Choose The Right Colorado Horse Property

For someone not familiar with Colorado climate and water law, choosing the right Colorado horse property can be a daunting proposition. Many people from the Mid West and East Coast are used to dealing with Riparian Water Law, and unfamiliar with Colorado’s Doctrine of Prior Appropriation. One of the implications of this doctrine is that even though a Colorado horse property may have water flowing through it or sitting on it, the owner of that Colorado horse property may have no rights to that water. In a nutshell, Prior Appropriation means that whoever first used the water, and laid claim to it in a Water Court, has first rights to use that water in perpetuity. So one of the first things to discover when looking for Colorado horse property is what water rights, if any, accompany the property.

Fortunately, the Upper Arkansas Valley is blessed with an augmentation scheme whereby property owners can purchase extra water for livestock needs should circumstances necessitate this. This means that buying a Salida, Colorado horse property need not mean paying a huge premium for existing water rights. Owners of Salida, Colorado horse property are able to purchase the necessary shares of water from the local Water Conservancy district for their livestock and domestic need.

Climate is yet another issue that can have a significant impact on where to choose Colorado horse property. Winter temperatures and conditions vary tremendously, often between one valley and the next. Some of the mildest winter temperatures can be found in Salida, Colorado. Horse property owners in Salida, Colorado, enjoy life in the locally acclaimed ‘Banana Belt’, where a relatively mild winter climate is conducive to the keeping of horses and other livestock. Extended periods of harsh cold are relatively rare, while many sunny days make winter riding a regular event.
So, when looking for Colorado horse property, consider Salida, Colorado. Horse property owners in Salida enjoy ample water, mild climate and a county where 85% of land is publicly owned, with literally hundreds of miles of trails at your door.