrier services
✓ Indoor grooming area
✓ Wash rack
✓ Indoor arena
✓ Outdoor arena
✓ Jumps and obstacles
✓ Round pens
✓ Trailer parking
✓ Riding lessons
✓ Horse training

Boarding is currently available! Please contact us with any questions or to schedule a tour.

09/18/2023

Simply delighted to share such flattering feedback from a rider:

"Hi Katie, I've never taken a lesson with a more beautiful background! I'm happy to have these pictures to remind me of Braveheart, too. Thank you so much!"

No two ways about it... this is a great place to enjoy time with great horses!

09/10/2023

Friendships formed from a shared interest in horses are some of the best! Whether you are young or old, guy or gal, master or novice, English or Western, classical or natural, recreational or competitive; there is a like-minded friend you look forward to seeing at the barn.

09/02/2023

Horse boarding available Fall 2023! We are refreshing the facility and expanding our staff to better serve our community of horses and the people who love them.

For more information or to schedule a tour, call 970-663-1733.

05/11/2023

A horse in any color you like as long as that color is a shade of bay. This lineup of lookalikes is helping our unmounted groups learn about identifying horses, evaluating conformation, and fitting tack.

04/01/2023

The apple of Katie's eye! 2022 Holsteiner c**t by Casquino out of Feuertag HTF.

03/01/2023

Few things are as beautiful as horses in the snow.

01/01/2023

Hope to see many of you in the coming year!

10/22/2022

🔶 BRAVEHEART 🔶
2010 AHA gelding

Solid citizen with a kind eye! He is small but he is stout. Braveheart has a versatile training background and is experienced in many disciplines -- English or Western. No history of illness, lameness, or injury. Up-to-date on all care. He is gentle and friendly to everyone.

Braveheart has smooth, steady gaits. He is very tolerant of a variety of riders and will rise to his rider's ability. Stands quietly for mounting. Confident in and out of the arena, can lead or follow on the trail, will cross any obstacle in front of him.

An intermediate rider is recommended for Braveheart. He takes great care of beginner riders of all ages, but would be happiest in a home where his more advanced talents can shine. He is consistent and reliable; the same horse whether you ride him several days a week or give him a few months off. If you are an adventurous rider looking for a fun, easy horse to enjoy — you really need to meet this horse!

10/11/2022

"Cantering helps young, tense, or stiff horses relax their trunk muscles and breathe deeply, allowing them to round their toplines." -- Jec Aristotle Ballou

The rhythm/rigor of the canter has long been known in classical horsemanship to be a powerful condition under which favorable training outcomes are possible. Of course, it is important not to ask too much too soon... cantering to exhaustion is neither relaxing nor informative for the horse. Building upon a few strides at a time is plenty to reap benefits!

09/28/2022

The crisp morning air has even the most mellow, mature horses feeling half their age!

09/16/2022

We had the opportunity to host a mare and foal inspection last week. These events are invaluable for evaluating strengths and weaknesses of not only individual horses, but also each program's success in producing offspring for performance in sport.

What a treat to welcome such dedicated owners and admire their prized horses. Many thanks to the international inspection team for their wisdom and generous guidance!

08/07/2022

They grow up so fast! The foals are becoming more independent each day, each growing into a unique identity.

This keen c**t is the youngest, and spends much of the day napping on top of a pile of hay, in the shade of his attentive dam's shadow. Not yet up to rough-housing with the other youngsters, but he likes leaping, bucking, and kicking up his heels between naps.

07/10/2022

“Humans have watches. Horses have time.” — Nahshon Cook

Impatience is an all-to-familiar source of failure when working with horses. If impatience arises when we realize we underestimated what it would take to achieve a goal, then the frustration is rooted in the perceived increased cost (time, for example).

Challenge that perception. What if… aside from the cost being higher, which it may well be, the value is higher? What if… your error in forecasting is in value, more than cost? What if… your goal is more valuable than previously thought; more substantial, more worthwhile, more exciting?

If the goal is valuable, making resources available to achieve it becomes more straightforward. Perhaps you give yourself more time, or perhaps you ask for more help, perhaps you invest in skills/knowledge that are advantageous.

When feeling impatient, focus on what is important.

06/24/2022

Want to ride but have not gotten in the saddle yet? No more waiting! Summer riding starts now! Youth or adult, beginner or experienced, English or Western, your horse or ours.

