The City of Las Vegas City Council today voted to approve a concession lease with Horses4Heroes, paving the way for this local non-profit organization to create a Community Equestrian Center at Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs. Horses4Heroes is one of the most successful equestrian service groups for the military, and the only national non-profit equestrian organization that is based in Las Vegas.
Horses4Heroes programs and instruction
Las Vegas-based non-profit to open the Horses4Heroes Community Equestrian at Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs to provide affordable recreational and instructional programs for all ages and all riding levels.
The organization, at its headquarters facility and through a national network of 280 affiliates in 44 states, provides affordable recreational and instructional programs for all ages and all riding levels.
The Horses4Heroes Community Equestrian, located within the 680-acre city park, includes a riding corral, a performance arena, a barnyard, 20 covered stalls, indoor and outdoor party locations and plenty of parking. Construction of the facility was made possible by donations from Cox Charities of Southern Nevada and Associated General Contractors of America "Operation Opening Doors," as well as in-kind donations from the Associated General Contractors of Las Vegas, under the leadership of Guy Martin, vice president with Martin-Harris Construction.
According to Councilman Steve Ross, bringing horses back to this historic park was part of the 2007 Master Plan, is important for the community and brings back fond childhood memories for many Las Vegas residents.
"Many of us remember riding horses at the park when we were kids and we are looking forward to sharing this experience with our children and grandchildren for many years to come,” Councilman Ross said.
Horses4Heroes is relocating all of its operations to Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs. The center will be open Monday through Saturday, throughout the year, weather-permitting. Daily activities will include HorsePlay, a "mommy and me" class for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 18 months to 6 years), beginning and intermediate lessons, and after-school programs for elementary, middle-school and high school students.
Birthday parties, field trips, corporate retreats, leadership workshops and more can be scheduled by appointment. Summer camps are among the organization's most popular and successful programs.
In addition to offering low-cost, affordable instructional programs, the organization partners with local non-profits, families and individuals to provide free morale-boosting life and social skills workshops for those in the community who need a "hand up."
With names like Back in the Saddle, 8.9.10: Ride to Win, Ladies Unbridled, Unfinished Business, H4H Pony Express and Operation Free Ride, these programs are designed to empower, engage, inspire and even entertain foster children and teens, at-risk youth, victims of domestic abuse and violence, veterans with PTS/TBI/MST and others who can benefit from time spent with horses.
The organization uses donated, leased and aged horses, as well as Animal Control and Feed Lot rescues in its daily programs.
According to president/founder Sydney Knott, the Community Equestrian Center will be a safe, healing place where residents, visitors and guests can escape the rigors and realities of everyday life.
"We are honored to have this opportunity to bring our programs to this beautiful community treasure, Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs," said Ms. Knott.