The Land of Enchantment is home to more than green chile. In fact, New Mexico is home for quite a few horses, many of which are sadly abandoned or neglected. According to the New Mexico Livestock Board, there are more than 100,000 horses abandoned annually in the state. To change that, Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa in Santa Ana Pueblo is hosting a week-long fundraiser for the beautiful animals, benefiting the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program, a non-profit organization located at the resort’s stables. Since its inception six years ago, the program has rescued 103 horses and the stables are currently home to 52 rescue horses, with the space to add only five newly rescued horses annually.
The inaugural Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Week will take place May 29 through June 2 and will include a series of events to educate on the importance of rehab, plus a variety of fundraising opportunities. Each day will feature a different theme with activities ranging from golf tournaments, youth education, volunteer day, a community rodeo, an evening gala and more.
“Having spent a great deal of time at the stables volunteering myself, this is a cause that is very near and dear to my heart,” said Herb Rackliff, General Manager at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa. “Some of these unfortunate animals are dropped off in remote areas of our state without access to shelter or resources and some are voluntarily surrendered. That’s where our on-site rescue team comes in to help give them a fighting chance. We are hosting the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Week to educate the public and raise funds to expand the program in the hopes of rescuing more than 100 horses annually, giving these incredible creatures the futures they deserve.”
Rounds for Rescue
Kick off the week on Tuesday, May 29 with Rounds for Rescues, a shotgun-style tournament at the resort’s Twin Warriors Golf Club. $150 per player.
Youth Volunteer Day
On Wednesday, May 30, local junior and high school students will visit the Stables at Tamaya to meet and interact with the horses in the rehabilitation program. The students will help groom, feed and learn how to take care of the horses for the day.
“Adopt” a Horse Day
On Thursday, May 31, businesses have the chance to sponsor a horse through an auction at the stables, led by wranglers who will introduce each of the horses, their background and history. Those who adopt a horse will receive a framed photo of the horse plus frequent updates on its rehab progress. Organizations can attend the event for a $50 registration donation, which includes a catered lunch.
Community Rodeo
On Friday, June 1, local cowboys and cowgirls will participate in traditional rodeo competitions, with all proceeds benefiting the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program. The family-friendly event will include competitions like barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping and more. There will also be stick horse races for children plus the opportunity to meet and greet the horses in the program. $20 for adults, $10 for children.
Horseshoes and Heels Gala
Topping off the week on June 2 will be a VIP day and luncheon at the Stables followed by an evening gala. Those attending the gala will be treated to a day at the stables with activities including horse lead-arounds, blacksmith demonstrations and more. The night will conclude with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m., a four-course meal prepared by the resort’s culinary team, a live and silent auction and a live band. $125 per person, $900 per table. A discounted room rate of $189 is available for guests attending the gala.
For those who can’t make it to the week’s events, Tamaya Horse Rehab is offering the chance to Buy a Child a Ride. For $50 purchase a wrangler-led trail ride for a deserving New Mexico child. To donate silent auction items, purchase golf, gala and Buy a Child a Ride rickets, and bid on items when the silent auction goes live, click HERE.
For more information, to purchase tickets or donate, visit: biddingforgood.com/TamayaHorseRehabWeek
For more information on Hyatt Tamaya, visit: tamaya.regency.hyatt.com
