Dec 30, 2011

Cowboy Christmas 2011

A sold out crowd in their cowboy finery was on hand for this year's Cowboy Christmas. The Hilton Santa Fe Plaza was the setting for our guests who came from throughout the state and from across the country. Cowboy hats outnumbered neckties for a crowd that was anticipating a good time on a crisp winter night. What a better way to start off the Christmas season!

The silent auction had some amazing bargains.



Old friends and big hugs were plentiful.

Singleton's San Cristobal Ranch manager Grant Mitchell and his wife Connie visit with Senator Larry Larranaga.

Governor Susana Martinez and her husband Chuck Franco enjoy the evening with our dinner sponsors from Double H Boots, Vice President Steve Vickers and President Greg Crouchley.

Governor Susana Martinez and her husband Chuck Franco with their table guests Gold Star parents Don and Jo Ann Zembiec.

Horses for Heroes - New Mexico, Inc. President Rick Iannucci addresses a full house!



NM Veteran Services Cabinet Secretary Col. Tim Hale provided our prayerful invocation and blessing.

Sgt. Erik Schei is surrounded by fellow veterans, staff and Program Partners as he is inducted as the newest member of The Order of the Purple Wildrag! (Working Ranch Magazine - Jan/Feb 2011)

Cowboy Up! director Nancy De Santis does the honors.

Erik Schei showing his appreciation in the finest cowboy tradition.

New Mexico's First Gentleman and our very own Cowboy Up! volunteer instructor Chuck Franco spoke about his experience working with our program then introduced his wife Governor Susana Martinez.

Governor Susana Martinez speaking about the Cowboy Code and the Warrior Code.

Governor Susana Martinez leads off with a live auction item painted and donated by her husband the First Gentleman, Chuck Franco, while auctioneer Lisa Vahkaria and Cowboy Up! Graduate Emily Ruch get ready.

The floor is a buzz as the live auction progresses with a magnificent framed piece by Santa Fe artist Thom Ross of Due West Gallery.

Sgt. Kristy LaFrance and her dog Stella look on while Rick Iannucci describes her generously donated tapestry.

Sirius XM Patriot Radio Newtwork host Andrew Wilkow (Wilkow Majority) spoke briefly about his experience with our veterans when he rode with us at the Crossed Arrows Ranch.

First Gentleman and our Governor dancing to the sounds of Joe West and Friends.

Cowboy Up! program graduate and Navajo ranche, alroy Billiman and Darilyn Jackson.

Ricardo Cate of "Without Reservations" fame hands over one of his original cartoons to actor Wes Studi.

Rancher Henry McKinley and his wife Peg chat with NM Livestock Board Executive Director Myles Culbertson, Carl Hawkins of Hawkins Chuckwagon Fame, and Sylvia Wright.

Governor Martinez posing with our most helpful volunteers Tom, Channing, Kennedy and Lisa.

Joe West and Friends rocking out!

Maura Studi and our Cowboy Up! volunteer Wes Studi sits in with the band on bass.



Large animal veterinarian Larry Nolan visits with Bonanza Creek Ranch manager Steve Price and owner Richard Hughes.

The gangs all here! NM Cattlegrowers Association Executive Director Caren Cowen with Charletta Larranaga, Senator Larry Larranaga, Nancy De Santis, Rick Iannucci, Farm Bureau's Matt Rush, Janelle Duffy, NM Cattlegrowers past Preident Bert Ancell, Debbie Ancell and Myles Culbertson.

Dec 25, 2011

Merry Christmas!

Nov 28, 2011

Monday Session With Sgt. Erik Schei

What a fabulous session! Back to work after the Compadres Team renovated their arena - look at the mirrors! Now riders can see themselves and correct their posture while riding. Erik really enjoys being able to see himself riding Rio! After his session Erik was awarded achievement award presented to him by stellar instructor Georgia Smith. It takes both the Las Companas Compadres Team as well as our own Horses For Heroes - NM Cowboy Up! Team to make Erik's riding experience possible, we are so grateful for our partnership, thank you all!













Nov 21, 2011

Radio Cafe Interview with Mary-Charlotte

Santa Fe's Radio Cafe host Mary-Charlotte invited us onto her show and we had quite a good talk, listen for yourself!


Click here to Listen to Radio Cafe Interview


Tim Hale Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services, Rick Iannucci and Nancy De Santis Founders and directors of Horses For Heroes New Mexico, Inc. and the Cowboy Up Program.



Nov 20, 2011

Our First Air Force participant and Stella's Graduation

November 16th

Our first Airman arrived this fall via the UNM Veterans Group. Matt Moody is seen here working just as hard on his horsemanship as he is on his MBA. Matt is a welcome addition to our Cowboy Up! program.
Seen below riding with fellow veteran Chris Chaisson and then sharing a relaxing cup of coffee with Sgt. Brandi.






November 18th

On the evening of the 18th Rick and I went down to see our very own Kristy LaFrance and Stella graduate from the Paws & Stripes program along with Army's Wounded Warrior Advocate Christin Barden - well done ladies! It is amazing to see Stella all grown up and taking care of her momma!