At Latigo Trails Equestrian in Elbert, Colorado, over 50 Boys and Girls Club youth are participating in a program led by the Pikes Peak Range Riders Foundation that immerses them in Colorado’s western heritage. Now in its eighth year, the initiative teaches kids valuable life lessons such as respect, responsibility, teamwork, and patience through hands-on experiences with horseback riding, cattle, and traditional western activities. The program emphasizes character building and western values, aiming to instill a strong work ethic and community-minded mindset that participants can carry forward.

Through activities at multiple stations, the kids learn not only riding skills but also the importance of cooperation and leadership, often overcoming fears and setbacks along the way. Volunteers and organizers highlight how this exposure to western traditions connects youth to a broader cultural legacy and fosters personal growth. The program’s goal is to help young participants develop life skills and a sense of belonging rooted in the enduring values of the western lifestyle.