Saddle Up! It's time to save the Ranch

This past summer was unlike any before, the Ranch was missing the sounds of children playing and laughing, of games and songs and the happiness that is created by spending a summer in the mountains. 

(Photo: From Summer 2013)

We did what we could by pivoting our business to serve families and small groups, we had an entirely VOLUNTEER staff, we worked on projects around the Ranch hoping to keep things functional for Summer 2021. 

(Photo: Summer 2020 Volunteer Staff)

The short of it, is that it was not enough... as we roll into the winter season we are not sure we will have enough to open our gates for Summer 2021.

(Photo: Not 2020)


We make all of our income in three short months, June- August.  This year we weren't able to offer camp for many reasons. One example was figuring how to get the kids bussed up from Boulder. With CDC guidelines a 40 passenger bus could only safely carry 6 kids. There was no way we could get 150-200 kids up to camp. 

(Photo: 1979) 

As you know the Ranch has seen rough times before. Only ten years ago the Fourmile Canyon fire ripped through our property. While this crisis was devastating at the time, it had a beginning and an end. Once the fire was out we were able to get back to work, with no limitations.

(Photo: September 2010)

With COVID the crisis is not over and it comes with many limitations. Because of this we are hesitant to open our camper early enrollment in December as we are not sure what camp will look like in 2021. This means no funds will be coming in anytime soon. 

Lynn and Kate have been tirelessly applying for different grants and exploring all loan options, but we still need help.  That is why we are calling on our community to help us get through this hard time. 

While we haven't ever been financially rich, we have been rich in community.  Each one of you has a different story of how the Ranch has shaped your life. Yet we are all connected by the Camp Magic created here at the Ranch! 

(Photo: 1978, again not 2020)

So what does winter look like at the Ranch..? 
It starts with feeding and caring for 30-plus horses, goats and ponies. Right now Mike, Josie and Lynn are feeding the horses twice a day. In Rain, Sun, Snow, and Wind, they are out there taking care of the animals. The cost of feeding the horses is one that is always changing depending on the season and weather related-price  grass.  But here are some numbers for you:
- $28 a week to feed a horse
- $4000 for a semi-trailer load of alfalfa 
-$5000 for a semi-trailer load of grass
(Mike bring up 1-2 trucks of each, a month!)

(Photo: Mike with his friends, timeless)

Don't forget all the heavy machinery to move the hay bales and to get water to the horses in the dead of winter.  Currently the backhoe and the dump truck are functional but we are not sure for how much longer. The tractor and gradeall both need repair,  as you would guess Mike does all he can to maintain, fix and hold together the large equipment. Yet, we are in need of $7000 to pay for parts a diesel mechanic. 

(Photo: Brandon driving 'Mitzy' the dump truck)

The less exciting part of running a business includes paying land taxes, electricity, propane, wifi and other general operating fees. These are the things we need to keep the buildings heated and to keep the business functional during the off season.  We do ALL of our business work and behind the scene work during the off season to ensure a summer season.
(Photo: Autumn at the Ranch! Still beautiful up here even when it's not summertime)

So where do you come into all of this? We ask that you give what you can. Every little bit helps.  In a time of uncertainty and feeling powerless as things rapidly change, know that your donation makes a DIFFERENCE!

1- Donate directly by clicking the ‘Donate now’ button on our Go Fund Me page.

2- You can also give by sending a check by US post to- 
The Colorado Mountain Ranch
10063 Gold Hill Rd. Boulder, CO.  80302

3- Call us! We can take a credit card donation over the phone: [phone redacted]

4- Or, for a tax deduction, send a check made out to the Colorado Mountain Horse Rescue 501(c)3 to support feed for the horses, and we will send you a donation document to submit with your taxes. 

And if giving financially isn't in the cards for you, please share this fundraiser to your friends, family, social media.  This is a time for the reach of our Camp Community to shine!(photo: Again not from Summer 2020)

Our goal is to raise at least $40,000 by Thanksgiving to help the Ranch weather this storm into the winter and emerge into the spring ready for Summer 2021!