A winter polar vortex is on the radar across the country, with no exception to my corner of the world in southwest Colorado. Although as a Pennsylvania native, Colorado’s winters have been smooth sailing. After finishing my cup of coffee, I layer up in my faded purple coveralls and Carhartt. The rest of the house is still fast asleep. I start the kitchen sink and wait for the water to heat up. My trail dog, Sawyer, like every day, is full of overflowing energy and ready to bust out the door to do chores with me. I fill my water jugs up with hot water and head out to the barn to make warm mash for the horses. Cash, my Tennessee Walker, is always the first want to greet me with a “good morning” nicker. I like to think it is because he is happy to see me, and not because I am his personal chef.
He is the first horse I bought myself 11 years ago. With much persistent pleading to my husband, who didn’t want horses. We compromised and I bought a horse. Then two, then three. I now have five. I can honestly say I would not be living in Colorado if it weren’t for that spunky gaited pony.
Entrepreneurship is in my blood. It only took me the better part of my life to figure it out. When Cash was diagnosed with Heaves in Pennsylvania, I knew I wanted to take a holistic route with him to help alleviate the inflammation in his airways. After quite a bit of research and phone calls, I decided I would try Halotherapy, also known as dry salt therapy. It is a non-invasive therapy with no side effects that kills bacteria and reduces inflammation. It helps alleviate symptoms of respiratory conditions, boosts natural energy, and aids the cardiovascular system. He responded so well from it; I wanted to help more horses and offer an alternative to steroids and antibiotics. I knew I didn’t want to stop there.
My mom and I have been riding partners for over 10 years. The adventures and stories we could share with you could easily fill up a 5-subject notebook. Someone once said to us,
“Does anything normal happen to you?” We giggled and replied,
“We thought this was normal?”
Together we have traveled to many horse - friendly locations. Some we liked, some we didn’t. Owning horses in general is a lot of work. Sore backs, unruly hair, unmanicured nails, sweat, bruises, and cuts are all a part of the package. Traveling to places with safe and secure accommodations, privacy, a relaxing atmosphere, hospitality, and unique things to offer always made the not so glamourous part of horse ownership worth it.
Primitive camping, alone in nature, cold bucket showers, and campfire cooking is hitting the jackpot for us.
I traveled to the mountains a few times in my life and longed to go back each time. I have talked to dozens of Durango locals, and they all have responded the same way.
“There is something about the mountains here that keep pulling you back to them.”
I couldn’t agree more. I knew my vision of an equine retreat was not going to flourish in my hometown, and I longed for the mountains.
Dolly sang it best, “Big dreams and faded jeans fit together like a team, always busting at the seams.”
Thankfully my husband was also ready for a big change, and we decided together to take this big leap of faith. We carefully watched the direction of local businesses; most were failing due to lack of customers and interest in the area. Some were doing so-so. We decided we needed to make a move. Now or never. For our futures, for our daughter’s futures, for our health, to be able to branch out and help other people, to expand on our gifts and talents, and for adventure.
We often get asked how we found our ranch. That, my friend, is a whole different conversation over a Durango Joe’s vanilla chai latte.
Salt of the Earth Ranch was officially launched in the spring of 2024. A beautiful play on words of my faith and the services I offer here. An Airbnb overlooking the valley and the La Plata mountains with local art adorning the walls to purchase. Gaze under some of the most beautiful and brightest stars you could ever encounter. Share a meal with your girlfriends on the back patio, enjoy a relaxing massage after a long day’s ride or hike. Treat your horse (or dog) to a tasty and relaxing salt therapy session, settle down around the fire close to your horses, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Ask us about our homemade horse products to purchase as well!
Keep an eye out for future articles and ads on services added to the ranch, promotions, events, clinics, and of course unpredictable and apparently ‘not so normal’ adventures from the saddle. Until then, trailblaze on.
Xo,
Chelsea Kiter