Rancho Rios Dominguez
Grants Awarded
Rancho Rios Dominguez provides transformative outdoor experiences and environmental education for underrepresented and low-income youth, utilizing equine-assisted learning. The program serves children aged 4-17, helping them to build confidence and social skills while simultaneously offering rehabilitation and a second life to abused and abandoned horses. With an additional focus on local ecosystems, sustainability, and culture, participants additionally understand the importance of conservation and protecting natural resources. Activities occur at various outdoor locations in southern New Mexico, including the Bureau of Land Management's Potrillo Mountains Complex, New Mexico State Trust Lands, and on Rancho Rios Dominguez's private ranch property for a multifaceted learning experience. The program fosters lifelong connections to nature, promotes environmentally-responsible behaviors, and enhances community strength, thereby creating a healthier future for both participants and their local environment.
Rancho Rios Dominguez operates exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, specifically to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home equines. Furthermore, this organization is formed to educate the public on responsible horse care, proper equine welfare, and to offer equine-assisted learning opportunities for the betterment of the community. Founded in 2007 RANCHO RIOS DOMINGUEZ has a proven record of delivering impactful youth programming throughout New Mexico by connecting young people with horses, agriculture, and the outdoors in safe, educational, and culturally enriching environments. Our programs have successfully engaged youth from diverse backgrounds through hands-on horsemanship instruction, guided trail rides, and outdoor learning experiences that foster confidence, leadership, responsibility, and respect for animals and nature. Past successes include educational horsemanship programs that teach safe horse handling, grooming, riding fundamentals, and equine care under the guidance of experienced instructors. Participants also take part in supervised trail rides and outdoor excursions that encourage environmental stewardship, physical activity, and an appreciation for New Mexico’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage. Through these experiences, Rancho Rios Dominguez has created meaningful opportunities for youth to develop life skills, strengthen family and community connections, and build lasting relationships with the natural environment. Our commitment to safety, mentorship, and inclusive programming has resulted in positive outcomes for participants and their families, demonstrating our capacity to successfully implement and sustain high-quality outdoor education programs.