Nov 27, 2012

Some Unique Cowboy Christmas Silent Auction Items ~ 3 more days ~ hope to see ya there!!


A one of a kind silent auction item this year is a display knife made by Santa Fe craftsman Dick Kimberly. With steel from the World Trade Center this knife is cut out from one of the steel blanks that was used to make commemorative knives for the US Navy SEAL TEAM on the Osama Bin Laden Raid. Kimberly has fashioned copper fittings from the Revolutionary War ship Constitution “Old Ironsides” along with a hand finished Maple handle to create a truly amazing piece of history.


If that isn’t enough, try out a custom creased cowboy hat and hat band from the Hatsmith in Santa Fe. 


Or bid on some handcrafted items sent in from talented artisians living and working the ranches of Oregon.

There will also be pair of US Border Patrol spurs and buckles...


..or bid on dinner for 4 at the home of Ambassador Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame Wilson.  
The true story of her life in the CIA “Fair Game” was a bestseller and a major motion picture.


Busy November

November 5th, 2012

Matt S. gets back in the saddle with four-legged instructor Jack.

Some nice stretches to relax are part of the program!

November 8th, 2012

Chris and Doc in the air on their way back home from a three week detour in Texas, 
courtesy of Samaritan Aviation,

Samaritan Aviation piolot Rick Weaver flies while...

...we await anxiously.

On Santa Fe ground and Doc is ready to get home!

A huge thank you to Rick before getting Chris loaded for his drive home.

Executive Director of Horses For Heroes - NM, Inc. takes a peaceful moment to pray and give thanks for the safe flight and the time and dedication of these men!

Cowboy Up! Medic, Neal Riley, Rick Iannucci, Rick Weaver, and co-pilot Dave.
Words cannot express the gratitude of you all putting this flight together and getting Chris back home!
Many, many thanks!

Chris loaded... check, Doc loaded... check, wheelchair loaded... check!

November 9th, 2012

Cowboy Up! veteran Matt M. working out on Bonanza Creek with Rick on this early crisp morning.

Later that day Moody joins Fellow veteran Brian Johnson in building a much needed deck for Chris.

They work well into the night to get 'er done!

November 10th, 2012

Things don't slow down on the ranch... time to add more panels to the horse paddock.

November 11th, 2012

No better way to spend Veterans Day weekend than out on the range!

Cowboy Up! veterans out early in the morning getting a head count on Bonanza Creek.

Double check...

Count's good!


November 12th, 2012
Welcome to our newest four-legged instructor, Duke!

Many thanks to Carol, Matt Hannah & Drea for bring him to us!

November 15th, 2012
This means more expansion!

More room for the horses!



November 16th, 2012

Duke's first Veteran session.

Nice job you two!

November 17th, 2012

Time to move cows.

There's one group!

Program Partner Henry McKinley, an almost 84 years young and Korean War Veteran.

Holding the herd.

Movin' on!

November 18th, 2012

Horses For Heroes - NM, Inc. was proud to be the Grand Marshal of
this year's Christmas de Caballos Parade!  
Parade organizer, Melanie Scholer said the military veterans should be recognized for their sacrifice and the parade is a way to do that.  "As we scale things down and these soldiers come home we need to take care of them."  

Cowboy Up! veterans filled two wagons lead by two teams of horses while they collected toys along the way for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program.

Colorful horse and rider lead the way!

That's the second wagon full of our veterans!

Blue Star Mom and Cowboy Up! volunteer Trish makes a festive day even happier!

Collecting toys for tots.

Women Veterans of NM President, Pat Gaston, USLR, LTC (Ret).





There were so many toys collected this year they needed to rent a truck ~ there
should be some happy children this season!

Thanks all for coming out!

November 24th, 2012

Cowboy Up! Co-Director, Nancy De Santis working with BoJack.

While Oz takes time to make sure Stilz and Duke have some fun in the large arena.

Then we get down to business...

Learning to dally...

...and pulling the skid steer.  Job well done!

Nov 9, 2012

A day at Laguna


November 3rd, 2012 we had another wonderful day out at Laguna as our program partners asked us to attend their end of year shipping.  We spent the day laughing and enjoying friendships!


Calves are sorted into the alley then moved into the chute where they are identified
and moved onto the weight station.




All steers are weighed first...

Then it's time for a break to warm up by the fire!



Adam has some time to give a roping lesson before the heifers are weighed.






Trucks arrive.

Weights are recorded.


This is the weight station.  (Click photo to enlarge)


Fun with friends!

Time to FEAST!


Our veterans getting down and dirty lending a hand in the pens.


Sort and load.



Last but not least.


Giving thanks.


Some time to rope.

And some time to practice!


Happy Birthday Jessica!!!

Beautiful day with friends.