SERVICES
We offer a range of equestrian programs across multiple riding styles and age groups, including trail-focused leisure riders, dressage enthusiasts, Western discipline riders, and youth newcomers. Whether you're seeking quiet rides under the Colorado sky, hands-on training, or a reliable lease horse to build skills, you’ll find the right program here—on your schedule and your terms.
Dressage
Dressage in its classical form is a way of training horses to be more beautiful and functional for all disciplines. At HDEC we promote the gentle development of horses to be strong, sound, calm, beautiful, and able to do anything well.
Dressage is a form of horse riding performed in competitions. Training your horse for dressage is as much a commitment of the horse as it is to the rider. Consistency, fluidity, trust, and discipline will make both horse and rider form special bonds and understanding of each other. The horse will be able to perform with almost undetectable signals from the rider.
Gaits
- Four beat walk
- Two beat trot
- Three beat canter
Jumping
Show hunter, Showjumping, and 3-Day Eventing.
Jumping is a riding discipline in which the horse and its rider compete to clear a jumping course. Horse and rider focus on having the least amount of faults in the fastest time.
There are all different disciplines within the horse jumping world. At HDEC we have a designated ring for jumping and a conditioning track within the property. We also have introductory cross-country jumps. Within 500 yards we have endless BLM with great contour and footing for conditioning.
Western Riding
Western riding is a form of horse riding that is taken from cowboys. Cowboys needed nimble horses who were well trained and worked together with their rider to perform work on the open plains. Nowadays western riding is used more for fun than for work.
Types of Western Riding
- Reining – horse and rider showcase certain movements that originated from working cattle
- Cutting – ability of a horse and rider to isolate cows from the herd
- Trail Riding – ability of a horse and rider to work together with obstacles
- Barrel Racing – Horse and rider ride in a clover leaf pattern around each of three barrels as fast as possible
- Team Penning – a timed event involving teams of three horses and riders with the goal of seperating certain cattle from a herd
Testimonials
Louis
Coming from the East Coast I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to find the same quality of care here in Grand Junction as I had in Connecticut. However as soon as I took a tour of High Desert Equestrian Center and met Annie, the owner, I knew we had found our new home. The facility is clean, the staff is knowledgeable and caring and the boarders are fun with no drama. My horse couldn’t be happier, an absolutely wonderful facility.
★★★★★
Susan Addison
High Desert Equestrian is an amazing stable! Annie has done a lot of upgrades to the stable. She is very welcoming and very responsive to any questions or needs. Care of the horses is exceptional. The facility offers a lot in the way of riding. The trainer, Maree, is excellent. It is really a wonderful place to board and a great community!! Highly recommend!
★★★★★
Susan R.
I had boarded my horses at this facility for seven years prior to its’ acquisition by Annie and David Mueller. The rapid physical and psychological transformation of the horse ranch that is now High Desert Equestrian Center has been extraordinary! Multiple Western and English disciplines are encouraged and supported at HDEC, from equitation, trail riding, and jumping, to the addition of a dressage arena, along with an expansive indoor arena. The mutual respect and positive vibes among the staff and boarders can’t be understated! Turnout for stabled horses is an addition that adds to the very high-quality care all the horses receive here. Annie, Aaliyah, and their staff (assistants, associates?), are always available, and address any boarder concerns with a “how can we help” attitude. The camaraderie among staff and boarders here is amazing, and, has made HDEC a low-stress, wonderful environment for me and my horse. I’m so glad I decided to stay, because the environment just keeps getting better.
★★★★★
Mary Lou
I have had the pleasure of boarding at High Desert Equestrian Center for a little over a year now. This facility answered all of my equestrian needs. Whether it’s riding in arena’s, round pens or an indoor arena, and finally trail riding, this place has it all! My older horse Jac and now my new horse Stetson, are so well taken care of. The pens are clean, water is always fresh and they’re fed excellent hay. The riding is really first class. I am not showing anymore, but just the pleasure of riding with such a nice group of people has made my riding experience here a memorable one. I want to thank the owners Annie and David, Aaliyah the barn manager, Maree the on-site trainer. and ALL the team, that take care of my horse that make High Desert Equestrian a terrific boarding facility in the Grand Junction / Fruita area.
★★★★★
Book Your Trail Ride Today
Whether you're looking for a relaxing ride through nature or an adventurous outing, our guided trail rides offer the perfect escape. All rides include a brief orientation session to ensure safety and comfort for both horse and rider. Book your tour today and experience the beauty of Austin on horseback!
