by Susie Morgan
Horses have been an integral part of Santa Fe’s history for over 400 years…
“The Santa Fe County Horse Coalition believes the horse is important to the future of Santa Fe County and it is exciting to know that our County Commissioners agree.”
Santa Fe County’s focus on horses is increasing. On February 24th, the most recent example was the passing of Resolution 2015-38, “A Resolution To Support The Equine Culture In The Final Development And Implementation Of The Sustainable Land Development Code (SLDC) And That Santa Fe County Promote The Development Of Santa Fe As A Regional And International Horse Destination”, by the Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners. This Resolution recognizes, among other things, that horses are an important part of life in Santa Fe and are a form of ecotourism and outdoor recreation. As a result, the county fathers will consider equine uses and equine related businesses in future planning endeavors.
Horses have been an integral part of Santa Fe’s history for over 400 years and continue to play a significant role in the agri-tourism economy of Santa Fe County today. Santa Fe has a vast infrastructure of horse facilities that provide work for farriers, veterinarians, NM hay producers, fence builders, and day laborers. There is a dynamic educational sector that employs trainers and instructors and brings internationally renowned clinicians to the Santa Fe horse community. From custom hatters to boot shops to silversmiths, horses influence the Santa Fe artisan. The spirit of the horse is eternalized again and again on both canvas and bronze in many of the galleries that have gained Santa Fe recognition as the second largest art market in the United States. Santa Fe is for its unique cultural convergence of Anglo, Hispanic, and Indian cultures, and the horse’s importance resonates through all three.
Another example of the growing regional and international importance of Santa Fe to the horse community was the recent announcement of the Equicenter de Santa Fe and their expansive plans to make Santa Fe a major horse show destination beginning with the Grand Prix in August.
Coming together to support this initiative put forth by the Santa Fe County Horse Coalition were several horse-related groups including Northern NM Horseman’s Association, Back Country Horsemen, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Posse, New Mexico Horse Council, Listening Horse Therapeutic Riding, Caza Ladron Foxhunt, Horses for Heroes-Cowboy Up!, and the Old Spanish Trail Association. Speaking on behalf of the Resolution were Cat Parks, Julia Jarvis, Eldon Reyer, and Mike Anaya. Back Country Horseman Karen Reyer said, “We have needed a Resolution like this since 1978.”
The Santa Fe County Horse Coalition Board is composed of a group of dynamic, committed individuals whose teamwork made this Resolution possible. SFCHC President Cat Parks, said, “Thank you to the past and present officers and board: VP Julia Jarvis, Treasurer Richard Beal, Secretary Piar Marks, Dr. John Parks, Elayne Patton, David Mead, Dr. Doug Thal, David Marks, Kevan Sauders, Rev. Gail Marriner, Tim Nielsen, Dr. Richard Patton, and Matt Williams.” Vice President Julia Jarvis said, “The Coalition believes the horse is important to the future of Santa Fe County and it is exciting to know that our County Commissioners agree.”
The Resolution was introduced by Commissioner Chair Robert Anaya (District 3) and co-sponsored by Commissioner Kathy Holian (District 4). Commissioners Miguel Chavez (District 2) & Henry Roybal (District 1) voted for the Resolution. Liz Stefanics (District 5) was absent.
You can read the full text of the resolution here.
For more information on the Santa Fe County Horse Coalition: SantaFeHorse.org or email santafehorse@gmail.com
Thank you, Susie Morgan, for featuring the Santa Fe County Equine Culture Resolution and SFCHC in this article at SantaFe.com: Santa Fe County is Recognized as a Regional and International Horse Destination