U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – -- The coronavirus pandemic may have left many feeling isolated, but one organization at the Air Force Academy is designed to give base residents a chance to get outside and in touch with nature: the equestrian center.
“Horses, and animals in general, can have a healing and calming effect,” said the equestrian center’s manager, Kristen Wright. “Enjoying wildlife, nature and the horses is a wonderful activity that can be done alone or with family and friends.”
The equestrian center, open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, offers rental rides, guided trail rides, hayrides and facility tours to Defense Department beneficiaries and their guests of all ages. The equestrian center’s staff plans to offer mini camps this summer for patrons to learn about horse basics, said Wright.
“[Horseback riding] is an outdoor activity that allows social distancing while enjoying nature alone, with a group or from the back of a horse or hay wagon,” she said. “It’s a unique part of our installation.”
The center also offers boarding services for DOD beneficiaries.
“We have over 100 boarded horses currently, of which their owners are retired, active duty, staff and cadets,” Wright said. “We offer different boarding options including community corrals.”
“We require all horses to be current on vaccines, have a health certificate and stay in our quarantine area for 10 days prior to going into main boarding areas,” Wright said.
Call 719-333-4607 to reserve a ride, book a tour and for other services, and 719-333-2294 to board a horse, discuss required vaccinations, paperwork and boarding options.