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Routt County 4-H
Bi-Monthly Newsletter
January 15, 2026
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Below you will find information on:
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WE NEED YOU! We are looking for more members to join our Petting Zoo on Monday.
- We need more shooting sports leaders. Please scroll down to the Shooting Sports section to see how you can become a leader!
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Upcoming Events
Click here to access the Routt County 4-H Google Calendar!
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Cowboy Downhill Petting Zoo | January 19 | 11am-1pm
We need your help! We are in desperate need of members to supply some animals for the Petting Zoo at the Cowboy Downhill on Monday. For many years, this has been a great event for our youth and program. If you are able to help, please let Millie know.
Help bring Routt County 4-H to the base of Mount Werner for the Cowboy Downhill. We are looking for members who want to provide their animal(s) and/or a roping demonstration set-up (ropes, dummy, etc.) in exchange for a day pass to Mount Werner for the 2025-2026 ski season. Members must be present from 11am-1pm.
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Leadership Development Conference | January 24-26
Registration is now closed. All members enrolled, please check your email for a full detailed schedule.
Please note, any cancelations made AFTER the deadline will not be reimbursed and members must pay the full $395 PLUS hotel costs if they cannot attend.
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Junior Leader Meetings | January 28 (DATE CHANGED), February 25, April 1, May 27 | Trout Creek Room | 6pm
Are you 14-18 years old and want to step up your leadership role in Routt County 4-H? Jr. Leaders are ambassadors to Routt County 4-H, help put on 4-H events, and are Jr. Superintendents at the fair.
Join us for our first Jr. Leader meeting Wednesday, January 28 at 6pm in the Trout Creek Room.
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Cloverbud Meetings | January 28, February 25, March 18, April 1, May 27, June 10, July 24 | 6pm
Youth aged 5-7 are invited to join us for our Cloverbud Workshops. This year we are learning about pollinators and how the roles they play! Members must be enrolled as a Cloverbud in Routt County 4-H to attend the meetings.
Scroll down for more information on Routt County Cloverbuds
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Beef Weigh-In | February 1 | 12:30-2:30pm
Beef members are required to attend at the Routt County Fairgrounds. Cost is $5 per animal. Please have the Weigh-In Form completed before arriving at the scale. Youth must be enrolled in Routt County 4-H with all fees paid (including any past due fees) before weighing in. All market beef need to be halter broke prior to weigh-in.
Questions? Take a look at the handbook section that discusses spring weigh-ins.
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Generational Breeding Project Application Due | February 1
Honoring the legacy of longtime Routt County rancher, Donald C. Lufkin, and his legacy of sustaining beef production in Routt County. Routt County 4-H Youth have the opportunity to start or expand their cattle breeding operation with financial support from the Lufkin Family Foundation.
- Up to $1,500 Grants available
- Three year program
- Awards and more!
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Winter Horse Rides | February 8, March 8, April 12 | 12-2pm
Routt County 4-H Horse Members are encouraged to join us every second Sunday to ride with their friends! Rides will be held at the Routt County Fairgrounds.
Horse Members - we want to hear from you. What are your interest for this upcoming year!
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4-H Entrepreneurship Program | February 9, March 9, April 13, May 11, July 9 | 4:30-6pm
Got an idea? Let's turn it into a business.
Join the Youth Entrepreneur Program and learn how to build a brand, sell a product, manage money, and pitch your idea like a pro. You'll test your business at local farmers markets and finish with a pitch presentation where you receive seed money to help launch your business. For all youth ages 8-18.
For more information, contact Tami.
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Blues Break Camp | February 17-19 | 2-4pm | Routt County Community Room
Youth aged 8-18 are welcome to join us for our Blues Break Camp. Join us for one day, or all three. Cost is $10/youth/day.
- February 17 - Arts & Crafts Workshop
- February 18 - Creative Cooks Mexican Cuisine and Felting
- February 19 - STEM Roller Coaster and Race Car Challenges
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New Member Dinner | March 16 | 6pm | STARS Ranch
Come join us as we discuss important dates, outline the importance of 4-H and meet the faces behind Routt County 4-H!
All first year members and their families are required to attend.
