FLATIRONS EQUESTRIAN CENTER WELCOMES YOU
Welcome to Flatirons Equestrian, where we thoroughly enjoy teaching people of all ages and abilities about horses.
We have a wide range of services including riding lessons, horsemanship lessons, one day camps, weekly day camps, clinics, events and birthday parties, educational field trips for groups, and schooling shows.
We are conveniently located in Boulder, Colorado, central to many surrounding communities. The facilities have a beautiful all around grounds and arenas in which to operate our programs.
We are proud to have a fantastic, knowledgeable, and caring team of people, horses, and ponies to take good care of our customers.
We love what we do, and take pride in our work here. Please enjoy browsing through our site, and feel free to send us an email or give us a call with any questions that you may have, if you would like to sign up for a class or program, or if you would like to set up a time to meet with us at the facility.
THERE IS A MAGIC ABOUT THE HORSES AND THE EQUESTRIAN CULTURE
From the outside, horseback riding may look like just sitting and that all a rider has to do is give the horse some simple instructions like go, whoa, and turn.
In carrying the rider the horse is doing all the work, right? Wrong.
There is far more to horseback riding than the casual observer might expect. And, there are benefits beyond simple enjoyment; physically, mentally and emotionally.
Physical
Riding develops balance and coordination. The movements required to cue a horse require body awareness. Riding also uses many muscles; most importantly the leg, abdominal, shoulder and back muscles. Riding does not depend on strength alone, but strong flexible muscles aid in stability and coordination.
Riding a horse at a walk stimulates the internal organs just as walking on foot does. This aids in liver function and digestion, and makes riding a great therapy option for those in wheelchairs. You will be burning calories.
Horseback riding is a sport that people of any age can participate in. As many people approach their middle years they may finally have the time and resources to realize their dreams of riding or owning a horse. With proper instruction and guidance there is no reason why people in their forties and beyond can't learn to ride or drive. Lots of seniors have ridden or driven into their 'golden years' with a favorite equine companion.
Mental
At first you may feel that just learning to stay on and steer the horse is a challenge. When that becomes easy, many more learning opportunities present themselves. As you progress with riding and horse ownership you will always have questions and problems. Even the most experienced equestrian would admit there is always something new to learn.
Research has shown that lifelong learning may prevent memory loss. Just like your muscles, your brain needs exercise to keep young and supple. Riding provides an active avenue for keeping your brain exercised. Riding can provide many opportunities for success. Whether you learn to post the trot or receive high marks in a dressage test, you'll feel good about what you are doing.
Emotional/Spiritual
For many a horse is a connection with nature whether they ride in the ring or down the trail. Many people find companionship and solace while working with their horse.
Although riding can present its frustrations and challenges, most people find it a relaxing pastime. The camaraderie of people who enjoy similar activities is also appealing.
It's fun to get together with friends for a lesson, team endeavor such as mounted games or drill riding.
If you crave solitude, riding can provide that as well. Many horse owners feel their horse is somewhat of a kindred spirit in tune with their own feelings and emotions; more so than any human companion. In times of stress a horse can be a quiet friend, who is without judgment or guile.
Excerpts from Katherin Blocksdorf case writings
Home | About | Schooling Shows | Lessons | Camps | Parties & Special Events | Our team | Contact
Next >
2014 LABOR DAY PARADE IN LUISVILLE COLORADO
Thank you to all participants and volunteers for this year's Labor Day Parade! We enjoyed great weather and appreciated the cheering and enthusiasm of the wonderful crowd.
Click here or click on the photo above to see the pictures gallery from the event.
BE PART OF THE EXCITING PROGRAMS AND EVENTS DESIGNED FOR THE 2014 SEASON
Flatirons Equestrian Center just released the dates and information about our Camp programs and Schooling Shows for this year's seasons.
Please feel free to browse through the pages of our newly released and re-designed web site to read all about us and our fun and exciting programs.
OUR MIGHTY MINIS ARE A BIG HIT
Cute and friendly as ever, our small herd of miniature horses and miniature donkeys play a huge role in our programs. Some can be ridden, some can pull a cart, and some just like to be groomed and walked.
They are our stars every weekend in our Ponies and Parents Class for very young children and their families.
We teach students in our Camps how to drive a mini pulling a cart, and of course let's not forget that they are a feature during our Parties and Special events!.
IN MEMORY OF LEVI
Levi was our Belgian Draft Horse stallion, who made the Flatirons Equestrian Center in the Louisville location his home for many years. He attracted a lot of attention, and touched the lives of many.
Levi lived a long 23 plus years.
The watercolor painting above was created by a very talented young woman named Haley, from Denver, who met Levi while taking lessons at our ranch. The painting was based on a photograph taken by Lisa Young, from Superior, Colorado, who rode with her daughter during FEC's earlier years around 2003.
Rest in Peace, Levi - you have been very special and have connected so many people together in so many ways, as horses do.