Rescuing horses isn’t easy or inexpensive, but it’s so rewarding to see abandoned or unwanted horses become healthy and happy and receive a new lease on life. However, this is not a solo endeavor. In fact, you could apply a common adage to this effort: “It takes a village to…save a horse.”
New Mexico has many unwanted horses—so many that it is almost impossible to save and place them all in caring homes. Luckily, the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program does its best to purchase, care for, and rehabilitate some of the horses in need.
Connie Collis, founder of the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program at the Stables at Tamaya, located at the at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort on the Santa Ana Pueblo, NM, does not do all the work herself. She relies on her “village,” which consists of numerous volunteers who work with her in the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program. Still, financial support is necessary in addition to those who groom, ride, and clean the facilities at the Stables at Tamaya. (Donate to the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program here.)
“I never want to say ‘no’ to a horse in need. I feel called to do this work because there are too many horses out there in need of help. However, I need financial support, so I don’t have to turn any horses away,” Collis explained.
Giving Unwanted Horses a Future
Collis doesn’t like to discuss the stories of how the rescue horses end up in need of rescue. “I don’t want anyone to not ask for help for their horse because they are embarrassed or afraid to admit the circumstances that led up to that moment. I prefer to stay positive, look ahead, and move forward. That’s what the horses need most…a future.”
Founded more than 10 years ago, the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has helped and rescued more than 300 horses. Thousands of horses are abandoned annually in New Mexico and several factors can lead to unwanted, abandoned, or surrendered horses including a horse’s decline in health or behavioral problems and the owner’s financial or physical hardships.
Sometimes, Collis is asked to purchase a horse everyone else has already declined to buy. “I’m their last hope,” she explained. “And if I don’t have the means to buy and care for their needs, I am forced to leave them behind to a fate no one wants to imagine.”
Fun Fundraising Gala to Support Horse Rehab Program
One of the ways in which Collis financially supports the rescue and care for these unwanted horses is through fun fundraising events, such as the annual Tamaya Horseshoes & Heels Gala. This upcoming charity event takes place on November 30, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa.
“A charity event like our Gala means so much to me, everyone working at the Stables, and the horses. It provides the funds to continue rescuing horses,” Collis explains.
The Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program is dedicated to giving such horses a second chance and providing them with all the support and resources they need to lead happy, healthy lives.” The money raised during the Gala will be used for veterinary care, training, shelter, and feed for the animals.
Two Ways to Participate in the Gala—and Save More Horses
One of the highlights of the Gala is its live auction during which attendees can bid on things like Hyatt resort and hotel stays and trips of a lifetime. Other items include handmade stick horses and quilts, artwork, antiques, baskets filled with “goodies,” and jewelry.
1. Donate Live Auction Items for the Gala.
One way to support the horse rehab program is to donate items for the auction. These can be physical objects, like an antique table, a rustic Southwestern chair, a lovely piece of jewelry, or a painting. Additionally, you can purchase a basket and fill it with soap, body spray, and lotion—or anything else you think gala attendees might desire. You can also donate nonphysical items, like a coaching, consulting, or personal training session.
To make a donation, contact the Stables at Tamaya at (505) 554-5938, Michelle Ryan at (505)234-5618, Connie Collis at (505) 269-5410 or email tamayahorserehab@gmail.com.
2. Purchase Tamaya Horseshoes & Heels Gala Tickets
Hosted at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, the Tamaya Horseshoes & Heels Gala begins with a cocktail reception featuring signature drinks and hors d'oeuvres. This is followed by an opportunity to pet and be photographed with some of the rescued horses, which are brought to the resort. The evening also includes a three-course meal specially prepared by the resort’s culinary team for the event. This is followed by the fun and engaging live. The evening is topped off with music and dancing, and a live performance from the Austin Van band.
All proceeds from the Tamaya Horseshoes & Heels Gala go to the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program. Tickets for the gala range in price from $125 per person and up to $900 for a table of eight.
To purchase tickets, visit TamayaHorseRehab.com/Events.
For more information regarding the Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation program or the Tamaya Horseshoes & Heels Gala, please contact Connie Collis at (505) 269-5410 or visit TamayaHorseRehab.com.