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Project Highlight - Art Of Ranching
Every Ranch has a story. Every youth has a voice. Join the 4-H Art of Ranching project and interview local ranchers, hear historical stories, create a project that truly matters. This isn't just history... its YOUR community!
Learn more at https://artofranching.colostate.edu/. To sign up for the Art of Ranching Project, reach out to Tami (teggers@co.routt.co.us | 970-879-0825).
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Congratulations Ella Knott for your Success at the NWSS!
- Youth Division Champion - Wool Rabbits - Satin Angora named Cici
- Youth Show Grand Champion Merino Wool Sheep Fleece
Did you show at the NWSS? Please email Millie with your photos to be added to the newsletter.
| | | Thank you to the MusicFest for hosting us for the annual Chicken Drop Bingo! | | |
National Western Stock Show Tickets Available
We have a limited number of NWSS tickets and badges available for Routt County 4-H members and volunteers. Tickets and badges are good for one day grounds admission into the National Western Stock Show.
First come first serve. Please email Millie for availability.
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Routt County Fair theme: Celebrating the Bounty of Routt County!
The Routt County Fair Advisory Board is looking for help from Routt County 4-H members to help design a logo for this year's fair. Please submit your logo ideas to Millie by Monday, February 9th.
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Colorado 4-H Scholarships are OPEN
Annually, Colorado 4-H awards scholarships to outstanding youth who are actively engaged in Colorado 4-H clubs for at least 3 years. The Scholarship Portal is currently open, and closes in March.
For more information on the scholarship process and scholarships available, check out the Colorado 4-H Website.
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Ongoing Reminders:
Enrollment is Open: Returning members who have yet to enroll and pay will receive a $30 late fee.
How do I Enroll?
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Enroll (between October 1 and May 1) on Colorado 4-H Online
- Pick a 4-H Club
- Pick your project(s)
- Pay your enrollment fees
- Get Involved
Here is a LINK with more detailed instructions on how to enroll, clubs, projects and much more. Call our office with any questions - we are here to help you!
Record Books are uploaded on the Colorado 4-H Website.
- More information on Record Books (including club books) can be found on our website!
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Handy Lads and Lassies | December 2025
On December 14th, the Handy Lads and Lassies 4-H club held the second official meeting with a very small number of people. It was a short meeting where we talked about old business such as community service for the senior citizens and concessions. New business included wrapping gifts for the community, ski day, sponsorship newsletters, beef weigh-in (February 1st), enrollment, and parent contracts. Afterwards, we had a very nice lunch provided by members of the club. Our next meeting will be a parent meeting on January 11th.
Submitted by: Morgan Gibson
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Ranch House 4-H | January 2026
Our 2026-2027 Ranch House officers are:
- President: Brody Frentress
- Vice President: Peyton Estes
- Treasurer: Roslyn Froman
- Secretary: Braylee Estes
- Council Reps: Lucas Froman and Braylee Estes
- Historian: Madelyn Long
Fundraiser was a success!
The club will make Valentine Center Pieces for the Haven residents at our February meeting.
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Goodtimes | January 2025
The club held the monthly meeting and elected new officers.
Our new officers are as follows:
- President: Kasey Singer
- Vice President: Grace Elkinton
- Secretary: Sydney Wattles
- Treasurer: Kyson Manzanares
- Reporter: Silas Elkinton
- Council Reps: Grace and Silas Elkinton
- Historian: Whole Club
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We are excited to have you a part of Routt County 4-H!
Learn more about Routt County 4-H on our WEBSITE.
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See a list of our 4-H clubs and when they meet.
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Learn about all the projects 4-H has to offer.
The Colorado 4-H WEBSITE also provides project details and record book links. Click on your area of interest, and then the project to learn more!
Join our monthly Clover Chatter!
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Meet us on Zoom the first Monday of each month at 6pm to ask questions and connect with other 4-H families!
- Upcoming Dates:
- February 2
- March 2
- April 6
- May 4
- June 1
- July 6
- August 3
Join us on March 16 at 6pm for our Mandatory New Member Orientation Dinner at the STARS Ranch. We will discuss important topics while enjoying a meal and getting to know other Routt County 4-H families!
