Nestled amidst the homes in Latigo Trails community is a 45-acre jewel dedicated to the preservation of the Pikes Peak Region’s western heritage.Owned by the Pikes Peak Range Riders Foundation, the Latigo Trails Heritage Centre is a multi-use complex that hosts charitable and commercial events. “Our mission is to promote this facility to the community for recreational, educational and cultural activities and events,” manager Bob Harrison said. “We provide opportunities for kids in the Pikes Peak Region – 4-H clubs, youth rodeo and equestrian participants benefit from our educational and recreational events.”The Heritage Centre has under gone numerous upgrades to improve the facilities. “Phase one and two are things not visible, such as electrical and plumbing,” Harrison said. “Phase three, which we are in now, is the aesthetics: roofing, floors, painting, etc.”The facilities are comprised of numerous buildings designed for different uses. The main one is the Arena building, which has two large meeting rooms (1,200 and 900 square feet, respectively) that are used for seminars, private parties, exhibits and special events. It also is home to four retail establishments.On the north end is Oleo Acres, a farrier and blacksmith supply company owned by Chad Tuttle. Next door is an art gallery featuring the works of Morten Fadum, a photographer and poet. He shares the space with Charles Lemoreaux, a jewelry designer. Together they operate Eastonville Press, which produces old-style western printed material. Their first collection currently offered to the public is “American Saddles 1927.” They also offer special printings for individuals or organizations.The last retail space is occupied by The Grill. Operated by Kenny Backstrand, The Grill is open weekends from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. for breakfast and lunch. Backstrand also caters for banquets and events at the Heritage Centre.Also housed in the arena building is the Margaret & Kenneth Brookhart Indoor Arena. The facility is over 30,000 square feet of unobstructed space that is used for everything from horse and dog shows to indoor exhibits. “We have held concerts, fundraisers and private dances, as well as equestrian and rodeo events in there,” Harrison said.Sitting close to the entrance is the community center, with 2,400 square feet of interior space and seating up to 125 people. It can be rented by individuals and organizations and is often used for wedding receptions, seminars, family reunions, training and corporate events. There is plentiful parking, tables and chairs; a kitchenette and restrooms. “We can open the large doors to the patio and set up tents to increase the space,” Harrison said. “With unobstructed views of Pikes Peak and the plains, it can’t be beat.”The outdoor rodeo arena also is 30,000 square feet with bucking chutes, roping chutes, holding pens and an announcer’s stand. Numerous equestrian events and rodeo competitions are held there. An 18,000-square-foot outdoor warm-up arena also is available for equestrian training and exercising, horse shows and other activities.Another source of pride for the Heritage Centre is the boarding barn. Recently updated, the barn features 42 indoor stalls, each with their own run. Full-care professional service is available and the boarding facility is open to the public. “We offer excellent care for your horse, and we do have openings,” Harrison said.Latigo Trails Heritage Centre is home to Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Centre. PPTRC is the oldest, largest and only North American Riding for the Handicapped Association “premier accredited” nonprofit therapeutic riding center in southern Colorado. Adults and children with a wide range of disabilities receive horseback riding therapy to improve coordination, joint mobility and psychological well being.The Latigo Trails Heritage Centre is open to the public. For more information, visit www.latigotrailsheritagecentre.com.
