Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch

12/26/2025

Featured horse Friday! Everyone loves this goofy boy, Chevy! He's a draft cross that Dustin picked up at the Harley Troyer auction in 2022. He's a 2019 model, so he's only coming 7, which is a perfect age. Due to an injury last year, he's a bit behind in his suitability for guests, but we certainly look forward to getting him legged up with wranglers in the coming year! Chevy is a big baby of a bay gelding, and he's got personality to boot. After being on stall rest almost all of 2025, he's just been released to the herd and is teaming up with WR mostly, who's coming 6, so that only makes sense. They enjoy hanging out with the other younguns', stirring up dust, filling their mouths with free choice grass hay, and playing with the equilix buckets. Drafts tend to mature a little later than your average horse, so he'll be young at heart for quite some time. Sarah Weiss Media

12/25/2025

12/24/2025

Wildlife Wednesday! Ulli & Dan have captured some wonderful footage of our resident bears. Enjoy this video on the eve of Christmas! You'll love seeing the different shapes, sizes, and colors represented.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhQLKVdRK7Y

12/23/2025

This fall, we hosted an Elopement Shoot with Hello Miss Lovely and we've just received some wonderful shots to share! This is just a small example of the vision we can help facilitate for you. More pics to come!

Hosted & Styled by: Hello Miss Lovely & Kylie Rae Photography
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12/23/2025

"If God made anything more beautiful than a child and a horse...He must have kept it for Himself!" - Drew Cardwell
This little cowboy couldn't stop saying "horse" his whole weekend visit. Up from Texas, to experience a taste of what Sylvan Dale has to offer, the family made certain that his desires of horse time were fulfilled. Isn't he adorable?!

12/21/2025

On this first day of winter, we thought you all deserved something warm and cozy. And what’s cozier than Kenneth “KEN” Sean Carson himself? 🐴❄️

We absolutely love when joins our celebrations — they always make the season feel a little more magical.

Photo credits to

12/20/2025

"The ranch misses you all! Between our holiday celebrations, things get a little quiet around here this time of year. We can’t wait to welcome you back tomorrow for some classic holiday music, all under the warm glow of our candlelights."

12/19/2025

Featured horse Friday! Today, we highlight Luna! Sweet Luna Trail will be 28 in 2026! She's still the most wonderful palomino mare one could ever wish for. Out of Baroness Trail (old Baroness) and by Sparkie y Sweet (Sylvan), Luna is one of the few remaining Heart J branded originals, along with her sister Baroness and a couple of their herd mates. Originally owned by Susan's daughter, Lisa, Luna spent a lot of time riding the trails alone, taking her owner on many adventures out in the back country. Trained by Barry MacAleenan of course, and ridden ba****ck and bitless most of the time, Luna became one of the bestest guest horses around. She's always been a babysitter of sorts, gentle enough to calm the deepest fears, but responsive enough to help her riders accomplish all of their riding desires. She loved working cattle in the field, running through the gymkhana patterns with ease, and hiking up and down any mountain she was asked. The past few years, as she's aged, she has been solely a kids' horse, giving her both lighter riders and a lighter work load. You wouldn't guess her age by her energy level though! Now that she's on senior feed daily, she has plenty of get up and go. We even have to make sure to turn her out to roll in the sandy arena before working, or she'll just get down and roll with a kid on her back, haha. Sneaky old girl! She's a true gem though, and we'll cherish every last moment we have with her in her golden years. Sarah Weiss Media

12/18/2025

Throwback to summer stays, and the fun that comes long with them. The first photo is the beginning of an adventure, excited to be cowpokes for the week. The second photo is at the end of the week, sad to be leaving and somewhat disheveled! We love the creativity that this group of ladies shared with us. We hear some may be returning next July!

12/17/2025

Wildlife Wednesday! It's sheep season around here, and that means that the local flock tends to hang out most of the days in our lower home pastures. We see a lot of locals coming in to get a peek, and we're so happy to be able to share them with you. Having said that, please do let them be and keep your distance. This time of year, the rams can be a little unpredictable protecting their ewes. It's a blessing to have them choose Sylvan Dale as their home though. We hear from so many Coloradoans that they've never seen a Bighorn before! Well, come visit us, and you'll likely see one.

12/16/2025

What will your ugly sweater be this holiday season? Here's an oldie of Clint wearing his scarf (sweaters didn't fit well) and Tina wearing some chickens, haha. Clint was very curious and, knowing him, may have nibbled on them, lol.