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Shooting Sports Dates - Dates are subject to change
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May 1 - Add/Drop/Change Deadline
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July 3 - Completion Weekend Registration Due
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July 8 - FairEntry Registration Due
- July TBD - Completion Weekend
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July 24 - Exhibit Day
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July 31 - Exhibit Day Projects to State Fair Due
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WE NEED LEADERS -
If you or someone you know (friend, uncle, grandparent, etc.) is interested in becoming a shooting sports leader, please let Tami know.
South Routt is in desperate need for some additional leaders to keep the program going, and Steamboat can use a few more .22 Rifle and Shotgun leaders.
Leaders can start by enrolling in 4HOnline!
Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Leader Trainings:
- March 13-15, 2026: Weld County (Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, Archery, and Orion) *Orion training - Please watch for information in the coming months.
- March 20-22, 2026: Pueblo County (Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, Archery, Muzzleloading, Western Heritage, Hunting and Outdoor Skills)
- March 27-29, 2026: Garfield County (Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, Archery, Muzzleloading, Western Heritage)
Reminder: All volunteers must be enrolled and approved before they can register for the training.
NEW THIS YEAR! Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Leader Recertification Training:
- April 25, 2026: Morgan County (Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, Archery, Muzzleloading, Western Heritage, Hunting and Outdoor Skills)
Volunteers who are in need of recertifying to keep their certificate up to date will be eligible to attend the recertification training in Morgan County on April 25, 2026. This will be a modified version of the training and will be a combination of online modules and an in-person class. More information will be available soon.
Volunteers needing to recertify who chose to go to any of the other three trainings will be required to attend all 15 hours of the training.
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Workshops:
General Project Dates - Dates are subject to change
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May 1 - Add/Drop/Change Deadline
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July 8 - FairEntry Registration Due
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July 24 - Exhibit Day
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July 31 - Exhibit Day Projects to State Fair Due
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Animal Superintendents - need help with your projects? Please email Millie to get you in contact with a Superintendent!
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Cattle - Jeannie Logan and Dr. Lee Meyring
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Swine - Leanna Dennis, Tim Gonzales, Trinity Gonzales, and Lane Iacovetto
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Sheep - Kristen Lucero and Shari Yeager
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Goat - Justin Heid, Kristen Lucero, and Rebecca Owens
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Horse - Tammie Delaney, Haley Jacobs, Lacy Trout, and Ben Vannoy
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Dog - Lisa Guire and Cathy Shryock
Project Dates - Check out the following link for important project dates!
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Lufkin Family Generational Breeding Project
Honoring the legacy of longtime Routt County rancher, Donald C. Lufkin, and his legacy of sustaining beef production in Routt County. Routt County 4-H Youth have the opportunity to start or expand their cattle breeding operation with financial support from the Lufkin Family Foundation.
- Up to $1,500 Grants available
- Three year program
- Awards and more!
Business plans are due by February 1, 2026.
More information on the project and how to apply can be found here!
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Beef Weigh-In | February 1 | 12:30-2:30pm
Beef members are required to attend at the Routt County Fairgrounds. Cost is $5 per animal. Please have the Weigh-In Form completed before arriving at the scale. Youth must be enrolled in Routt County 4-H with all fees paid (including any past due fees) before weighing in. All market beef need to be halter broke prior to weigh-in.
Questions? Take a look at the handbook section that discusses spring weigh-ins.
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Colorado State Fair Information
- Exhibitors are responsible for insuring that all animals that might be exhibited at the Colorado State Fair are nominated - NO LATE NOMINATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
- The Colorado State Fair will do family nominations, just make sure each exhibitor fills out a form listing all family nominated animals. Forms made out to the "Smith Family" will not be accepted.
- Submitting a nomination form and DNA is NOT an entry into the Colorado State Fair! Separate entry is required. The market entry deadline will be July 27, 2026, and must be made online - mailed entries will not be accepted!
- All market beef, goat, hog, or lamb nominations MUST submit DNA. DNA submitted on an animal not nominated will be marked as such and that animal IS NOT eligible o show in the Market Shows at the Colorado State Fair. DNA envelopes will be available to be purchased starting March 2, 2026. Details will be posted on the website. Remember, it is the exhibitor's responsibility to order and submit DNA not the Extension/FFA offices. The deadline for submitting DNA is as follows:
- Beef: April 6th (postmark)
- Goats, Hogs, Lambs: June 8th (postmark)
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The procedures will be posted on the website, just not the nomination forms as the Colorado State Fair Livestock Office will not accept nomination forms from exhibitors.
