Chalmers Ford Partners with Tamaya Horse Rehab
When it comes to supporting our community, Chalmers Ford believes in showing up with work boots and heart. One of our most meaningful and long-standing partnerships is with Tamaya Horse Rehab, a sanctuary where second chances aren't just possible, they're promised.
Our Sponsored Horses: Raptor and Willy
Each year, Chalmers Ford proudly sponsors horses featured in Tamaya's annual fundraising calendar. As their largest and most consistent sponsor, we're honored to support horses whose stories remind us why this work matters.
Meet Raptor, rescued at age 7, now a thriving 9-year-old who's captured hearts both at the ranch and in the arena. Thanks to the compassion of the Tamaya team and his adopter (who happens to be both a Chalmers customer and dedicated volunteer), Raptor has become a rodeo favorite. His calm, steady nature and growing fanbase prove that with the right care, even the most broken spirits can soar again.
Then there's Willy, pulled from neglect at just 2 years old and now a confident 7-year-old "ambassador" horse. Gentle with children, solid under saddle, and skilled in both barrel racing and roping, Willy's journey from traumatized to trusted shows what patience and the right environment can achieve. Today, he serves as living proof that healing is possible.
More Than Rescue: It's Restoration
Tamaya Horse Rehab was founded on one deeply held belief: "Every horse deserves a second chance." The horses that arrive at Tamaya have often endured unthinkable hardships—starvation, abuse, abandonment. But healing here goes beyond the physical. Many arrive fearful of human contact, needing months or years of trust-building and gentle care.
Some horses are eventually rehomed to loving families. Others remain at the ranch permanently, serving as therapeutic companions or sanctuary residents. Each path is different, but the goal remains the same: giving every horse the chance to heal, both physically and emotionally.
As Tamaya volunteer, Colonel Ben Braden (USMC Retired), recently shared: "Chalmers has been one of our most generous and loyal sponsors. Their continued support has helped our program become a special place for neglected, abused, unwanted, and misunderstood horses. The partnership has saved lives, and not just for the horses, but for the people who connect with them too."
Real People Making Real Impact
At Chalmers Ford, we believe in the power of showing up. That's why our partnership with Tamaya goes far beyond financial sponsorship. Each year, Sales Manager Jim Cartwright leads a team of Chalmers employees in a hands-on volunteer day at the ranch. They clean stalls, haul supplies, mend fences, and spend meaningful time with the horses.
“It’s one of those experiences that stays with you,” Jim shared. “The work is real, the need is real, and the reward is knowing you’re making a difference for these horses and the people who care for them.”
It's not a one-time gesture; it's a tradition rooted in our values and driven by genuine care for our community. When our team members roll up their sleeves at Tamaya, they're living out what "Real People" truly means.
Why This Partnership Matters to Us
At Chalmers Ford, we know our role in the community goes beyond selling great vehicles. It's about building something bigger: helping families, organizations, and even four-legged friends who need a second chance.
As Winston Churchill once said, “No hour of life is lost that is spent in the saddle.” At Tamaya, that time means healing—for horses, for volunteers, and for everyone who connects with the mission.
When you invest in your community with both your resources and your time, you become part of stories like Raptor's and Willy's: stories of healing, hope, and transformation.
Because at the end of the day, whether we're helping a family find their perfect vehicle or supporting horses on their journey to recovery, it's all about giving second chances and making real connections that matter.
Learn More and Get Involved
Want to learn more about Tamaya Horse Rehab's incredible work? Visit their website at TamayaHorseRehab.com to discover how you can support their mission of giving every horse a second chance.
Ready to experience the Chalmers difference for yourself? Stop by our Rio Rancho location and see why we're proud to be part of a community that believes in second chances—for horses, for people, and for everyone who calls New Mexico home.
Contact Chalmers Ford today and discover what "Real Value. Real People. Real Simple." means for your next vehicle purchase.
Chalmers Cares
Chalmers Cares is our ongoing commitment to supporting the people and programs that make our communities stronger. Whether it's local schools, service organizations, or youth development initiatives, we believe in giving back to the places we call home.