Bearcat Stables
Bearcat Stables has been providing horseback riding and family fun since 1998. We are a staple in the Vail Valley and recognized as one of the top stables in Edwards, Colorado. Featured in several magazines such as Vail/Beaver Creek, Food & Wine, Trail Rider, and American Way by American Airlines, we strive for 100% satisfaction in every aspect of our business.
Located on the historic Bearden Homestead, originally settled in the early 1900’s, you and your family may rediscover a piece of American history while enjoying the beauty of the Cordillera Valley from the back of a horse. From one hour to our four day trip to Aspen, we have something for everyone.
The ranch is nestled along Squaw Creek in Cordillera, which provided a lifeline for the Bearden’s as they raised cattle and grew crops during the 20th century. Ellis “Bearcat” Bearden was the last owner of the property and sold the ranch to Cordillera in the early 1990’s. It has since been completely restored and turned into a world class horseback riding stable open to the general public operated by Indian Summer Outfitters. There are two original cabins still present that you may tour, as well as photos and video of these American Pioneers. The ranch is also available for weddings, private parties, and sleigh ride dinners. We hope you join us in our little piece of Colorado heaven.
Sincerely,
Nicole Godley & Leeds Butcher
Owners/Operators
Meet The Wranglers
Nicole Godley
OwnerNicole Godley has been an active equestrian for most of her life and is very passionate about horses, being active outdoors, and sharing her energy with others.
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Originally from Indiana, she moved to Colorado a few years ago after college and is continually exploring the mountains. She brings her riding experience and extensive knowledge about horses to Bearcat Stables and truly enjoys sharing these amazing creatures with people of all ages. Being with horses and outdoors surrounded by these beautiful mountains is where she is happiest. Come ride with her!
Leeds Butcher
OwnerLeeds Butcher brings his knowledge of guest services and his passion for the outdoors to help enhance the guest experience at Bearcat Stables.
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He moved to Vail in 1993 and has been an owner/operator since 2006. In his spare time, he can be found teaching scuba diving at Beaver Divers or producing short videos for his side project, Saltwater Cowboy Productions. Leeds enjoys sharing his adventures of the last 30 years in the Valley and his small piece of Colorado with the entire world, and hopes it helps fulfill everyone’s Colorado experience.
Audrey McRae
Group Sales ManagerAudrey McRae began her wrangling career teaching children to ride at a horse camp in Cordillera before coming to work for Bearcat Stables in 2012.
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Her passion for horses started when she attended a horse camp for kids at age 6. Audrey moved to the Vail Valley in 1991 and also owns a real estate and property management company in Eagle-Vail. She guided at several other ranches before coming to work for Bearcat Stables in Edwards, Colorado.
Diane Haynes
WranglerDiane Haynes has been guiding the Vail To Aspen trips for over 20 years now and loves every minute of the 4-day adventure.
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She has had horses most of her life. Diane started taking people into the backcountry over 30 years ago. She never gets tired of seeing the backcountry, to her, it’s home! She lives in Eagle on a small working ranch and has 2 grown kids, both of whom love the outdoors and share her passion for horses.
Kylee Gilbert
WranglerKylee Gilbert has a passion for the mountains, horses, and feels that working at Bearcat Stables has been amazing.
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She fell in love with horses at a very young age and it stuck with her! Kylee moved to Vail, Colorado when she was four from California. She loves coming to work each day and has decided to stay in the valley, and if you come ride with her you will see why. Take a ride with her and she will teach you new skills or help you remember old ones!
Crysta Berntsen
1992-2019In loving memory… gone but not forgotten.
Meet The Ranch Dogs
Darla & Matilda
Mixed KittiesOur newest addition to the pack at Bearcat Stables, meet Darla & Matilda.
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These sisters have joined the wolf pack this summer and don’t realize that they aren’t canine. Please don’t tell them!
Gunner
McNabb/Border Collie/Australian ShepherdGunner has been raised on the ranch by the pack and gets along nicely with everyone.
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AKA “Gun Show” Gunner is the brother of Sage & Rita and is Red’s son.
Augustus
Silver LabAugustus, “Gus”, is learning from the other furry staff on how to be a good ranch dog.
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He is the little brother of Jackson.
Zoe
Blonde Golden RetrieverZoe is an energetic and friendly girl who loves to chase balls and sticks.
Coltrain
Terrier MixAKA “Cole”, Coltrain is a total goofball! He loves running around and playing.
Jackson
Silver LabJackson is the big brother of Augustus. He is a gentle giant and loves to snuggle.
Red
McNabbRed is a sweet ranch dog and mom to Gunner, Sage & Rita.
Rita
McNabb/Border Collie/Australian ShepherdRita is the sister of Sage & Gunner and lives with her momma, Red.
Sage
McNabb/Border Collie/Australian ShepherdSage is another one of Red’s puppies and is the biggest of them all.
Cassius
Silver LabIn loving memory… gone but not forgotten.
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Cassius, AKA “Smiles”, loved to hang out on the porch and observe the going ons at the ranch. He loved to be petted and enjoyed chewing on bones and splashing in the creek.
Nesta
Catahula/Austrailian ShepardIn loving memory… gone but not forgotten.
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Nesta was a super friendly boy.
Zip
Blue HeelerIn loving memory… gone but not forgotten.
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Zip was a sweet girl that was obsessed with sticks.
Avalanche & Brock
Blonde Golden Retriever & Chocolate LabIn loving memory… gone but not forgotten.
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Avalanche & Brock were both ranch dogs for most of their lives. These boys were good friends and had full and active lives enjoying the outdoors. Both were very loved and important members of our wolf pack. We miss them every day!
Kona
Australian ShepherdIn loving memory… gone but not forgotten.
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Kona spent many years out at the Ranch playing with our pack. She was a gentle and friendly soul. We miss her!
Boots
Australian ShepherdIn loving memory… gone but not forgotten.