- Nomination Forms will be available to pick up during livestock weigh-ins. Forms can also be picked up from Millie at the Extension Office.
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February 1 - Beef
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May 3 - Sheep, Goat, Swine
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The tentative livestock schedule and market deadlines will be posted on the website around the first of January.
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Animal Project Dates - dates are subject to change
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2025-2026 Record Books are posted on the Colorado 4-H website. Need help finding your record book, or would you like it printed out? Shoot us an email.
Pages that can be completed NOW -
Pages to be working on through project -
Pages that are completed at the END of your project -
| | | Animal Project Courtesy Posts - These are posts we are sharing for your information. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Routt County Extension. | Colorado State 4-H Livestock Opportunities - These are opportunities that 4-H members could engage in. Expos, Workshops, Blow and Go shows and more. Access Animal Science Padlet here. | |
FFA/4-H Livestock Loan Program - Bank of Colorado
Bank of Colorado is offering interest and fee free loans for youth involved in livestock projects. Applications can be picked up from any Bank of Colorado location.
More information about these loans can be found here.
Questions? Contact Lexi Weber.
970-826-2067 | lexi.webber@bankofcolorado.com
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What is a Cloverbud? Cloverbuds are members from 5-7 years old who are not quite ready to participate in many of the projects and activities that the rest of the older 4-H members participate in.
What can Cloverbuds do? The Cloverbud program is focused on participation, teamwork, and learning (not so much on competition). Several of our clubs host Cloverbud events during their regular monthly meetings, and our Routt County 4-H Junior Leaders host 5 Cloverbud workshops throughout the spring and summer to get our youngest members excited about 4-H.
Enrollment - $25/Cloverbud Member
Here is a LINK to how to enroll, and much more. Cloverbud members are not required to attend monthly meetings, but any member wanting to join the Cloverbud workshops must be enrolled as a Cloverbud member. Call our office with any questions - we are here to help you!
Join us for our Cloverbud Workshops - Pollinator Series - RSVP HERE
- January 28 - The Ants Go Marching
- February 25 - The Bat
- March 18 - The Honey Bee
- April 1 - The Butterfly
- May 27 - The Hummingbird
- June 10 - Creating Garden Friends
- July 24 - Share a Project at Exhibit Day
| | | 2025-2026 Colorado 4-H Leadership Events - More details on the events can be found here. | | |
Leadership Development Conference (Senior Members) - January 24-26, Denver
- Senior aged 4-H members are encouraged to join us for LDC in January. Cost to attend is $225 plus hotel costs (TBD soon). Registration closes January 7th (or when full).
- Please note, any cancelations made AFTER the deadline will not be reimbursed and members must pay the full $225 PLUS hotel costs if they cannot attend.
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National 4-H Conference (15-18 y/o Members) - April 10-15, Washington DC
Applications are due January 16th.
Interested members must submit the following to the State 4-H Office (lisa.sholten@colostate.edu):
- a resume
- a cover letter explaining why you would like to attend the conference
- a letter of recommendation from Tami or Millie
| | | | District 9 Retreat (10-18 y/o Members) - April 10-12, Craig | | | | Colorado 4-H State Conference (Senior Members) - June 16-19, Fort Collins | | | |
Mike Bell 4-H Leadership Fund
Created in 2025 with memorial contributions totaling $665, the Mike Bell 4-H Leadership Fund honors Mr. Bell by helping Hayden Youth attend leadership events.
The Bell Family has designated these funds to support Hayden 4-H members in attending leadership events at the county, district, state, or national levels.
Scholarship Details:
- Hayden 4-H youth are eligible for a one-time $50 scholarship to help cover registration for a 4-H leadership event.
- 13 scholarships will be awarded on a first come, first served basis until all funds are distributed.
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To apply, email a request for the $50 Mike Bell 4-H Leadership Scholarship, specifying which event you plan to attend.
- Requests will only be accepted once the event registration is open (no early requests).
- If you cancel after the registration deadline, you will be responsible for repaying the $50 of unused funds back to the leadership fund.
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Courtesy Posts
These are posts we are sharing for your information. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Routt County Extension.