Lessons have been expanded and improved with more horses, more one-on-one goal-setting and feedback support from Katie, and more opportunities to participate in shows, clinics, trail rides, and social events.

Some reminders for your summer rides:
• Bring water to stay hydrated before, after, and even during your ride.
• Wear sunscreen and reapply as needed.
• Dress in light colors and breathable fabrics.
• Let your instructor know if you need a break.

06/10/2022

What a view! Clever horse, devoted owner, and a beautiful Colorado landscape. It is a privilege to be trusted with the development of young horses, and Katie feels so fortunate to be invited to support equestrians learning and teaching their horse a new skill.

05/11/2022

The wait is over; he is here and he is perfect! 2022 Haflinger c**t by Nikon's Prince out of Elita's Cowgirl.

Known as 'golden horses with hearts of gold,' Haflingers are known for being strong, versatile, and hardy. The breed originated in the Tyrolean Mountains (located in present day Austria and Northern Italy) in the 1800s. During WWII, the short, drafty breed was chosen by militaries for pulling, packing, and riding. Modern breeding has refined the Haflinger to excel in work, sport, and leisure.

01/08/2022

With short days and cold temperatures, winter can leave owners feeling pressed to adequately exercise their horses. Here are a few reminders to make the most of limited time this season.

• Be aware that cold air can cause irritation to your horse's respiratory tract. Save ambitious rides for warmer days, and take it easy in the cold... no lesson or training is more important than the horse's comfort.

• Resist temptation to chase your horse around an arena or round pen to deplete energy. While the ensuing antics may be entertaining, risk of injury to the horse is high which will further set back fitness progress. Further, mindless exercise can reinforce undesirable behaviors, which may be challenging to correct later on.

• Take advantage of the cardiovascular benefits of walking. Whether in hand or under saddle, a brisk walk does wonders for pent up energy and boredom. It also saves considerable time not having to cool and dry a sweaty horse.

Most importantly: cut yourself and your horse some slack! Atrophy doesn't happen overnight, and we all benefit from time to rest.

11/06/2021

Ubiquitous is the observation that youth riders have natural talent with horses.

Instructor Katie explains: they start with friendship. Friends do not fear one another. Friends do not control one another. Friends do not act selfishly toward one another.

If all riders could be as truly enthusiastic about understanding horses as children are to learn which treat is their horse's favorite, natural talent would follow!

09/28/2021

Learning not to cause a horse pain or stress is a lifelong pursuit, but it is the most important responsibility we have to our horses -- arguably the only measure of a good equestrian.

"Strains of the flexor tendons and the suspensory ligament are not invariably the result of fatigue and over-exertion, but can also be caused by a temporary loss of balance. For this reason, riders who lack feel for balance have no right to demand speed in any of the gaits, and must be particularly careful to avoid abrupt pulling up." --Udo Berger.

The great Udo Berger wrote these wise words in the 1950's, and yet in many ways I feel like we have not learned their lesson. Primarily, why are so many horses still started under saddle at a tender young age? Why are more riders not constantly honing their horse's fitness and balance while also refining their riding positions? We are stewards of these fine animals, not just their spirits but their bodies, too!

09/21/2021

Closed out summer riding with a splash! Thank you riders for making and sharing such fun memories.

08/16/2021

Life is short -- buy the horse!

05/20/2021

Remembering the time we brought a mare to the suburbs to crash her owner's graduation party. It is such a joy to celebrate milestones with the community we share for the love of horses!

05/12/2021

Halfway through spring already! How is your riding going? With just five weeks until summer, this is a great time for active riders and horses to break out of ho-hum habits.

Join us for a variety of events including group lessons, jump practices, fitness rides, trail rides, and training demos.

03/22/2021

What an honor to host Dr. Christian Schacht for a weekend clinic! An internationally recognized trainer, rider, and evaluator of sporthorses, he generously shares his experience and knowledge. The diverse group of horses and riders brought their best and took home a treasure trove of insight.

Thank you to all who endeavored to attend!

03/15/2021

Yesterday's blizzard covered the farm in two feet of snow, with drifts accumulating to six feet in some places. The horses weathered the storm comfortably, and today are enjoying romping through the snow in the sunshine.

Following the unbelievable wildfires just months ago, precipitation in any form is a welcome sight!