Horses have always been more than just animals to us; they are our companions, our therapists, and our connection to a supportive community and our way of life. The hardworking people that support horses and horse sport in Colorado are dedicated to these animals, the
community it brings together and the opportunities it provides for education, connection, fitness and self growth. Every time we saddle up and head to our local boarding facility, we are reminded of the peace and camaraderie these majestic beings bring into our lives and the lives of countless others in Boulder County. They are our refuge from the stresses of life, offering emotional and psychological support that is invaluable.

However, Boulder County's recent tax assessment threatens this already at risk industry, to the point of extinction. For the past fifteen years Colorado has seen a drastic increase in housing prices, development, high tax assessments and a rising cost of living. These conditions are responsible for driving out passionate horse professionals and reducing the opportunities that are available to the community. As dedicated agricultural workers, trainers and riders cannot keep up with the high costs of Colorado living and are being forced to leave the state. The re zoning of equestrian boarding facilities as commercial, the county has placed an undue financial burden on property owners, forcing them to pay exorbitant commercial property taxes for an operation that is internationally recognized as agricultural. These facilities are not commercial enterprises designed solely for profit; they are community hubs where people from all walks of life gather to find solace and solidarity through their shared love for horses. They provide education and opportunities for our children to learn how to care for animals and to learn the value of hard work. This education leads to student athletic scholarships, international travel and creates future leaders
capable of representing the United States on the international stage of equestrian sport.

Consider the impact of these tax assessments. Many boarding facilities operate on tight margins and are now struggling to remain open. These increased taxes risk forcing closures, leaving horse owners with nowhere to board their animals and disrupting the lives of those who rely on them for emotional support. The increased taxes are threatening the opportunities that we are trying to create for our children and permanently reducing accessibility to horses and horse sport in Colorado.

Historically, equestrian properties have played an integral role in Boulder County's cultural, professional and recreational landscape. From offering riding lessons to hosting therapeutic riding programs, these venues contribute significantly to the well-being of our community.

We urge the Boulder County Assessors to reconsider their designation of equestrian properties as commercial. By reverting to a fairer tax assessment, we can preserve the invaluable contributions that these facilities provide to our community. Let’s advocate for a zoning designation that reflects the unique nature and function of equestrian properties and acknowledge the opportunities they provide to the community.

Join us in standing up for the rights of equestrian property owners. Prevent these vital community resources from being taxed out of existence. We need your support to compel the Boulder County Assessors to act in the interest of their constituents and help us advocate for the hardworking equestrian professionals who are being pushed out of Colorado with these unfair and inaccurate assessments.

In addition, we find that the Commercial zoning practice is not supported by the Boulder County Land Use Code, which does not have any such zoning designation specified for these properties.  It is inconsistent with decades of designating these properties as other categories, such as agricultural or rural residential.  It causes enormous, unexpected, and immediate increases in property taxes for the longtime owners of these properties, many of whom reside on the properties.  It has forced many of these homeowners to cease their operations, depriving them of their livelihood and ultimately forcing their decision to leave Boulder County. It threatens to put an end to horse boarding facilities in Boulder County, which harms County horse owners who will have to travel to other Counties to board their horses. Finally, it harms all County residents by negatively impacting the rural character of Boulder County, which is protected by the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan and appreciated by all residents, including those who do not own horses.

Please sign this petition and help us save the equestrian community in our county. Together, we can ensure that horses and the places they call home remain a cherished part of Boulder County.

We, the undersigned, are opposed to Boulder County assessor's recent practice of assessing equestrian boarding facilities as Commercial.