This fenced, two-story equestrian property at 3672 Estates Circle features an expansive 2,907 square feet of living areas, with four bedrooms plus a bonus room and two bathrooms.  With a price under $450,000, this Larkspur real estate offers the best of both worlds.  It is easily accessible to employment along the Front Range via Interstate 25 and perfect for growing families.  The top-notch Douglas County School District provides innovation to help every child succeed.  It offers open enrollment, charter schools, and creative programming.  Additionally, colleges and universities from the Air Force Academy to the University of Colorado at Boulder are within commuting distance.

The property lies on the northern slope of Pike National Forest at over 6,600 feet in elevation.  Wonderful ranches and neighborhoods of homes with large acreage combine to ensure a rural feel to the neighboring landscape.  Equestrian facilities and 4-H activities complement the award-winning golf opportunities at the nearby Bear Dance PGA Golf Course.

Larkspur hosts delightful community events including a flagship summer Renaissance Festival that transforms the rural area into a tourist zone.  Residents are in the country only as long as they want to be.  Outstanding shopping is available in the outlet malls, premier malls such as Park Meadows, and in the quaint downtown areas.  The Front Range of the Rocky Mountains brings people from all over the world, many who have opened extraordinary restaurants ranging from casual to ultra-fine.

There are new double-pane windows, flagstone in the kitchen and dining rooms, wall-to-wall carpeting, an eating space in the kitchen, walk-in closets, a wood stove in the family room, high-speed Internet, and a central vacuum system.  The neutral décor is ready for all of your belongings and your horses.  From this vantage, you can explore the Rocky Mountains on horseback, on foot, or on skis.  There are no limits.

For more information about real estate in the greater metro area, including farms and horse properties, contact Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.

Buyers who want the small acreages for horses close to the amenities of the metropolitan area need only click here to view our Featured Listings for Denver Real Estate.

Prices are good.  Interest rates are great but edging upwards.  According to Paula Moore’s article in the Denver Business Journal on June 8, 2009, the highest average selling prices for real estate in Denver are $527,216 in the Boulder plains area and $663,311 for homes within the Boulder city limits.  The lowest average prices for single-family homes in the Denver metro area rang up in southern Aurora at $92,230, the mountain area of southern Jefferson County at $147,125, and near the Denver International Airport at $152,204.

With the excellent interest rates and the ability to refinance, some people are choosing to upgrade their homes by adding more rooms.  Some are remodeling.  Yet there are families who are choosing to add more acreage and a couple of horses for their children or for a mid-life diversion.

Horses enjoy an evolutionary niche as grazing animals that herd together for mutual protection.  They are quite social and love the horse circuit in the Mile High City as much as their owners do.  One larger property, suitable for several horses, would make them smile.  A smaller property under five acres would be fine for one horse—as long as someone in the family will fulfill the social need.

Horse properties are marvelous buffers from the hustle-bustle of life.  We can steer you towards a number of properties in great school districts located less than 20 minutes from business parks or the downtown metro area.  As the city expands, these choice properties with present covenants allowing horses could face redevelopment or rezoning if horse lovers resist them.

There are small ranchettes on less than five acres and larger ranches with hundreds of acres to roam.  No matter the size, the peaceful equestrian oasis promises to offer residents a world just a canter away from stress and a trot from equestrian heaven.  All while supplies last.

For more information about real estate in the greater metro area, including farms and horse properties, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.

Ask about Denver CO real estate in Sedalia, Franktown, Elizabeth, Parker, Bennett, Louisville, and in other wonderful smaller communities in the area.

Colorado’s children and youth are naturally inclined to love horses as much as their dogs.  Enter 4-H 100 years ago to mentor and educate our youth.  Today, the worldwide organization is America’s largest educational program for boys and girls outside of school.  The organization develops life skills and leadership skills.

With the motto of “Make the Best Better,” the 4-H organization in Denver participates in equestrian competitions held locally and nationally.  In addition to teaching young horse lovers about grooming, training, and competitions, the organization arranges tours, workshops, achievement programs, camps, statewide conferences, exchanges, exhibits and fairs, and national events.

