We are just learning about posting video to this blog and were surprised yesterday’s entry embedded automatically on the blog page. Let’s see what happens today. It may embed automatically or you may have to enter the address in your browser.  As with all new things, sometimes it is a learn-by-doing-experience. Thank you for your indulgence as we pioneer through the technology that enables us to communicate with you wonderful supporters of Las Companas Compadres.

We used a movie-maker program and the LCC Vimeo account to post the highlights of awards day. We included a bit of Rick Ianucci’s (“Horses for Heroes” founder) speech,  the participants’ receiving their plaques, Tim Rolf’s painting presentation, (unfortunately, his wonderful speech on his fabulous “high-tech talking machine” was drowned out by the wind that day and the sounds of the audience) and the gathering of the “posse” that makes it possible for the Horses for Heroes veterans to ride on Mondays.

We thought you’d enjoy, best of all, the images of  the young  and young-adult LCC participants proudly receiving their awards.

At the end of the compiled clips, is the memorable response of the horses when Shiloh’s name was mentioned by Suzanna Becerra as she memorialized our beloved LCC horse.

Thank you, Lawrence and Suzanna, for making this community benefitting organization possible.

Enjoy!

You can watch it here:
http://vimeo.com/37622020

Fund raising and donation dollars are definitely used in meaningful ways at Las Campanas Compadres.  Equipment for people with disabilities usually comes with a hefty price tag.

In the blog last week, we  mentioned the approximately $7,000 assistive technology device Las Campanas Compadres purchased and installed in 2011 for the riding program with raised funds and community contributions.  The SureHands Lift and Care System also enabled LCC  to invite the “Horses for Heroes NM ” returning  U.S. veterans-now-cowboys, to join LCC riders to enjoy the facilities at the Las Campanas Equestrian Center on Mondays.

Your contributions and  participation in LCC  fundraising projects continue to provide safe and innovative technology for the physically-challenged men, women and children who enjoy the Las Campanas Compadres programs.  We thank you!

LCC Riding Program's Sure Hands Lift

LCC Saddle shared with Horses for Heroes NM

Las Campanas Compadres has teamed up with a splendid, patriotic, and much-needed local program.

The http://www.horsesforheroes.org  website tells us the group’s purpose is ” to create a new path to peace and balance” for our returned U.S. combat warriors.

The ” Horses for Heroes- New Mexico Inc. Cowboy Up!” program  is directed by Rick Iannucci out on  the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway at his  Crossed Arrows Ranch.  His New Mexico “Horses for Heroes” program is totally independent and not affiliated with any other “Horses for Heroes” programs.  His New Mexico  program is staffed by volunteers and entirely funded by donations.

The “Horses for Heroes-New Mexico, Inc., Cowboy Up!” program director, Rick Iannucci, is an energetic, powerhouse of a man.  He began his non-profit, 501(c)(3), group with the mission of  providing  “a unique environment and opportunity in which OIF and OEF (Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan) Veterans can Recuperate, Recreate and Reintegrate into society and give them a new perspective so that they can reach their life goals.“

Iannucci  has implemented his “Cowboy Up! “program which recognizes the powerful physical and emotional benefits of horseback riding for rehabilitation of  our U.S.  fighting men and women.  On his website, Rick describes his “Cowboy Up!” program as , “a unique horsemanship, wellness and skill-set restructuring program free to Veterans and active military who have sustained physical injuries or combat trauma during their time serving our country.”

So, what is the connection between the Las Campanas Compadres  and the “Horses for Heroes- New Mexico, Inc. Cowboy Up! ” programs?  For one, the two programs have both filled the void left by federal, state and local government.  Secondly, both programs require equipment for people with special needs.   Thirdly, both programs are run by people with big hearts.

Las Campanas Compadres owns two specialized assistive technology devices for its riding program.  Both have been very useful to the “Cowboy Up!” veterans who use them to ride.  Like the  more-physically-involved LCC riders who use the saddle, the “Cowboy Up!” riders have side-walkers and are supervised and instructed for their entire lesson.  The specially-designed saddle  is exceptional because it allows a rider to sit independently and safely while  riding.  It offers the rider, who normally use a wheelchair to sit upright, postural support and a feeling of safety;  so the rider can connect with the horse’s movement and feel a sense of freedom.

Last year, Las Campanas Compadres purchased an ultra-practical system through the generosity of  LCC  supporters  who made its purchase possible through contributions at  fundraising events. The special lift is installed and housed at the Las Campanas Equestrian Center.  It allows safety and ease in mounting and dismounting a horse for the “Horses for Heroes” veterans who have returned from the battle fronts and require extra physical assistance.

Las Campanas Compadres program directors are more than pleased to share the exceptional equipment, the LCC program horses,  and the knowledge of LCC’s riding “posse”, with the veterans who enjoy Rick Iannucci’s  inspired efforts of  his “Horses for Heroes- New Mexico, Inc.  Cowboy Up!” program.