NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – A New Mexico rodeo tradition is changing lives one horse at a time. For years, the Stables at Tamaya have kept old western traditions alive at Santa Ana Pueblo, and they’re also giving dozens of rescue horses a second chance at life.

Every Thursday night under the stable lights at Tamaya, folks from all over gather for a one-of-a-kind rodeo.

Head Wrangler at the Stables at Tamaya, Dominic Duran says, “Our rodeos are so special because they really show the growth of all of our horses out here.”

From team roping to barrel racing and steer stopping the stunts are all performed by none other than rescue horses. “The main thing to know is it’s not a regular rodeo. It’s not about the competition. It’s about the growth of the horses,” explained founder and owner of Tamaya Horse Rehab Connie Collis.

Collis founded Tamaya Horse Rehab 14 years ago, saving horses from across the state and country, providing them with much-needed TLC to get them back on their hooves.

“These horses are all rescued from various situations. We have a lot of owner surrenders. We have horses that we get through the livestock board, neglect cases, abuse cases, as well as some Mustangs,” explained Duran.

The rodeo started shortly after the horse rehabilitation program was launched to generate funding to pay for everything from the alfalfa they eat, to the costly treatments for the dozens of horses in their care.

“Our goal is to make them the best versions of themselves. And so when we take them in, we want to analyze what we have and our goal is to get them as far as we can,” emphasized head wrangler Duran. “Horses are just like people. They need a job and they start to love what they do, just like we do out here.”

Duran says every horse has a different story and journey, but over the years, they’ve helped hundreds, offering them a full and enriching life through riding and activities like the rodeo.

“It is an amazing journey to get one, especially a skinny one or one that has really bad behavioral problems, and turn it around,” shared Collis.

Collis says the rodeo has grown in size every year and has quickly become a beloved tradition at the stables and across the equestrian community, becoming one of their larger fundraisers throughout the year. And with 126 horses in their care right now, they hope more people will make their way out to the stables this summer.

“Whether you’ve been here one time or 10 times, you should definitely come on out and come love on your favorite horses and see what progress they made over the last couple years,” said Duran.

The Stables at Tamaya will continue to run their rodeo season every Thursday from 7 to 9 through the third week of August.

June 21, 2026 by cibolanfng

North Sandia Mountain Wilderness – Sandia Ranger District

(Albuquerque, NM – June 21, 2026) — Firefighters continue with direct extinguishment strategy on the Osha Canyon Fire within the northern Sandia Mountain Wilderness on the Sandia Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands.

Operations: Yesterday fire crews focused on securing containment lines and mopping up along the fire perimeter. With 100% containment recorded yesterday afternoon, some resources were released from the Osha Canyon fire to assist with other wildfires burning in the state. Today, Mt Taylor Ranger District Crew 3-2 is on scene at the Osha Canyon Fire to patrol containment lines and work on mopping up interior hot spots. Aviation resources will continue to support fire operations.

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Reported start date / Time: June 19, 2026 / 1322

Cause: Lightning strike.

Size: Estimate 1 acre.

Containment: 100%

Location: Northern Sandia Mountain Wilderness south of Placitas, west of FSR 165 within the Sandia Ranger District on the Cibola National Forest, New Mexico.

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Residual Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas of Placitas and Bernalillo.  

Resources on Scene: US Forest Service Mt Taylor Ranger District crew 3-2.

Fuels: Mixed Conifer.

Fire Activity is minimal.

Weather: Today for Albuquerque, NM (June 21, 2026): Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Light and variable wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 62. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east after midnight. https://www.weather.gov/

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Additional updates will be sent as new information is received.    

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Fiesta Subaru donated $58,000 to Watermelon Mountain Ranch Animal Shelter, helping New Mexico’s largest no-kill animal rescue pay for food and medical care.

Fiesta Subaru has helped hundreds of dogs find permanent homes over the years. The dealership sets aside part of its sales and then delivered one check for $58,000 to Watermelon Mountain Ranch Animal Shelter.

“Whenever someone is looking for a dog and they go to one of these facilities it really does go a long way,” said Derek Culach, president of Fiesta Auto Group. “These funds that we are setting aside to give to them for the food for the medical bills everything else these dogs need to find a home that’s healthy and everything that goes a long with that.”

The event brought together people who love pets to celebrate the donation and support the shelter’s work through the year.

People brought their dogs to play games and some also had a chance to meet a possible new pet.