While the child is learning horsemanship skills, he or she learns communications skills, citizenship skills, decision-making, leadership, interpersonal relationships skills, participation in the community, and global awareness.

Connecting youth with parents, adults, and youth mentors, 4-H is able to teach skills such as cooking, selling, livestock, wildlife, archery, electricity, computers, and science as well as teaching community service.  Local land-grant universities such as Colorado State University provide curriculum for programs beginning with children ages five to seven years old called the 4-H Cloverbuds and continuing up through age 19 with regular 4-H groups and clubs.

There are various ways each student can choose to affiliate with 4-H.  There are community 4-H clubs, project clubs such as a horse club, special interest groups, television, school enrichment, and special activities.  If there are no local associates, a student can participate as an individual.

The organization benefits from generations of volunteer 4-H mentors.  Additionally, 4-H receives private funds from individuals, businesses, and organizations that enhance the 4-H programs. 

For more information about real estate in the greater metro area, including farms and horse properties, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.

Buyers will discover a variety of topography including flat, sloping, and wooded portions of the property offer several potential build sites suited for that dream home near Denver or a small Colorado ranch for retirement.  The Colorado horse property is close to Interstate 70 and only four miles from the high school.  It is reasonably priced at $400,000 in a popular area. 

The astoundingly beautiful mountain city of Evergreen is home to a diverse population of about 10,000.  It was once a quiet mountain retreat visited by the few.  Another 20,000 live in the surrounding rural areas and think of the city as their hometown.  People from all walks of live choose to live in this mountain area—everyone from artists to engineers.  They fill up the charming neighborhoods and are tucked into the hills and woods from Conifer and Genesee to Mount Evans on the west.

At the center of the small city, there’s a serene mountain lake that is open during the wintertime for ice skating, in summer for boating, and for fishing all year long.  Along with two golf courses, the area is filled with hiking and mountain biking trails.  Residents enjoy a swimming pool, gymnasium, racquetball and handball courts that are operated by the recreation district. 

Surrounding the community are many large parks for recreational activities, including riding horses and cross-country skiing, biking, and hiking.  Meyer Ranch, Lair o’the Bear, Alderfer/Three Sisters, and Mount Falcon Park are among them.  Then, about 90 minutes into the Rockies are several world-class ski resorts and extensive opportunities to relax in the beauty of Mother Nature.

Short of driving into the Mile High City, residents are able to easily access medical facilities, social and professional services, colleges and universities nearby.  The Denver International Airport services the greater metropolitan area and Rocky Mountain communities.  With the highly rated JeffCo Schools serving the students, this is a wonderful place to raise a family. 

For more information about farms, horse properties, and real estate in the area, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.

These faithful friends help their handlers to go shopping or to restaurants and to do business.  However, when off duty, they prefer the big outdoors plenty of room to play and graze, a small barn and corral.  Let them mow the lawn, add in crimped oats, free choice salt and trace minerals and they will be healthy.  Throw them people food and they don’t fare so well and can become overweight easily, just like dogs.

In order to serve as guides, the smallest of the miniature horses are recruited.  They must be shorter than 26 inches tall, generally weigh 55 to 100 pounds and pass full physicals and intelligence tests to determine if they are suited for the position.  Legs must be structurally sound and they must demonstrate stamina.  Possessing extraordinary vision, the miniature guide horses are extremely sensitive to motion and often detect potential hazards before their trainers.  However, they are trained to remain calm even in noisy and chaotic situations.  Only mini horses capable of meeting the rigorous physical demands of the program are accepted. 

These loyal animals enjoy being groomed, brushed, rubbed, and scratched.  Easy to care for, they can be trained to stand still outside for bathing and grooming.  During summer their coat is thin, allowing them to be comfortable in hotter weather.  Likewise, they grow a wooly coat in the wintertime that will keep them warm in sub-zero temperatures.  Both coats are shed as the alternate fur grows in.

