Larimer County: The Premier Hub of Northern Colorado's Equine Industry

Immerse yourself in a region where academic excellence meets the cowboy way of life in Larimer County, Colorado. Home to Fort Collins, Loveland, Berthoud, and Estes Park, this county is arguably the most resource-rich environment for horse owners in the Rocky Mountain West. Anchored by the world-renowned Colorado State University (CSU) Equine Sciences program and Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Larimer County attracts serious equestrians, top-tier trainers, and breeders who demand the very best care and facilities for their animals.

From Irrigated Farms to Mountain Foothills

Larimer County offers a diverse spectrum of real estate options that cater to every discipline. In the southern and eastern parts of the county—around Berthoud ("The Garden Spot of Colorado") and Wellington—you will find productive, irrigated farmland. This area is famous for its lush hay meadows and level terrain, making it the perfect location for dressage barns, reining facilities, and breeding operations. The availability of Colorado-Big Thompson (C-BT) water units is a key driver for property value here.

As you move west toward the foothills of Loveland and Bellvue, the landscape transforms into dramatic red rock valleys and pine-covered ridges. These properties offer a more rugged, private lifestyle where you can ride directly from your barn into the vast public lands of the Roosevelt National Forest.

World-Class Veterinary Care and Recreation

Living in Larimer County provides peace of mind that is hard to find elsewhere: you are minutes away from the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital at CSU, one of the top veterinary facilities in the world. This concentration of medical expertise has created a thriving ecosystem of farriers, equine dentists, and therapists in the local area.

When it comes to recreation, the county is unmatched. Lory State Park is a local favorite, offering an equestrian cross-country course and miles of trails that connect to Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. For the ultimate adventure, Estes Park serves as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, where you can ride the historic trails of the high country surrounded by elk herds and 14,000-foot peaks.

Why Invest in Larimer County?

Larimer County is a blue-chip real estate market that offers a vibrant economy independent of Denver.

• Expertise: Live in the intellectual heart of the equine industry, with access to clinics, symposiums, and top-tier professionals.
• Water: The region’s sophisticated water infrastructure makes it one of the greener and more productive areas for pasture.
• Lifestyle: Enjoy the breweries and culture of Fort Collins while living a quiet agricultural life just outside of town.

Browse our diverse listings of Larimer County horse properties below to find your home in Northern Colorado’s equestrian capital.