We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Menegatti and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, how do you think about risk?
I believe that if you’re not taking chances, you’re not growing. Throughout my life and career, I’ve learned that real progress happens outside your comfort zone. I’m naturally driven and goal-oriented, so I’m always looking toward the next challenge or opportunity. When things feel too comfortable, that’s usually my cue that it’s time to push myself, learn something new, or take on a bigger responsibility. Taking calculated risks has helped me grow, evolve, and build confidence—both personally and professionally.

Person in riding attire on a dark horse inside an indoor arena with a sandy floor.

What should our readers know about your business?
Lazy Sum B Bar Ranch and Peak to Peak Horsemanship were built from a simple belief: horses deserve to be understood, and people deserve a place where they feel welcome, supported, and capable of reaching their goals.

What sets us apart is that we focus on the whole picture. We aren’t just a boarding facility or a training program. We strive to create a community where horse owners can learn, grow, and build lasting partnerships with their horses. Whether someone is sending a horse for training, attending a clinic, or boarding with us long-term, our goal is to give them the knowledge and confidence to succeed long after they leave our arena.

The thing I am most proud of is what we’ve built from the ground up. My husband, Jason, and I have poured our hearts into creating a facility that reflects our values: hard work, honesty, horsemanship, and community. Every improvement, every event, every lesson, and every horse that comes through our gates has helped shape what Lazy Sum B Bar Ranch is today.

Getting here was anything but easy. Like many small business owners, we’ve faced financial challenges, long hours, difficult decisions, and moments where we questioned whether we could keep moving forward. Building a business while balancing family, careers, and the unpredictable nature of the horse industry has required resilience and faith. There have been setbacks, mistakes, and lessons learned the hard way. But each challenge taught us something valuable and helped us become stronger business owners and better horsemen.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth requires adaptability. Not every partnership works out, not every plan goes exactly as expected, and sometimes the hardest decisions are the ones that move you forward. I’ve learned the importance of clear communication, setting healthy boundaries, and staying true to the vision you have for your business, even when it’s uncomfortable.

At the heart of everything we do is a passion for helping horses and people succeed together. Through my training program, clinics, and daily operations, we focus on building confident, willing horses and educated, empowered owners. We believe good horsemanship isn’t about shortcuts—it’s about consistency, fairness, and understanding.

What I want people to know about our brand is that it’s built on authenticity. We’re not perfect, and we don’t pretend to be. We work hard, we care deeply, and we are always striving to improve. Every horse and every client matters. We celebrate the wins, learn from the challenges, and continue showing up every day because we genuinely love what we do.

My story is still being written, and that’s what excites me most. We are constantly growing, improving, and finding new ways to serve our clients and horses. The future of Lazy Sum B Bar Ranch is bright, and we’re grateful for every person and horse that has been part of the journey.

Person riding a horse in an indoor arena, wearing a hat and light-colored shirt, with banners overhead.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were coming to visit for a week, I’d skip the tourist traps and show them the real Southern Colorado—the places that make this area feel like home.

We’d start in La Veta, a charming small town nestled at the base of the Spanish Peaks. If the timing was right, we’d spend an evening at the annual July Ranch Rodeo. There’s nothing quite like watching local ranch families compete, catching up with neighbors, and experiencing the authentic western lifestyle that still thrives there.

One afternoon would be reserved for high tea and appetizers at the historic 1899 Inn. It’s one of my favorite places to slow down, enjoy great food, and take in the character and history of the town.

As the sun starts to set, we’d head up the mountain to Cuchara. We’d grab drinks, listen to live music, and spend the evening dancing at the Dog Bar. The mountain-town atmosphere, cool summer evenings, and friendly locals make it a must-visit.

Of course, no trip would be complete without getting outside. We’d take a leisurely hike around Bear Lake, soaking in the scenery, wildlife, and mountain views. It’s one of those places that reminds you how beautiful and peaceful Colorado can be.

The highlight of the trip, though, would be a day spent at the Menegatti Ranch. We’d saddle up horses and spend the day exploring the land the best way possible—on horseback. Riding through open meadows, climbing into the hills, and taking in the incredible views is an experience you simply can’t get anywhere else. It’s the perfect way to disconnect, appreciate the landscape, and experience the West as it was meant to be experienced.

What I love most about this area isn’t just the places—it’s the people. The ranching families, small business owners, artists, musicians, and locals who make these communities special. Life moves a little slower there, conversations last a little longer, and people genuinely look out for one another. This is what I call home, and it’s what I’d want every visitor to experience.

Person standing next to a gray horse in a fenced outdoor area, with hills and cloudy sky in background.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to my husband, Jason. Without his support and encouragement, I would not be where I am today. He always helps me figure out a way to make my ideas, dreams, and aspirations come true.

Website: https://lazysumbbarranch.com

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Person with a hat standing next to a horse in a grassy field, holding the horse's reins, with a large flat rock nearby.

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