Playtime is oh so much fun for the younger horses when they are able to romp with other foals.  As mature mini horses, they still enjoy games but lose interest in play.  Have you ever seen a miniature horse bobbing for apples in a toddler’s swimming pool?  Just like dogs, off-duty guide horses are known to follow their owners around seeking affection.

The hearty miniature horse outlives his larger counterpart by a third of a lifespan with smaller varieties living even longer.  The lifespan can be 25-35 years.  Two miniatures born in 1971 are still alive today and one dwarf mini horse lived to over 50 years old. 

For more information about farms, horse properties, and real estate in the metro area, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.

Then, groom a favorite horse (or hire a guide) to giddy you up into the Colorado Fourteeners.  At the top of the list is Mount Elbert, the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains of North America.  As the high point in the Sawatch Range in the San Isabel National Forest, Elbert peaks out at 14,433 feet into the clouds.  Mount Elbert is the second highest peak in the nation, with Mount Whitney in California measuring 63 feet higher. 

The nine-mile trip is rated with a Difficulty of 6, primarily because of the 4,500-foot gain in elevation.  Hikers need to be somewhat fit to conquer it.  Of course, the climb is much easier on horseback, a splendid way to absorb the panoramic views and appreciate the tiny wildflowers.  During spring and summer from May through September, the trek is easier but backcountry skiers and the very adventurous can accomplish the feat during colder months, too.  With harsh conditions and a short growing season, above the timberline the quietude of the thin air tells the hushed story of the mountaintop experience.

Add to the adventure by adding in an exciting whitewater rafting trip down the nearby headwaters of the Arkansas River. 

Mount Elbert is located about ten miles southwest of Leadville in Lake County.  The conquering of this Fourteener is a wonderful getaway whether camping, staying in a cabin, or living it up in a Leadville hotel.  Leadville is North America’s highest incorporated city.  The downtown is designated a National Historic Landmark with charming shopping and dining establishments.  A trek to Mount Elbert makes a nice three-day weekend. 

Now, the next Fourteener on your list…think about tackling Mount Massive also in the Sawatch Range, which peaks at 14,421 feet.  For more information about farms, horse properties, and real estate in the metro area, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.

As the fastest growing sport in the equine industry, reining events are designed to showcase the maneuvers of a working ranch horse.  The judging of what is called “Western Dressage” highlights the athletic ability of a horse through the performance of required elements such as small slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs over the hocks, and 360 degree spins.  Watching the horses execute sliding stops is a highlight of the competition.

This year’s includes a full slate of ancillary classes, the NRHA Mountain Regional Affiliate Finals, Mile High Derby, Stallion Select Futurity, and Challenger’s Cup Freestyle Reining.  Athletes from all corners of the globe participate in the world-class equestrian event.  The International also includes an expansive trade show, numerous hospitality events and outstanding spectator experiences.  New this year is the $100,000 Lot for Grassroots Non Pro Awards Program.

Located near the intersection of Interstates 70 and 25 and the Denver International Airport, the National Western provides educational opportunities and provides opportunities for producers and consumers throughout the world and hosts the premier Stock Show, Rodeo, Horse Show and other year-round events.  In 2006, the first International Reining Festival offered a thrilling equestrian sport and the reining discipline is now an Olympic sport. 

The NWC has recently completed a $30 million expansion program and with more than 600,000 square feet, it one of the most modern, user-friendly facilities anywhere.  So, when we host an event at the National Western Complex, it is well attended by happy crowds.  The metro trade area showcases a growing market with disposable income.  Besides residents of real estate within the Downtown and Greater Denver regions, affiliates come from the Reining Horse Associations of the Central Plains, Cowboys States, Eastern Plains, Idaho, Intermountain, Montana, Northern Rockies, Rocky Mountain, Western Slope, and Yellowstone, in addition to the Snake River Reining Alliance.

Maybe we can transfer skills developed reining in a horse to reining in our spending habits and our economy?   For more information about horse properties and real estate in the metro area, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.