RUMBLE RIDGE
1844 Upper Cattle Creek Rd.
Carbondale, CO 81623
1844 Upper Cattle Creek Rd.
Carbondale, CO 81623
12/20/2014
To all Open Space and Trails Board Members,
After attending the last board meeting, Leslie Thomas, Belinda Leve, and I drove down to the Glassier property to assess potential truck and horse trailer parking. We looked at the site on the right side of Hooks Spur Lane, to the East and West sides of the old brick house. The large pasture on the right side, preceding the house (East side) could be a possible equestrian entrance and parking area. Road base would have to be brought in, and ideally, the parking exit would go behind the old brick house, and through the smaller pasture on the right (East side of the house), beyond the house. Both metal structures, behind the house, would have to be torn down in order to accommodate the exit and extra parking for trucks and trailers.
I own a three-horse trailer, which is 18’ long. My truck is 22’ with the gap between truck and trailer, so full length of the rig is 40’. In order to make a full turn around with my loaded horses trailer, (3 horses weighing approximately 1200lbs/ horse.) I need approximately 90’ to complete the maneuver. Anything smaller, and the tires on a horse trailer can have major tress & rim problems, when approaching a potential jack knife position.
Again, we believe the most ideal location for the equestrian parking would be on the large flat area on the left of Hooks Spur lane, just across from the old brick house, and just before the hill going up to bone yard. You would enter through an existing closed gate labeled “Horse Truck & Trailer Parking Only”. There could be a circle once you get through the gate, with ample parking in the middle of the circle and around it, for trucks and trailers. Road base would have to be put down as a base, and I think individual equestrian trail riders could sponsor the purchase of a spruce tree each, which could turn into a wonderful visual shield for any neighbors. The trees would also provide a windbreak from the strong spring and fall gales.
Either of the parking areas could work for the Equestrian Parking.
One more point that I would like to make is there are large numbers of avid horse owners who trail ride in the Roaring Fork Valley. As you drive up and down the valley please recognize that there are eight public and many private horse boarding facilities, numerous private landowners who own horses, and many horse organizations such as the Nat’l Pony Club, Polo Clubs, 4 H Clubs, Reining, Cow Horse, Cutting, Ranch Roping, Ranch versatility, Hunter-Jumper, Dressage, Three Day Event, and Competitive Trail Riding associations, as well as local rodeo competitors (barrel racers & ropers), and ranchers with horses. All of these entities use our local trails for cross training, fitness, and mental health for themselves and their horses. Thanks to the many local Outfitting Businesses, who introduce locals and visitors to the joy of trail riding. Many of the owners and their clients are involved in bettering the local equestrian trail systems.
Trailer parking & turn around is imperative for all these equestrians to have access from the Glassier Open Space to The Crown Trail.
The horse owners in the Roaring Fork Valley are supportive and excited about a potential safe and horse friendly venue on the Glassier property.
Thanks you for your time and work, on behalf of the equestrian community,
Holly McLain
To all Open Space and Trails Board Members,
After attending the last board meeting, Leslie Thomas, Belinda Leve, and I drove down to the Glassier property to assess potential truck and horse trailer parking. We looked at the site on the right side of Hooks Spur Lane, to the East and West sides of the old brick house. The large pasture on the right side, preceding the house (East side) could be a possible equestrian entrance and parking area. Road base would have to be brought in, and ideally, the parking exit would go behind the old brick house, and through the smaller pasture on the right (East side of the house), beyond the house. Both metal structures, behind the house, would have to be torn down in order to accommodate the exit and extra parking for trucks and trailers.
I own a three-horse trailer, which is 18’ long. My truck is 22’ with the gap between truck and trailer, so full length of the rig is 40’. In order to make a full turn around with my loaded horses trailer, (3 horses weighing approximately 1200lbs/ horse.) I need approximately 90’ to complete the maneuver. Anything smaller, and the tires on a horse trailer can have major tress & rim problems, when approaching a potential jack knife position.
Again, we believe the most ideal location for the equestrian parking would be on the large flat area on the left of Hooks Spur lane, just across from the old brick house, and just before the hill going up to bone yard. You would enter through an existing closed gate labeled “Horse Truck & Trailer Parking Only”. There could be a circle once you get through the gate, with ample parking in the middle of the circle and around it, for trucks and trailers. Road base would have to be put down as a base, and I think individual equestrian trail riders could sponsor the purchase of a spruce tree each, which could turn into a wonderful visual shield for any neighbors. The trees would also provide a windbreak from the strong spring and fall gales.
Either of the parking areas could work for the Equestrian Parking.
One more point that I would like to make is there are large numbers of avid horse owners who trail ride in the Roaring Fork Valley. As you drive up and down the valley please recognize that there are eight public and many private horse boarding facilities, numerous private landowners who own horses, and many horse organizations such as the Nat’l Pony Club, Polo Clubs, 4 H Clubs, Reining, Cow Horse, Cutting, Ranch Roping, Ranch versatility, Hunter-Jumper, Dressage, Three Day Event, and Competitive Trail Riding associations, as well as local rodeo competitors (barrel racers & ropers), and ranchers with horses. All of these entities use our local trails for cross training, fitness, and mental health for themselves and their horses. Thanks to the many local Outfitting Businesses, who introduce locals and visitors to the joy of trail riding. Many of the owners and their clients are involved in bettering the local equestrian trail systems.
Trailer parking & turn around is imperative for all these equestrians to have access from the Glassier Open Space to The Crown Trail.
The horse owners in the Roaring Fork Valley are supportive and excited about a potential safe and horse friendly venue on the Glassier property.
Thanks you for your time and work, on behalf of the equestrian community,
Holly McLain