Horse Castle Ranch

Horse Castle Ranch sets the bar on 29 acres in the Front Range. Indoor and outdoor 20x60 arenas, a mile long galloping track, round pen, barns and a barn apartment join a custom 4 bedroom home with mountain views. Current operations are led by Grand Prix trainer Verena Diaz, available to stay if desired. Minutes to Berthoud and Carter Lake. Luxury, function and scale. Land Address: 871 N County Road 23E, Berthoud, CO 80513

Closest Town: Berthoud

Total Acres: 29.00

Deeded Acres: 29.00

Leased Acres: 0.00

Zoning: FA1 (Agricultural)

Elevation: Approx. 5,000 ft

Topography: Gently sloped

Vegetation: Pasture, grass, trees, grape vines

Irrigated Acres: None

Water Rights: None – water via domestic well and spigots throughout the property

Estimated Taxes: $8,430 (2024)

Source of Lot Size: Assessor/Tax Data

Improvements This working horse property includes:

14 indoor 12’x12′ stalls with 38′ outdoor runs (12’x50′)

4 loafing sheds and multiple fenced pastures

Concrete-floored stalls with premium rubber mats and wood shaving bedding

Heated automatic waterers in each stall

Custom cedar-lined tack room with beetle kill pine cabinetry, granite counters, and 18 personal lockers

Organized feed system with supplement bins for each horse’s AM, midday, and PM meals

Heated wash bay with hot/cold water and heat lamps

One-bedroom, one-bath barn apartment—perfect for an on-site manager

Recreation Horse Castle Ranch offers an excellent range of equestrian and recreational opportunities:

Indoor Arena (20m x 60m): Premier Equestrian footing, slanted kick walls, sloped feedback mirrors, 16′ ceilings, 14’x16’ equipment access door

Outdoor Arena (20m x 60m): 10’ border, shredded carpet footing, sloped 1.5% for drainage—rideable shortly after rain

Oversized round pen with dressage-friendly footing

Approx. 1-mile galloping track surrounding the ranch

Grape vines and professional-grade landscaping throughout

Agriculture Located in a region known for productive farmland, Horse Castle Ranch offers potential for small-scale agricultural use alongside its premier equestrian features. With flat, fertile ground and favorable growing conditions, the property could support crops such as hay or corn—typical of farms throughout the Berthoud area. While the acreage is not irrigated and likely wouldn’t support a standalone farming operation, it provides a great opportunity for supplemental use or hobby farming that complements the equine lifestyle.

General Operations This property is more than just premier equestrian facilities — it comes with the opportunity for a seamless, turnkey operation. The barn is currently managed and operated by Verena Diaz, a Grand Prix–level dressage trainer with an international background in German dressage. Verena instructs riders across multiple levels and maintains a reputation for excellence in training, horse care, and facility management.

For buyers seeking a property that can continue operating at a high standard from day one, Verena is open to remaining involved as trainer and manager, offering continuity, expertise, and a built-in client base. While her continued role is not required, her presence represents a unique option to step into an established equestrian facility with world-class instruction already in place.

This combination of exceptional facilities and the option of ongoing professional management offers a buyer a rare chance to acquire an established and thriving equestrian lifestyle.

Region & Climate Berthoud, Colorado enjoys a classic Front Range climate—defined by four true seasons, low humidity, and over 300 days of sunshine per year. Summers are warm and pleasant, with average highs in the mid-80s°F and cool, dry evenings that make outdoor living comfortable well into the evening. Winters are crisp and relatively mild compared to mountain towns, offering occasional snowfall without the extremes found in higher elevations. Spring and fall bring dynamic skies, green-up, and colorful foliage, making this an ideal location for horse lovers who want year-round usability, dry footing, and manageable weather for training, boarding, and outdoor riding.

History Horse Castle Ranch is nestled in a region steeped in Colorado’s pioneering and conservation history. Just northwest lies Carter Lake, a reservoir completed in 1952 as part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project—an ambitious water diversion system that brings Colorado River water to the Eastern Slope. Today, Carter Lake serves as both a recreational haven and a vital water source for agriculture and communities.

To the west, Rocky Mountain National Park was established in 1915 through the efforts of Enos Mills, a naturalist often referred to as the “Father of Rocky Mountain National Park.” His vision helped preserve the area’s incredible alpine beauty, making it a national treasure for generations.

The nearby town of Berthoud has deep agricultural roots, long known for its fertile ground and hard-working farming communities. That legacy lives on today, making the area a perfect blend of productive land, natural beauty, and heritage.

Location From Berthoud, head west on County Road 8 to County Road 23E. Turn north (right) on CR 23E and follow approximately one mile. Property entrance will be on your right, marked by white fencing and a gated entry.