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Calling All Routt County Ag Producers Free AgrAbility Workshop | February 4 | 4-8pm | Routt County Community Room
What you'll learn:
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AgrAbility 101: understand the history of the AgrAbility project and what it can do for you.
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The FarmAble Program: learn how FarmAble connects you with grants, loans, and technical support to strengthen your farm and move your operation forward.
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Functional Farmers: learn ergonomic techniques and stretches you can do on the farm to increase your mobility!
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Behavioral Health and You: you are your most valuable asset, learn how to protect your mental health and manage your stress.
Join us for this free event that includes dinner. For more questions, contact Todd (thagenbuch@co.routt.co.us | 970-879-0825)
Don't wait, register now!
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Attention Colorado Producers and AgriBusiness Owners:
Show your love for Colorado Agriculture by completing Colorado State University’s annual Land Rental and Custom Rates Survey. Take just 10 minutes to complete the survey before February 14, 2025.
BUTTON: Complete the Survey https://colostate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3fPoxORn3X4tSey
What is the Custom Rates Survey?
Colorado State University Extension conducts an annual survey of land rental and custom rates charged for various crop and livestock operations and lease arrangements in Colorado in the preceding year. Data is collected from agricultural producers, landowners and managers, lenders, agricultural consultants, machine operators, and Extension agents. Results of the survey are used by producers, ag lenders, county assessors, the Colorado Department of Agriculture, land appraisers, and more. Land Rental and Custom Rates in Colorado is one of the most widely used publications available from the CSU Agriculture and Business Management Team.
Why should I complete the survey?
- The Land Rental and Custom Rates Report will allow you to advertise custom services or locate and hire custom service operators in your area.
- More responses ensure more accurate data and a more complete list of rates for today’s practices. These determined rates influence land appraisal values, your property taxes, and more.
- Information about Land Rental and Custom Rates is used by elected officials to inform federal, state, and local policy, including crop insurance.
- Your responses are safe and anonymous.
When and where can I access the survey?
The Custom Rates Survey will be available January 1 – February 14, 2026 through Colorado State University: https://colostate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3fPoxORn3X4tSey
What if I have questions about the survey?
Your CSU Extension Agriculture and Business Management Team is here to answer your questions. Learn more at https://abm.extension.colostate.edu/meet-the-team/
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Ranch West Horse Boarding
Located 12 miles outside of Steamboat Springs on CR 33, our family-owned and operated facility offers both long-term and short term horse boarding, including Horse Motel accommodations for travelers.
We are proud to provide a full range of amenities, including:
- Heated Indoor Arena - daily passes and membership options available
- Outdoor Arena
- On-staff Veterinary Technician
We are also seeking weekend morning help (2-3 hours per day). If you love horses, enjoy a friendly work environment, we'd love to hear from you!
Interested? Call 970-761-0679 or email ranchwest55@gmail.com.
Savannah Shaffer - Barn Manager
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CR Summit: Positions Available - Riding Instructor and Coach
Love horses... love to ride, join our team! Seeing Riding Instructions and Coach.
Have English, Western (preferably Vaquero) and/or Rodeo Eventing aka barrel and pole bending riding experience? Enjoy coaching and teaching youth and adult riders about horses, horsemanship, and riding? Want an opportunity to ride and improve your riding skills...
Our Western Riding Instructor & Coach position may be perfect for you!
Our season commences in May for horse schooling (super flexible schedule) and then kicks off with summer programs first week in June. With this spring and summer (fall optional) program you will be right in the middle of ranch action... herding/grooming/saddling horses, teaching youth and adult riders' horsemanship from proper tack - riding, ground schooling horses, and leading guest trail rides.
We are adding two new positions this year; responsibilities/activities, hours and days will vary with each.
For further information text or call 970-879-6201 or email info@crsummit.com
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Colorado State University Extension is an equal opportunity provider. Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations. CSU’s Office of Engagement and Extension ensures meaningful access and equal opportunities to participate to individuals whose first language is not English.
Colorado State University Extension es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades. Colorado State University no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad y se compromete a proporcionar adaptaciones razonables. Office of Engagement and Extension de CSU garantiza acceso significativo e igualdad de oportunidades para participar a las personas quienes su primer idioma no es el inglés.
Col.st/ll0t3
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