Fund for Horses

Few things pull on my heart strings like animals in need — and the people who help them. So when I sat down to a lunch with representatives from one of my very favorite properties to talk about what’s new at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa on the Santa Ana Pueblo in New Mexico, I was all ears not just about the recent multimillion-dollar renovation (!) but also about their horse rehabilitation program.

It was a well-timed conversation: There’s a fundraiser coming up in later this month for the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program, with proceeds going to veterinary care, shelter, feed, and more.

If you have horses, you know the expense involved in caring for them. And Tamaya has taken in and rehabilitated more than 110 abandoned and surrendered horses to date, with more needing help all the time.

Consider this staggering statistic from the press release I received about the fundraiser: “According to the New Mexico Livestock Board, more than 100,000 horses are abandoned in the state annually.”

That just makes my heart ache and fills me with a desire to help.

The Tamaya’s horse-rehab fundraising events take place May 22 through May 25 and include a community rodeo, a ballroom gala, a golf tournament, and volunteer and philanthropic opportunities with the horses.

If you can make it in person and stay on property, wonderful. If not, donations can be made to the 501(c)(3) year-round and any time of year is a great time to book at the Tamaya. And make sure you ride when you’re there! I did with my son when we vacationed at Tamaya when he was little, and it remains one of his happiest memories even as he’s morphed into a swaggering 20-something.

Here’s the press release about the fundraiser:

“The Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located at the Stables at Tamaya on the Santa Ana Pueblo in New Mexico, announces the CWW Feed & Horse Adventures Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Fundraiser. Between May 22 and May 25, 2019, the program will host a series of events to bring awareness to the plight of abandoned and neglected horses in New Mexico and raise funds for its ongoing efforts to rescue and rehabilitate animals in need.

“According to the New Mexico Livestock Board, more than 100,000 horses are abandoned in the state annually. Several factors can lead to unwanted, abandoned, or surrendered horses, including a horse’s decline in health or behavioral problems, and financial or physical hardships.

“‘The Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program is dedicated to providing shelter and care for these rescues and finding ways to help them thrive in their new environment,’ says Connie Collis, director at the Stables at Tamaya. ‘The 2019 fundraiser offers multiple events that local residents and travelers alike can attend to learn more about horse rehabilitation efforts and get involved to truly make a difference.’

“The inaugural fundraiser took place in May 2018 and raised more than $60,000, which was used for veterinary care, shelter, and feed for the horses. Since the program’s inception, the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program has rescued and rehabilitated 110 abandoned and surrendered animals.

“The 2019 fundraiser is a four-day event that teaches the importance of the horse rehabilitation process. Each day has a theme and features activities including a youth volunteer day at the Stables, an “Adopt a Horse” day, a community rodeo, the Rounds for Rescues golf tournament, and the Horseshoes and Heels gala.”

Here are the events over the several days of the fundraiser:

Youth Volunteer Day — Wednesday, May 22

The fundraiser event will kick off with a youth volunteer day on Wednesday, May 22. Local middle and high school students will give the Tamaya horses a “spa day.” The students will work with wranglers and volunteers to help bathe, groom, and brush the horses to get them camera-ready for the fun events to follow.

“Adopt a Horse” Day — Thursday, May 23

On Thursday, May 23, the Stables hosts local businesses and individuals for “Adopt a Horse” day. For a $50 registration donation, organizations can meet the horses currently in the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program. After lunch — including complimentary beer and wine — wranglers will introduce some of the horses and talk about their backgrounds and histories. Organizations and members of the community will “bid” for the chance to sponsor or symbolically “adopt” a horse through the auction. Each sponsor receives a framed photo of the animal as well as frequent updates on the horse in its rehabilitation progress.

Community Rodeo — Friday, May 24

On Friday, May 24, the Stables at Tamaya hosts a community rodeo with all proceeds benefitting the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program. The rodeo features local cowboys and cowgirls barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping, and more. This family-friendly event also has stick-horse races for children and the opportunity for guests to meet and interact with horses currently in the rehabilitation program. Food trucks with delicious fare will be on site, along with complimentary beer. Entrance to the rodeo is $20 for adults and $10 for children. Get there early to hop on the hay wagon ride to the Stables!

Rounds for Rescues Golf Tournament — Saturday, May 25

Hit the links Saturday morning, May 25, in the Rounds for Rescues two-man shotgun-style golf tournament. Entry is $150 per player and $300 for a twosome. Players receive goodie bags, prizes and a chuck wagon lunch following the tournament.

Horseshoes and Heels Gala — Saturday, May 25

The multiday fundraiser concludes with the Horseshoes and Heels Gala on the evening of Saturday, May 25, in the Tamaya Ballroom. The gala begins with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. and includes a silent auction and photo ops with some of the rescued horses. Guests will then enjoy a four-course meal specially prepared by the resort’s culinary team, followed by a live auction, live music, and dancing. AmFund will also host a Luxury Trip of a Lifetime silent auction. Tickets are $125 per person and $900 per table of eight. A discounted room rate of $189 is available for guests attending the gala.

“Buy a Child a Horseback Ride”

Supporters who are unable to attend the event can buy a child a horseback ride at the Stables at Tamaya. With a donation of $50, a deserving New Mexico child gets a wrangler-led trail ride at the Stables at Tamaya.

To purchase gala tickets, entry to the golf tournament, to “Buy a Child a Horseback Ride,” or to bid on items once the silent auction, please visit biddingforgood.com/TamayaHorseRehabWeek.

To make reservations for the community rodeo, please call 505.771.6060, and for information on Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Fundraiser sponsorships, please call Jolene Mauer at 505.771.6039.

For more information or to book at stay at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa during the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Fundraiser, please visit tamaya.regency.hyatt.com or call 505.867.1234.

The fundraiser’s title sponsor is CWW Feed & Horse Adventures based out of New Mexico. Additional sponsors for Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Week include KRST-FM/KMGA-FM, Albuquerque The Magazine, KQTM-FM 101.7 The Team (ESPN), Clear Channel Outdoor, Hutton Broadcasting, Meetings & Conventions, Prevue, Corporate & Incentive Travel, and Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort.

Photography: Courtesy Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa

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