ASPEN PARK, Colo. — Dr. Jena Questen, owner of ResQRanch in Conifer, had been looking forward to attending the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo this weekend in Denver, but the massive snowstorm forecast to dump several feet of snow on the foothills might change her plans.
"We were planning on bringing some of our horses down to the expo, and the weather is kind of throwing a monkey wrench into all that," Questen said. "The idea of hauling three huge horses in a trailer on an icy I-70 to get down to the expo does not sound like a great idea right now."
Not only was Questen set to present some of her rescued horses from the ranch, she was also expected to be the expo's on-hand veterinarian. She said she's supposed to be responsible for 200 horses from across the country.
"I think all these people are expecting there to be some kind of care there, even just basic needs," Questen said.
Going down the hill early wasn't an option for her with a full schedule at the clinic Wednesday.
"We have people coming in, saying 'My dog has a terrible ear infection, and if I get snowed in for the next three days, I want to get this taken care of before this storm hits.' So I've been busy all day," she said.
The hospital will be closed Thursday because of Questen's expo commitments, and she will try and get to the expo Friday, the day it's set to begin.
"Hopefully, I can get down there to help any animals injured on the way in," Questen said.
According to Jefferson County, the Road and Bridge Division is responsible for snow removal on more than 3,000 paved and gravel roads. Some Aspen Park neighborhood roads will be treated by Kyle Barker and Joe Mead, two plow drivers who were on "standby" for the storm.
"Anytime it snows over 3 inches, it’s go time," Barker said.
The duo fueled up on a pizza, a quesadilla and cherry soda as flurries began over the foothills. They said they're preparing for a long night ahead.
"I’m kind of excited," Barker said. "Usually when you get a big accumulation, it’s exciting. It’s fun because it's not something you see every day."
"Lot of work, hopefully not too heavy of snow," Mead said. "It'll be fun."
"Every day, I’ve checked the forecast, and accumulations keep going up, going up," Barker said. "So we’re ready."
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