Westernaires - Golden, Colorado

Kayleigh L.

Every year for the last three years, I've had to put an off the track thoroughbred down due to colic, so I bought myself a giant quarter horse (TBs are more susceptible to it than any other breed). He's 17 hh and also off the track. I took him to the level 2 adult ride for the first time last Wednesday and he was struggling a little to understand what was happening. They let me come out of formation and ride behind everyone else so we could still participate and he really enjoyed himself. Not all equestrian events are as flexible, so I appreciate the opportunity to allow him to figure things out at his own pace. I'm also autistic and sometimes have a hard time with sensory overload, so this helped me a lot too. The instructors are so patient and kind. I'm really grateful to have access to something like this, it's impressive how many horses they own. I've never seen a bigger, more well organized operation. They definitely do things a little differently than what I'm used to, the Westernairs way as they call it, but I'm from the Midwest and grew up riding hunt seat and did eventing for 5 years in Germany. Things are a little different everywhere, no big deal! Their way is easy to understand, makes a great deal of sense in general and ultimately helps novices learn how to safely be around horses. I'm incredibly impressed! Thank you for being so understanding and accommodating of me and my big guy. He's still new to me and having so many great equestrians around who love these animals and what they do for us made it a really rewarding experience!

Randy D.

This is a place most people hear about by "word of mouth".

It's a unique equestrian center where kids from 8 to 18 can learn to ride horses and join teams to learn precision drills on horseback. It's a huge facility with multiple indoor arenas, outdoor arenas, hundreds of horses, several 18 wheel trucks and huge busses for moving horses and people to shows, there's a restaurant on site.
The amazing thing: it's all volunteer. I think there is a single paid employee who lives on site. Thousands of volunteers operate the organization. Thousand of kids participate.
The cost is almost comically minimal. To rent a horse and take a lesson is $20. Low income families can ride for free.

There are thousands of children and volunteers who operate this big organization and since it's all volunteer, almost everyone wants to be there and is helpful and friendly.

In addition to learning to ride, the kids have responsibilities too. They take care of the horses, groom and saddle but they also have to maintain the huge facility. You'll see kids sweeping the floors, cleaning the bathrooms, training horses and more. The older kids teach the younger kids how to handle the horses.

Parents also must volunteer a few hours each year working in the kitchen, organizing supplies, working on the landscaping, sewing costumes and a lot more. There is a lot that needs to be done but it's not a big commitment. The parents must also stay in the facility while their children are riding.

The instructors are adults and usually graduates of the highest level teams.

It's an amazing program I'm astounded by the dedication of the volunteers.

I've watched my daughter grow over the years here. She has learned from the other kids and from the instructors to take responsibility, do chores, respect elders and volunteer.

We could not be happier with our time at Westernaires.

If you have a young child, it's worth your time to join. It's not for everyone but it has been a great fit for us.

HappytheAppy

this organization used to be my favorite place to go! I enjoyed it for many years until my triple A year. We experienced problems with racist comments, racist slurs, and no help was offered to us, resulting in us leaving in October of 2024. Westernairs has not got back to us, or offered to help in any way, and the girl who did this has not been punished or apologized!!! This is just wrong, please see this!

Kimberly J.

We've never been more honored to support an organization that is truly helping kids grow in virtue, hard work, comraderie and dedication. Come check out all that Westernaires has to offer and the many amazing shows these kids put in for the public. Truly one of the best parts of living in Colorado!

M. K. H.

Great people! Volunteer based organization that wants young riders and their parents to be a part of a larger family. My daughter is really excited about joining. The cost is unbelievably low for learning riding and horsemanship.

Dae_ D.

Westernaires has been such a grate experience for me. I have been able to find so many amazing friends through Westernaires and was finally able to find a place where I feel adsceped. Everyone is so kind and you can just be yourself here, it has helped me a lot these past two years. It's what my mom calls my "happy place," and it really is, Westernaires is my escape from all the stress of everyday life. It's a fantastic organization that I highly recommend joining!

Gayle R.

Amazing program for kids that celebrates our American Western heritage. Outstanding performances and the horses are beautiful!

Nadia

Westernaires is my home if I could be there all week I could it’s the highlight of my week and the teamwork skills I’ve learned are amazing I highly recommend putting your kids in this organization