A horseback ride can mean more than enjoying the outdoors and exploring a trail. At Tamaya Horse Rehab near Bernalillo, it can mean feeding a rescued horse, supporting its rehabilitation, and giving it a new purpose.
Connie Collis, founder of Tamaya Horse Rehab and operator of The Stables at Tamaya, oversees a program built around that idea. The Stables, a for-profit riding operation, and Tamaya Horse Rehab, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, are separate organizations that operate at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa in Santa Ana Pueblo. The Stables is open to the public, and guests don't have to be staying at the Hyatt to ride.
Between the stables at Tamaya and Collis' home operation at CWW Feed in San Ysidro, Collins oversees the care of approximately 120 horses. Many arrive unwanted, neglected, or abandoned. Horses can become unwanted or surrendered because of health or behavioral problems or because their owners can no longer afford or physically manage their care.
The nonprofit's mission is to identify each horse's potential and turn it into a useful, well-rounded animal. Some of those horses become trail horses, giving visitors a chance to experience them while helping support the larger rehabilitation program.
From Rescue to Trail Horse
The horses at Tamaya don't all arrive with the same needs. Some require basic care and rehabilitation, while others come to the organization in poor physical condition or with little experience trusting people. Rehabilitation can include medical care, hoof care, exercise and training, as well as the patient work of helping a horse become comfortable with people.
The goal isn't simply to provide a place for unwanted horses to stay. Tamaya works to give them a purpose, including the opportunity to become trail horses. For Collis, that also means finding ways for the horses to help support their own care. “We do not rely on donations; we allow customers to help us feed the horses by going riding,” she says.
That approach is part of a broader effort to keep the operation going. Tamaya sells T-shirts, hosts weekly summer rodeos and offers team-building opportunities for corporate groups. Collis says the organization is always looking for ways to bring in revenue while giving the horses purpose, but donations remain important, particularly as costs rise and the number of unwanted horses increases.
A Community Around the Horses
For Collis, though, the horses aren't the only thing that makes Tamaya special. She's equally proud of the community that has grown around them, and she credits her team with bringing ideas and energy to the operation.
“I feel I have a young and innovative team behind me,” she says. “These young people are full of ideas and willing to help me when I come up with crazy new ideas to make this work.”
More Than Trail Rides
That creativity shows up in Tamaya's events throughout the year. Last year, fundraising efforts included a fashion show on horseback.
Horseshoes & Heels Gala
This year's Horseshoes & Heels Gala takes place Nov. 28 and features a silent auction and a glamorous theme. Tamaya is seeking both auction donations and attendees. Proceeds help carry the organization through the winter, when trail riding slows down.
For Albuquerque-area residents, booking a trail ride is one way to directly support the horses and the program that cares for them.
Plan a Ride
- Choose your ride: Group trail rides are 90 minutes and $90 per rider. Private rides are available for 60 minutes, 90 minutes or two hours.
- Location: The Stables at Tamaya are at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa on the Santa Ana Pueblo.
- Know the limits: Group rides are open to beginners and novice riders, with a minimum age of 8 and a 235-pound weight limit. Private rides have a minimum age of 7 and a 250-pound weight limit.
- Book ahead: Reservations are required. Call 505-554-5938 or email ridetamaya@gmail.com.
- Follow along on social media: @tamayahorserehab on Facebook and Instagram.