Events to benefit rescued horses
The Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa is holding a series of fundraising events to help expand a program that rescues and rehabilitates unwanted horses from throughout New Mexico.
Since it launched in 2012, the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation program has taken in about five newly rescued horses each year, many of them surrendered by owners who are financially or physically no longer able to care for them, said Jolene Mauer, the resort’s marketing and public relations manager.
The staff and volunteers at Stables at Tamaya work with the rescued animals so they can have a new role in life as a trail horse. The stables, located about a mile north of the resort, offers trail rides through the wooded Santa Ana Pueblo land by the Rio Grande. It currently has about 50 horses.
Mauer said the goal of the fundraising events is to raise $25,000 to help build additional shade structures, and cover the cost of veterinary care and feed so they can accommodate more rescue horses each year.
The events kick off on Tuesday, May 29, with the “Rounds for Rescues” shotgun golf tournament which starts at 1 p.m. at Twin Warriors Golf Club, adjacent to the resort. The $150 entry fee covers 18 holes of golf followed by a chuck wagon dinner.
Thursday, May 31, is “Adopt a Horse Day.” Mauer said local businesses are invited to come and meet the horses and hear their individual stories from the resort wranglers. Businesses can “adopt” a horse by sponsoring the care and feeding of the animal. Adopters will receive a framed photo of their horse and regular updates on his or her progress.
A rodeo on Friday, June 1, offers family friendly fun. Visitors can come to the resort where a shuttle will pick them up at 6:40 p.m. and take them to the stables. The rodeo starts at 7 p.m. with a program of roping, barrel racing and games for kids. Tickets are $10 for children 12 and under and $20 for adults.
On Saturday, June 2, there will be a VIP reception at the stables from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for those who have tickets to the “Horseshoes & Heels” gala. The gala cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m. in the Tamaya resort ballroom. Mauer said it’s a “dress to impress” event, with a four-course dinner, dancing and a silent auction. Tickets are $125 per person or $900 for a table for eight. The deadline to purchase tickets is May 30.
The silent auction items include many chances to visit Hyatt resorts such as a threenight stay at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa in Hawaii or a three-night stay at the Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco.