General Information
Ken-Caryl Ranch Equestrian Center
The Ken-Caryl Ranch Equestrian Center boarding and training facility is located in the foothills southwest of Denver. The scenic tranquility of the Ken-Caryl Valley, the nostalgic splendor of the facilities, along with the dedication of the staff make the Center one of the most picturesque and professionally operated equine facilities in the state. We offer two fully groomed outdoor arenas and a large indoor arena for the convenience of our boarders. Over 4,800 acres of native Colorado open space and several miles of trails to access it are open for Ken-Caryl Ranch riders. Visitors are welcome to walk through the Center and enjoy viewing the equestrian activities going on. Please do not feed the horses, as some are on a special diet.
Equestrian Center Staff
Equestrian Center Manager: Sierra Pokorn, sierrap@kcranch.org or 303-979-4500
Riding School: eqschool@kcranch.org or 303-972-8456
Fun & Educational
Summer Riding Camps
2022 Equestrian Center Summer Camp Registration is full.
Please use the button below to register for the waiting list.
Call for Volunteers
Do you love horses? Want to meet new friends who love them too? Come hang out with us this summer by helping at summer camp! The Ken-Caryl Equestrian Center is looking for volunteers aged 11 and up with horse experience to assist with summer camps. We have two opportunities available for volunteers, Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., daily, to assist with campers ages 8-12 years. The second opportunity is for our Picnic with Ponies camp, Tuesday – Thursday, from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m., daily, for campers ages 6-8 years old.
All volunteers must be able to groom and tack up on their own. If interested, please contact Jennifer for more information at eqschool@kcranch.org, or 303-972-8456.
PICNIC WITH THE PONIES
Ages: 6-8 Years
Fees:
- Resident: $300
- Non-Resident: $325
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (Two-week sessions will be scheduled throughout the summer.)
Hours: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
2022 Dates
Session 1: May 31 – June 2 & June 7-9
Session 2: June 14-16 & June 21-23
*Session 3: June 28-30 & July 12-14
Session 4: July 19-21 & July 26-28
Session 5: August 2-4 & August 9-11
*Session 3 of Picnic with the Ponies has a one week break between the two weeks due to the holiday.
During this fun camp, younger children ages 6-8 will learn different aspects of horse care and horseback riding. We strive to offer a wonderful horse experience while learning to be safe around horses. Parents are welcome to come the last day of the camp (2nd Thursday) at 1:15 pm to watch their children ride.
Limit of 2 sessions per child.
SUMMER CAMP
Ages: 8 & Up
Fees:
- Resident: $300
- Non-Resident: $325
Days: Monday – Thursday (One-week sessions will be scheduled throughout the summer.)
Hours: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
2022 Dates
*Session 1: May 31 – June 3
Session 2: June 6-9
Session 3: June 13-16
Session 4: June 20-23
Session 5: July 11-14
Session6: July 18-21
Session 7: July 25-28
Session 8: August 1-4
Session 9: August 8-11
*Session 1 (May 31 – June 3) runs Tuesday – Friday due to the holiday.
In this camp students will learn many aspects of horse care including handling, body language and psychology, tack cleaning, grooming, feeding, and, of course, horseback riding! They will have a wonderful horse experience while learning to be safe around horses. Kids may ride either English or Western in any of the camps. These camps are appropriate for kids with a variety of horse experience. Each day of camp includes 1.5 hours of horse contact, including an hour of actual riding. Parents are welcome to join us on the last day or camp at 10:45 a.m. to see their kids show their talent on horseback.
Limit of 2 sessions per child.
Required Camper Gear
Each camper should bring a drink and snack or lunch. For riding, campers should wear pants and heeled boots. We have helmets but you may bring your own as well. It is also advised to bring a hat and sunscreen.
Refund Policy
Cancellation Policy
When we reserve your space for the summer we often times turn other families away and are unable to fill that space later. Therefore, there are no daily cancellations or changes.
A $40 deposit per program is non-refundable and non-transferable.
2022 Cancellation Deadline
On or before 5/16/22: Forfeit $40 deposit/week. Cancellation must be made for exact schedule chosen. We cannot accept any switches for other days or weeks. Cancellations must be in writing.
After 5/16/22: No refunds or changes available.
For more information, please email eqschool@kcranch.org. You can also call 303-972-8456, but we are able to respond fastest to email.
All of the 2022 Camps are full. You can still register for the Waiting List.
Ken-Caryl Equestrian Center, 14422 W. Ken-Caryl Avenue, Littleton, CO 80127
BARN STALL
- Resident: $558
- Non-Resident: $588
- $30 / month hay surcharge
Includes feeding twice daily with hay and grain,
stall cleaning once daily, self turn out, and use of the arenas.
SHED ROW STALL
- Resident: $587
- Non-Resident: $617
- $30 / month hay surcharge
Includes feeding twice daily with hay and grain,
stall cleaning once daily, self turn out, and use of the arenas.
PIPE PEN
- Resident: $466
- Non-Resident: $496
- $30 / month hay surcharge
Includes feeding twice daily with hay and grain,
stall cleaning once daily, and use of the arenas.
LARGE PASTURE
- Resident: $341
- Non-Resident: $371
- $30 / month hay surcharge
Includes hay fed twice daily and use of the arenas.
SMALL PASTURE
- Resident: $346
- Non-Resident: $376
- $30 / month hay surcharge
Includes hay fed twice daily and use of the arenas.
