Community Equestrian

About Community Equestrian

Our Mission is to Serve the Community by:

Connecting Equestrians to the groups and information they need to stay informed and support their cause.
Promoting our horse clubs and groups to broaden their visibility and participation.
Supporting our equine professionals and educational programs.
Engagement with governmental agencies to shape policy in support of the equine community.
Networking and building key partnerships outside the horse community to expand our support.

Our Geography

We are based in Colorado, US. To begin, we focused primarily on Jefferson County, Colorado. It is here where the horse community is losing ground most rapidly to development. Even so, there remains enough open space, horse neighborhoods and equestrian facilities to preserve and integrate into this area’s growth and development in a way that can serve as a model for other communities in the future.

In 2025 our geography is expanding statewide. With the support of State Senator Lindsey Daugherty and Representative Lisa Feret, we are leading the way with the first legislation of its kind to protect equestrian safety and socioeconomic security for the future with the Local Government Duties Equestrian Protections Law.

CO SB 25-149 Local Government Duties Equestrian Protections

WE DID IT!!! WE HAVE A STATE EQUESTRIAN PROTECTIONS LAW. GOVERNOR POLIS SIGNED ON 5-28-25!!!

Bill Summary

CONCERNING MEASURES AFFECTING EQUESTRIANS.

Summary This bill aims to enhance protections and recognition for equestrians in Colorado by establishing a comprehensive framework for their safety and infrastructure needs. The bill begins with a detailed legislative declaration highlighting the significant economic and cultural importance of the equestrian community, noting that over 180,000 horses are housed in the state and the industry contributes billions to the state's economy. Key provisions include authorizing counties and municipalities to create equestrian zones, develop infrastructure like road crossings and trailer parking, publish maps showing equestrian trails and venues, and install "wide and slow" signage to alert drivers to horse traffic. The legislation also modifies existing traffic laws to include specific guidelines for drivers when encountering equestrians, such as maintaining at least six feet of distance when passing and not exceeding ten miles per hour. Additionally, the bill requires driver education curricula to include information about safely sharing roads with horses and allows local governments to partner with horse advocacy groups to educate the public about equestrian safety. The overall goal is to create a more harmonious and safe environment for equestrians, motorists, and other road users while supporting Colorado's outdoor recreational traditions.

Last Action

Governor Signed (on 05/28/2025)

Official Document

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb25-149

Local Gov Equestrian Protections Bill

Fact Sheet

Download PDF

Events

Please join us at the following events, we look forward to seeing you! If there is a youtube link you can join live or view previous meeting.

Next up:

We will be getting content together to use in local government meetings for education on the bill - if you want us to help in your community please reach out to us. We are focusing on Jefferson County first then will move forward once we learn from that experience with all other jurisdictions.

PREVIOUS EVENTS:

Colorado State Capital - Bill Presented by Senator Lindsey Daughtery Thursday March 13, Senate Chambers

Committee Name: Senate Local Government & Housing
Date Time: 03/13/2025 01:30 PM
Hearing Item: SB25-149
Room: SCR 357

If you would like to participate:

go to Colorado General Assembly site

Members of the public may participate in the legislative process by:
submitting written testimony;
testifying before a committee remotely or in person; and
listening to committee proceedings and watching floor proceedings over the internet.

If you have trouble signing up to testify or submit written testimony, please email committees.lcs.ga@coleg.gov or call 303.866.3521.Watch this instructional video on signing up to testify and how to testify in a committee hearing remotely.

Past Meetings:

Front Range Back Country Horsemen - Member Meeting February 25th https://www.frbch.org/

Jefferson County Horse Council - Member Meeting March 3rd 6pm to 7:30pm - Lakewood Library 10200 W 20th Ave or join us virtually https://youtube.com/live/CMw4u-bYXaY?feature=share

Equestrian Town Hall Event: November 18, 2024 6pm online or in person for our Equestrian Town Hall where we will announce the Equestrian Bill of Rights and an overview of the work accomplished in 2024 by your local equine advocacy groups.

G&J Lazy P Farm 14334 W. 74th Drive, Arvada

Livestream Courtesy of Ralston Valley Coalition: https://youtube.com/live/VRdOymec1oM?feature=share