Twin Acres Riding Stables

While we welcome horses on the property; the scale, character, and intensity of use of a seven day-per-week commercial operation are not compatible with the community.

Tuesday, November 7 - The Planning Director shall prepare and distribute a detailed Staff Report evaluating the application to the applicant and make the report available to the public no later than five (5) working days before the first scheduled public hearing on the application.

Friday, November 10 (No later than) - Members of the public are encouraged to submit written public comment prior to the start of a scheduled meeting or hearing to allow adequate time for review and consideration of the comments by the Board. 

Tuesday, November 14 - Hearing

THIS GIVES US < 4 CALENDAR DAYS TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT PUBLIC COMMENTS IN RESPONSE TO NEW INFORMATION IN THE STAFF REPORT!

The proposal is for up to 50 (we have unconfirmed reports that the number is being reduced to 25 due to lack of water) horses to be kept on the property. Horseback riding lessons and arenas will be available as well. Events will also be held on the property about two times a year with approximately 100 people at each event. 

The Eagle County Land Use Regulations (ECLURs) define a boarding stable as, “a structure designed for the feeding, housing and exercising of horses not owned by the owner of the premises and for which the owner receives compensation.” The ECLURs define a riding stable as, “an establishment that has available for rent or lease four (4) or more animals for periods of twenty-four (24) hours or less, or in return for compensation, gives lessons to develop horsemanship.” 

Why neighbors are concerned (this is not an inclusive list).

• While we welcome horses in Missouri Heights, this is NOT the right location for a large commercial equestrian facility, in full view of over 100 residences.

• The fire department is requiring a fire exit road to be cut across the 80 acre conservation easement to allow emergency evacuation via Green Meadow. What about the residents of Green Meadow and Milburn CT? How will they evacuate if Green Meadow is backed up with horse trailers? Further, we believe that an emergency fire access road could violate the covenants of the conservation easement.

• Twin acres has not yet secured their water rights. Water is very scarce. It is not clear that the applicant has access to sufficient water for this operation. Want to learn about water court? Click Here 

• The proper number of hunter jumper horses that should reside on 20 acres depends on a number of factors, including the quality of the pasture, the type of soil, the variety of grasses, the hours the horses are turned out, the growing conditions, and how diligently the pasture is managed. A general rule of thumb is 1 acre per horse for good pasture, but as much as 2½ acres per horse for a poorly managed field. Hunter jumper horses are typically high-energy animals that require a lot of exercise, so they will need more pasture than a less active breed. If you are planning to have your horses live out 24/7, you will need even more pasture. You will also need to factor in the size of your barn and other outbuildings, as well as any areas that will be used for exercise or recreation. Source: https://www.horseillustrated.com/horse-keeping-small-horse-properties

• The proposed new indoor arena and new stable would dwarf the existing structures and not fit in with the surrounding neighborhoods. The proposed prefabricated steel riding arena would cover 20,000 square feet. Historically this site was used as an outdoor arena, where it called little attention to itself. Enclosing it with a structure however would make it highly visible from Fender Lane and overlooking homes. With the side walls being around 16 - 20 feet high and the ridge 30 feet high, it would be massive and appear industrial in character.