Westernaires

One of our long-held traditions at Westernaires is our "Interclub" show, which offers an opportunity for our youngest riders to show off some of their newly-acquired equitation skills. It's also one of the rare occasions when Westernaires riders are asked to compete as individuals, rather than ride as a team.

Our graduating Seniors (our oldest riders) were also on hand to entertain the crowd with skits while the judges tallied their scores. Always a crowd favorite, the Westernaires Nighthorse Rangers team presented their Dreamcatcher drill.

We congratulate all of our Tenderfoot and Juniors riders for their tenacity and skill in the arena!

The 2026 Westernaires Summer show season kicked off with a bang yesterday with our Varsity Big Red Team's performance at the Denver Polo Club’s Sunday Funday opening day event.

If you missed out on all of the action, be sure to book your tickets now for any of Denver Polo Club's upcoming Sunday Funday events on their website.

Before we enjoy the unofficial start of summer, we're taking a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the day. Deepest gratitude to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Behind every great ride, every arena performance, and every safe day at Westernaires is a team of volunteers willing to keep learning.

Earlier this week, members of our Westernaires Wrangler feed crew and adult Varsity Big Red volunteers took part in a large-animal rescue functional exercise, learning safe, careful techniques for assisting a cast horse: a horse lying down and caught in a dangerous position.

Using a training dummy, volunteers practiced how to raise or reposition a horse while protecting both the animal and the people assisting. It was thoughtful, hands-on work built around one of the most important lessons in horsemanship: staying calm, working as a team, and keeping safety as the highest priority.

The group then moved into a second challenge: teams of five worked together to guide two horses “at liberty” into a square made by ground poles — without touching the horses, using ropes, or relying on tools. It was harder than it looked, and it required patience, timing, communication, and trust.

There was plenty of learning, plenty of laughter, and plenty of appreciation for our volunteers and horses.

Exercises like this help prepare Westernaires volunteers to safely assist our equine partners when unexpected predicaments arise -- especially as we head into a busy show season. More importantly, they reflect what Westernaires has always worked to build: responsibility, teamwork, leadership, practical horsemanship, and a deep respect for the horses who make this program possible.

We had the pleasure of hosting Cindy Griffin, a 1965 Varsity Big Red Team alumna, who lost her Varsity sweater in a fire. Cindy's family had a blast locating her on the original Westernaires roster in our museum, and we were honored to hear some of her memories of her Westernaires days. Our Westernaires club store ordered her a new red sweater with all her show patches and horse names. We're looking forward to having Cindy and her family join us for Horsecapades in October - Alumni homecoming!

Riders of our Westernaires Varsity Big Red Team made a presentation to the Evergreen Kiwanis Club Thursday. They spent the evening sharing how the organization has influenced their lives, and their love for Colorado's rich Western heritage.

A big thank you to our friends at Kiwanis and the Town of Evergreen for hosting us, and for their continued support over our 75+ year history. We look forward to our continued partnership!

Kiwanis International

Some of our Crimson Rangers, Royal Rangers, and Trick & Fancy Ropers saddled up for a special field trip earlier this week, bringing a little Westernaires spirit to the Kindergarten class at Graland Country Day School 🤠

As part of their Social Studies unit on rodeo, these students got an up-close look at the world of horsemanship—exploring horse breeds, learning the anatomy of the horse, and getting hands-on with the parts of a Western saddle.

Then came the action… Our Trick & Fancy Ropers took center stage, spinning ropes and sharing their craft—and before long, the students were jumping in to give it a try themselves. Safe to say, we may have a few future ropers in the making!

Since 1949, Westernaires believes that horsemanship is about more than riding and care of our horses, but it’s about building confidence, sharing knowledge, and giving back to the community that supports us. Opportunities like this bring that mission to life in the best way.

A big tip of the cowboy hat to our friends from the Douglas County Fair Royalty for bringing their sparkle and flair, and a huge YeeHaw! to our new pardners at Graland Country Day School -- we loved getting the opportunity to help with your Social Studies program!

Today, members of the Westernaires Training team and Westernaires Wranglers spent the afternoon with Damian Ficca, lead instructor and head of the Equine Training and Management program at Arapahoe Community College, alongside Addison Griffith.

With a shared commitment to horsemanship and continuous learning, the group engaged in thoughtful conversation around saddle fitting techniques, conformation analysis, and horse body types, all grounded in supporting the health, comfort, and well-being of our equine partners. We’re grateful for opportunities like this to connect with respected professionals and leaders in the equine world, exchanging ideas, deepening expertise, and strengthening the traditions we carry forward.

Some celebrate Valentine’s Day once a year.
We celebrate our Sweethearts every time they ride. 💖

Meet the Westernaires Precisionettes team: affectionately known as the Sweethearts of the Equestrians. This premier precision drill riding team delivers true eye candy: radiant costumes, vibrant heart-themed flags, and precision-perfect choreography that fills the arena with color and movement.

And when the lights are dimmed?
Their fluorescent costumes come alive under black light, creating a glowing, unforgettable performance that audiences can’t take their eyes off.

From hometown arenas to destinations across the country, the Precisionettes travel nationwide to perform full arena shows and specialty acts that are elegant, dynamic, and crowd-pleasing from start to finish.

All heart. All precision. All spectacle. Pure entertainment.

Last week, some of our Westernaires Trick and Fancy Roping team participated in Colorado State University's Exceptional Rodeo at the Temple Grandin Equine Center. Many roping tricks were shared, and many joy-filled connections were made! Thank you to everyone who attended this special event, and special thanks to the event organizers of the Temple Grandin Equine Center at the CSU Spur