PRICING FOR OTHER SERVICES
- Monthly Trailer Parking: $50
- Trailer-In Lesson: $25 per horse
- Monthly Paid Turn Out: $70
Boarding Openings
Due to staffing shortages we are not currently accepting new boarders. Please see the Waiting List Policy below for additional information.
Please contact Sierra Pokorn at sierrap@kcranch.org or 303-979-4500 for all boarding inquiries.
Equestrian Center Documents
Looking for Operational Guidelines, Waivers, Agreements or Boarder Survey Results? Check out our Equestrian Center Documents by clicking on the link below.
Waiting List Policy
A separate wait list is maintained for each of the accommodations as needed within the Equestrian Center such as: barn stalls, pipe pens, pastures, etc. All prospective boarders should submit a request to management to place their name and the current date on the appropriate wait list. When space becomes available, management will contact prospective member boarders in priority order beginning with the name that has been on the list the longest. Members must be in good standing to be considered for a space. The person called will have 3 days to make a decision about occupying the space; if the space is not claimed in 3 days the person’s name will go to the bottom of the list with the current date. The next member on the list is then called. If no member boarder wants to have the space, the first sponsored non-member on the list will be called.
Ken-Caryl Equestrian Center Riding School
Riding Lessons
The Ken-Caryl Equestrian Center Riding School offers lessons in English and Western, to riders from beginner to advanced intermediate levels. Riders may use one of the Equestrian center’s horses or bring their own horse.
PRIVATE LESSON
- Resident: $60
- Non-Resident: $65
Rates are per hour.
Student will work one-on-one with their instructor.
SEMI-PRIVATE LESSON
- Resident: $50
- Non-Resident: $55
Rates are per person per hour.
For two riders at the same level of riding skill.
* Private lessons are required at the beginning of a student’s riding education. Once an instructor has determined the rider’s skill level, they may have the opportunity to join a Semi-Private Lesson with students of the same caliber.
The Ken-Caryl Equestrian Center is owned by the residents of Ken-Caryl and is an amenity to the Community. Therefore, non-residents who decide to participate in any activity in the Ken-Caryl Community are subject to a non-resident usage fee. The fee established here at the Equestrian Center is an additional $5 per lesson.
Cash or check (made out to KCRMA) is due at the time of each lesson and please be aware there is a 24-hour cancellation policy.
Gift Certificates
Need a gift idea? Gift certificates for riding lessons are available at the Equestrian Center. They make great birthday, Christmas or Hanukkah gifts!
For more information, please call 303-972-8456 or email eqschool@kcranch.org.
Barn Buddies
Spring (March – May) and Fall (August – November)
- $60 for the 1 day, 1 hour event
- Up to 4 children, aged 3 and up
- Offered only on Mondays thru Fridays, between 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. based on reservations and staff availability
- Includes 30 minute groom/tack, then 30 minute hand led rides
Want to come play with the horses but not old enough for lessons? Sounds like you need a play date at the barn. The Ken Caryl Riding School feels that it is important to give even the youngest children the opportunity to interact with horses, even if they are not old enough for regular instruction.
Our play dates are designed to introduce children to horses and horseback riding in a structured way that is fun and interactive. There is no weekly commitment and it is a great time to play with your pony friend outdoors!
During the one hour experience, children will participate in grooming and tacking alongside our experienced instructor. They will learn about the brushes, the tack and how we care for the horses. The riding session lasts about 30 minutes, is hand led by the instructor and takes place in our riding arena.
Children must be at least 3 years of age for Barn Buddies. Adult supervision is required for the entire event. Children may not be dropped off. We require an adult to walk alongside the child as they ride to assist in keeping their balance.
For your safety, children and parents must wear boots or lace-up shoes. No sandals, slip-ons, flip flops, or open toed shoes allowed! Additionally, to be safe and comfortable in our ranch setting, we advise clients to wear outdoor, weather-appropriate clothing. You are encouraged to bring your own toddler-sized bike helmet for children under 5.
For questions and to register, please email eqschool@kcranch.org.
Pony Rides at the Equestrian Center
Do you have a horse-crazy preschooler? The Ken-Caryl Riding School will be offering pony rides during select school days this spring! Rides are 10 minutes in duration and hand-led for $25. To check availability, please use the sign-up link below.
For your safety, children and parents must wear boots or lace-up shoes. No sandals, slip-ons, flip flops, or open toed shoes allowed! Additionally, to be safe and comfortable in our ranch setting, we advise clients to wear outdoor, weather-appropriate clothing. You are encouraged to bring your own toddler-sized bike helmet for children under 5.
For questions, please email eqschool@kcranch.org.
Equestrian Celebrations
Birthday Parties
Let horses help you celebrate your birthday! Put on some boots and get ready to saddle up for a great time at the barn!
Birthday parties are a one hour hand-led riding experience, with all children taking turns riding the same horse. After your ride you are welcome to stay and finish your celebration with cake and presents at either the indoor riding school office, outdoor picnic tables or the playground at Dakota Lodge. Food not provided.
Parties are $90 for the first three children which includes a facility fee, and $15 for each additional child.
Additional Party Information:
- Closed Toe Shoes required to ride; long pants recommended.
- Parents are responsible for children when they are not riding.
- Please no shouting or running at the facility.
- Decorating is permitted inside the office, however no balloons allowed at the facility.
- Children 4-5 years old are welcome to ride with a parent walking along side and must bring their own helmet.
- *Please note, checks (made out to KCRMA) or cash (no credit cards), along with ALL waivers must be received one week prior to your scheduled party.
Call for reservations 303-972-8456, or email eqschool@kcranch.org.