By Robin Widmar
There is a place a short drive from Falcon where people gather with their horses to ride, compete and hang out with their fellow horse enthusiasts. Latigo Trails Equestrian Center, or simply “Latigo,” is more than arenas and barns. It is where Western heritage is celebrated and young people are encouraged to learn the “cowboy way.”
Latigo through the years
What is now the Latigo Trails Equestrian Center began in the late 1970s as the hub of an equestrian-centric housing development marketed to horse people. The center itself boasted a large indoor arena, outdoor arenas, stables, a clubhouse and even an indoor swimming pool. Over time, the facility weathered economic ups and downs. Small businesses operating in the main building came and went. The snack bar/restaurant changed hands a few times. The pool was filled in to create a community room that later became retail space.
Today, the center is owned and operated through the Pikes Peak Range Riders Foundation, a nonprofit created in 1999 to focus the Range Riders’ charitable activities. In 2001, the foundation accepted the contribution of Latigo’s land and facilities, giving the organization a permanent place to carry out its mission of promoting youth equestrian and agricultural activities.
“We really wanted to focus on the youth,” said Bob Harrison, the general manager of Latigo. “Bring on the younger generation, pass the torch to them, to continue Western heritage.”
Programs built around young people
Latigo began supporting youth programs after the foundation took over the facility. Harrison said the center continues to serve 4-H, Little Britches Youth Association, High School Rodeo, the Colorado Junior Rodeo Association and other groups. The Pikes Peak Rangerettes, a drill team composed of young women, practice at Latigo. The drill team promotes the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo.
One of Latigo’s outreach programs is Day on the Range, a half-day event held in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club. As part of a summer camp, children rotate through a variety of stations where they learn about livestock, practice throwing a rope, ride a horse, enjoy a petting zoo and more. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Unit also comes out to talk with participants.
It is a chance for children to see rural traditions that might not be familiar to them. “They’re experiencing and being around what rural kids experience all the time,” Harrison said.
Fundraisers support programs
Programs cannot operate without funding. Two major events that help support the foundation’s work are Rendezvous at Latigo and the Spencer Miller Tribute roping.
Rendezvous at Latigo is the foundation’s signature community dinner, dance and fundraiser. Harrison said this year’s event drew about 430 people and included a prime rib dinner, silent and live auctions, the Legends of Latigo award, Rangerette scholarship presentations, a live band and dancing.
The Spencer Miller Tribute roping event is held the Saturday after Labor Day weekend. Harrison said the event honors Spencer Miller, a young man remembered as a hardworking rodeo participant and a model of the Western lifestyle. Money raised through the tribute fund supports youth activities at Latigo, helping groups use the facility at little or no cost. This year’s event will be held Sept. 12.
Not just for kids — or even horses
While Latigo promotes youth activities, there are also plenty of opportunities for adults. The Pikes Peak Range Rider Pivots, a men’s precision riding group, practice at Latigo. The facility is home to StableStrides, formerly known as the Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Center, which provides services to clients from age 2 to 82, according to its website.
Organizations such as the Colorado Versatility Ranch Horse Association and the Southern Colorado Cutting Horse Association hold shows and clinics. Dog agility trials take place at Latigo about six times a year. “They like this place,” Harrison said.
On the second floor of the main building, a small museum houses memorabilia related to the Pikes Peak Range Riders and the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo. It is open to the public anytime the facility is open.
Buck & Blues Grill is a family friendly restaurant with a little Western flair. Retail shops include Oleo Acres Farrier and Blacksmith Supply and Equi-Line, which sells used saddles, tack and clothing, in addition to gifts and other items.
Teaching the cowboy way
Among the displays in the upstairs museum is a small poster that explains the tenets of “The Cowboy Way.” The cowboy way refers to standards and values that shaped the West. Latigo seeks to teach and embody these principles, which include leadership, ethical behavior and personal responsibility, through the activities it supports.
“Every little boy and little girl wants to be a cowboy or cowgirl at one point in their life,” Harrison said. “For parents to get involved in the horse business, it’s expensive, but the people who are in it, I think they are very dedicated.” He said that families in the horse world tend to work hard and instill good values in their children. “The lifestyle of taking care of livestock is hard work, but it’s rewarding,” he said. “It teaches them to get ready to be an adult.”
More people, fewer horses
Harrison has managed the Latigo facilities for about 25 years. In that time, the area has seen many changes driven by growth and development. But that growth has not translated to an increase in equestrians. “One thing that we’ve noticed is people move into this area, they love the area,” Harrison said. “They love the country lifestyle … but we’re not seeing horse people come in. And this place, the original owner designed this whole community, this development, as a horse community.”
Even so, Latigo’s parking areas are filled with pickup trucks and horse trailers during events. Children and adults alike can be seen riding, competing, learning and tending to their horses. Harrison described Latigo as a “very family oriented facility” with something for everyone, even if they are not horse people. “We just want people to come out and experience it, and enjoy the Western ways,” he said.
More information about the Latigo Trails Equestrian Center and events can be found on its website: https://atlatigo.com/
What is now the Latigo Trails Equestrian Center began in the late 1970s as the hub of an equestrian-centric housing development marketed to horse people. The center had large indoor arena, outdoor arenas, stables, a clubhouse and even an indoor swimming pool.
