Parker, CO -  Plan a fun, family weekend in a picturesque outdoor setting at the Colorado Horse Park (CHP) on Friday, May 31-Sunday, June 2. Thereyou can watch horses and riders compete in the Olympic sport of dressage at the High Prairie Dressage I, II and III shows, a series of one-day events produced by the CHP and managed by Glenda McElroy of Cornerstone Event Management.  

You can also catch some exciting three-day eventing, watch a local hunter/jumper show, do some serious shopping, enjoy lunch and snacks−all within the Colorado Horse Park grounds, located just minutes from Parker, CO. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space.   

"One very unique thing about the Colorado Horse Park is its size," McElroy said. "The dressage show is being held with a Three Day Event CCI* and a local hunter/jumper show on the same weekend.  Because it is such a large facility, these three events work very well together and give the spectators a unique opportunity to see three different equestrian sports on the same weekend."

While at the High Prairie dressage shows, you can expect a full range of divisions including amateur, open, Juniors, Young Riders and masters (for the over 45 set). Classes span Training Level through Grand Prix, offering horses and riders at all levels a chance to compete. Additionally, High Prairie Dressage offers special USEF qualifying classes for the North American Junior and Young Rider Dressage Championships, the Markel/USEF Young and Developing Horse Dressage National.

A $750-plus add back "Rising Star" Challenge is offered for 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old horses competing. "We hold this class at both High Prairie Dressage and Dressage in the Rockies to encourage the development and participation of young horses in the sport of dressage," McElroy said.

The Colorado Horse Park recently added significant improvements to the facilities including top-notch European GGT footing in many of the 13 riding rings, new lunging pads, a 16,000-square foot party pavilion, an updated sound system and brand new turn-out paddocks. The CHP has a capacity for 1,000 horses, a Linda Allen designed Derby field and a David O'Connor designed cross-country course.

In addition, you and your family can catch the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Sport Horse Breed show showcasing in-hand as well as under-saddle classes on Saturday, June 1 as well as the CHP Three Day Event CCI*, Training Three Day and Horse Trails held Friday through Sunday. Add to that the Jump Into June 2013, a hunter/jumper show on Saturday, June 1-Sunday, June 2.

There's plenty to do and see at the Colorado Horse Park May 31-June 2, so add a weekend enjoying the competition, horses, shopping, food and the Colorado scenery to your family's calendar. For more information about the CHP and events next weekend, log onto coloradohorsepark.com.  

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the Colorado Horse Park was founded by visionary Helen Krieble who acknowledged the need for a high-volume horse show and horse boarding facility to serve Colorado.  The Colorado Horse Park welcomes more than 75,000 visitors per year and hosts over 40 competitions annually.  CHP features a derby arena designed by Olympic-designer Linda Allen and a cross-country course designed by Olympic Gold Medalist David O'Connor and eventing super-star James Atkinson. There are 300 permanent stalls with capacity for more than 1,000 stalls.

The picturesque property, located only minutes from the town of Parker, hosts international equestrian events in multiple disciplines. Visitors enjoy the beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountain surroundings and access to miles of trails and open space.  The Colorado Horse Park is committed to supporting equestrian education and amateur athletics, preserving open space, fundraising for local charities and supporting the community.

Visit CHP at: http://coloradohorsepark.com/