Las Campanas, a master-planned community located in Santa Fe, New Mexico hosts a special set of riders at their equestrian center every Monday, children and adults with special needs.

Las Campanas Compadres is a member-driven charity that helps inspire and empower special needs students through horseback riding. Sixteen students ranging in ages from 10 to 52 spend 45 minutes learning every aspect of horsemanship with a certified instructor.

In 2006, Las Campanas residents Lawrence and Susan Becerra were inspired to start the program while volunteering at a nearby adaptive ski program. Lawrence asked that if Las Campanas would donate their world-class equestrian center on Mondays, when it is normally closed the Becerras would fund the adaptive riding program. Las Campanas were more than willing to donate the equestrian center, but also donated the use of their four well-schooled trail horses.

With the help of Georgia Smith, a riding instructor, who was certified through the north American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc. and is the director of a non-profit community foundation in Abiquiu, New Mexico, they provided everything the students would need from wheelchair ramps to a custom-made adaptive saddle, with backs and arms so students can ride without assistance.

With nearly 40 Las Campanas residents volunteering their time and money to support the program, the Bercerras make sure that every penny goes directly to the Las Campanas Compadres.

The Becerras have also introduced programs in fishing, golf, tennis and swimming and there are upcoming plans for kayaking, rafting and cooking programs.

—Shari Barbanel