(GREEN MOUNTAIN FALLS, Colo.) — Groundbreaking for the upcoming Horse Wellness Meadow, a rehabilitation location for retired performance horses, in Green Mountain Falls occurred on Saturday, July 14.

Elite Equine Rehab and Rescue, in partnership with the Kirkpatrick Family Foundation and the Green Mountain Falls Community Foundation, has created a new facility to help former performance horses decompress and heal from a life of competition. Horses will receive support and care to transition to new careers and forever homes there.

“Green Mountain Falls is thrilled to have horses return after decades of being absent and missed,” said Green Mountain Falls Mayor, Todd Dixon. “And I got to tell you, when I was a kid coming out in the mid-sixties, Elkhorn Stables was an… annual thing to do. And yeah, it’s been a long time, at least 40 years. So thank you for being a part of celebrating the return of the horse tradition to Green Mountain Falls.”

The facility will include a barn with eight stalls to accommodate rescues needing rehabilitation in a smaller or enclosed space during bad weather, plus a feed and tack area and a wash and treatment space. Two adjoining dry lots will allow for a larger turnout and sustainable management of pasture grasses.

Multiple fully fenced acres with horse fencing for safety and rotational grazing will be available, along with a round pen for exercise and rehabilitation. An atrium will provide space for gatherings, meetings, or classes, such as art and educational opportunities with the community.

“We’re always looking for volunteers and community support,” Gina Hluska, President and Co-Founder of Elite Equine Rehab and Rescue, said. “We appreciate it. Any aspect that you can provide. And we are looking forward to continuing to grow the facility and our reach to get these horses into rehab, provide full-service rehab, for injured rescues to get them back to a quality of life.”