Austin Price, Editor in Chief
Throughout the month of December, when our overly commercialized world is focused on gift giving and card signing, many local establishments thrive off the classic Christmas carols and local legends that share the childlike joy of traditional holiday rituals. Business is fueled by tourists looking to reignite their young innocence and hope for the magic in the world that cannot be seen but can always be experienced. One of these establishments is a prime example of the possession of holiday magic, and the mystifying influence it can have on oneself. Boasting the classic Christmas activity, and signature snowy style of the Rocky Mountains is Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides.
Two beautiful horses, Barb and Sue, await the guests that they will pull around the property. Photo by Austin Price
Located at 700 Honey Bee Place, home of Elk Trace Bed & Breakfast, in a secluded haven of pine trees and snowy paths is Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides. Marked by the large horse barns, and unofficial greeter, a young pup, Buckaroos is a country classic, mountain manifestation of innocence, excitement, recreation, and community.
A young border collie welcomes guests and alerts his owners of the arrival of customers. Photo by Austin Price
Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides offers a plethora of standout qualities, combining its commercial prospect with the iconic feel of family, and the irreplaceable connection formed by holiday cheer. Upon customer arrival, the founder and owner of the company, Buck himself, tours guests around the property, and introduces them to the various animals that live there. With a classic cowboy attitude, open approach, and encouraging tone, Buck guides all guests throughout the barn, allowing them to do a little meet and greet with the true stars of the show, the horses.
The stables home the horses of the company, giving them a warm place to earn treats from guests. Photo by Austin Price
As visitors arrive, Buck encourages them to meet the horses, take photos that will serve as perfect Christmas cards, and enjoy delicious cups of hot chocolate and apple cider. Once the full group of riders had successfully gathered, we loaded up into the horse drawn wagon, and began our sleigh ride, taking us on a journey through the property.
Buck offers guests the chance to feed and pet the horses. Photo by Lucas Perez
As Barb and Sue, our working horses for the evening, began to pull the sleigh, Buck regaled us with local legends, and Christmas miracles, all set in the beautiful scenery of the Rocky Mountains. The ride throughout the property was serene, and Barb and Sue, two strong sisters, pulled us through the dirt, keeping us alert with the icy cold air. Buck shared with us the story of how his company came to be, and how the business was built by both him and his horses.
Buck started the development of Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides in 2020, right during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. For obvious reasons, this timing made his company’s premiere a challenge. However, Buck and his horses built his organization successfully. All of Buck’s horses are working horses, meaning they need to stay busy to stay happy. And so, Buck used the enthusiastic labor of his horses to pull supplies, start construction, and give the rundown property a reboot it deserved.
Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides is unique in the fact that its horses are rescues and are related. With a set of brothers and a set of sisters, Buck can rely on the intelligence and teamwork of his horses to keep his visitors safe and his audience happy.
The sleigh ride around the property lasted around an hour, giving guests the perfect chance to admire the Colorado sunset, as the darkness enveloped the mountains. Barb and Sue kept a steady pace throughout most of the ride. They took us through different fields, hidden passageways, and through the forest, decorated with twinkly lights to reflect the upcoming holiday. As we rode, Buck toured us through the property, telling us tales of mountain lore and historic moments. The ride was comfortable. The relationship between the horses and Buck’s upbeat attitude gave the experience an air of familiarity, making all the guests feel at home.
As the ride was coming to an end, and our magical moment was coming to a close, Buck had one more trick up his sleeve. The end of our ride faced a large uphill journey, which seemed to be an obstacle that would slow us down. However, Barb and Sue, our mighty beasts leading the tour, had no problem tackling the steep hill with power and thrust. The horses quickly turned their leisurely walk into a brisk trot, nearly a gallop as they took us up the hill. This fast-paced ride through the mountains left me with a crazy grin on my face, and my nose frozen by the cold air blowing into us.
As we reached the peak of the hill, the horses slowed down their pace and brought us back to the warm stable that served as the starting point for the journey. We exited the carriage, and Buck supplied us with treats to give Barb and Sue, to congratulate them on a job well done. With a heartwarming smile and a firm handshake, Buck bid his farewell and wished us the best. As I left the carriage, I knew something special had happened. I felt euphorically happy, and my usual sense of unending anxiety was momentarily gone. It was magic in its purest form for me.
Whether you’re looking for a holiday themed activity or have a need for an adrenaline rush through an adventure, Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides is the perfect place to make memories and experience the signature style of an old-fashioned Christmas celebration. I highly recommend Buckaroos Horse-Drawn Rides for anyone looking for an incredible evening with beautiful creatures and exquisite scenery. This experience is sure to leave you with cheer in your spirit, and hope in your heart.