Riding, Hay and the JCC

July 11th, 2014 our Marine, Paul Duran, enjoyed his first trot with Junior compliments of Cowboy Up! Instructor Bianca Shannon.

First ride at a trot

Doesn't get better than this!  Well... yes it does actually!!!

The 15th brought all hands on deck for our hay delivery!

Instructor Keith Bates of San Juan College is reponsible for all the smiles and the HAY!

Working it!

 Instructor Keith Bates with his CDL students and Ranger who decided not to be photographed.

On the 18th we found Star enjoying some shade, so Paul took his time

and rubbed him down, scratching Star in his favorite spots.

 Every shared moment with a horse is healing.

 Once ready Star accepts the halter relaxed and willingly.

After a nice groom off we go for our bareback session!

Bareback riding is a great way to hone your balancing skills!

Then today, we had visitors from the JCC come out to see a day in the life of Cowboy Up!

Jewish Community Center (JCC) Executive Director David Simon (afoot) and his camera-man Jay came to spend some time with the crew, learning all about what we do here at

  Horses For Heroes NM Cowboy Up!. 

The JCC has honored us with this year's NM Humanitarian Award, which will be awarded on August 25th, 2014, but until then David wanted to see first hand what we were all about.

We are about the camaraderie...

 

...stellar instruction...

...the horses...being in nature...and so much more!

David talks take a moment with the veterans to hear for himself in their words all about Cowboy Up!

The JCC promotes health, wellness, and recreation; sponsors education and cultural programs; assists numerous non-profit social service organizations; and provides programs for children and families - including helping some of the neediest in our midst - it is a place where community and spirit thrive!

Fallen Heroes Memorial Wall Installed

On July 7th 2014 Kevan Dugan, James Plummer and Rick Iannucci installed our Gold Star Memorial Wall.

This one and only privately designed and constructed memorial to our Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Heroes is permanently installed on the West wall of our Warrior Bunkhouse at the ranch.  

In a heartfelt gesture of respect, honor and gratitude this memorial wall is designed and built to honor our post 9-11 Fallen Heroes.  Our wish was a design that would be both a dignified and moving tribute that would express the feelings of our ranch and the warrior cowboy spirit that is alive here in our Cowboy Up! program and in our veterans and active military.

Designed and built by Rick Iannucci, Nancy De Santis, Lavonne Miller,  Kevin Dugan and Michael Gabbrielli, it is constructed of our re-claimed barn wood and patina metal with hand stamped brass dog tags containing the name, rank, branch of service, date of birth, and place the fallen hero made their ultimate sacrifice.  A large Gold Star circled with a wreath duplicating the American Gold Star Mothers  logo completes the flag like design.

Of the pair, one dog tag is permanently mounted on the wall and the second dog tag hangs from a 4-inch brass chain.  A wind chime effect takes place as the dangling tags flutter in the wind and recessed lighting casts a soft shadow on the dog tags.  The Dog tags are hung in such a way that when a breeze comes through the dog tags tinkle like a chime - a chime that makes one stop, bow their head, and reflect in remembrance.

This one and only privately designed and constructed memorial to our Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Heroes is permanently installed on the West wall of our Warrior Bunkhouse at the Crossed Arrows Ranch here in Santa Fe.  We will stand ready to present our Gold Star Mothers their Fallen Heroes Dog Tag when they honor us with a visit to the ranch.

The very next day the Cowbelles came to visit. 

The ladies were the very first to see our memorial wall in it's permanent home.

Rick took the time to tell how the wall came about, and with that the ladies took a contemplative eye, to honor all.

National Day of the Cowboy

Special Announcement!

New Mexico Western Music Association

has put together concerts for 

The National Day of the Cowboy! 

TWO nights of Western Music 
to benefit

Horses For Heroes - NM, Inc.

Saturday July 26th, Cimarron, NM 

at Cimarron City Park

I25 North or South to exit 419, take 58 West through middle of Cimarron, turn right on North Lincoln Avenue

 ~ the park will be on the right.  
(call 575.483.0042 for more info)

And

Sunday July 27th, Placitas, NM at Art de Placitas Gallery

221 New Mexico 165, Placitas, NM 87043

From I25 take exit 242 for NM-165 E, turn onto NM-165 E and destination will be on your left  approx. 2 miles from exit.

(Call 505.771.0821 for more info)

Bring Your Own Lawn Chairs!

6 p.m Both Nights!