Horses4Heroes set to move to Tule Springs

A monthlong celebration is planned to honor local heroes and the horses that serve them every day.

Horses4Heroes Days at Tule Springs is scheduled March 8 at Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs, 9200 Tule Springs Road.

“This event will basically be like an open house to show people what Horses4Heroes is all about,” said Sydney Knott, founder of the organization. “It will also be a wonderful chance for people to discover the park.”

Horseback rides, lessons, a Mommy & Me class for toddlers and preschoolers ages 18 months to 6 years, face painting and refreshments are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Tuesday through Sunday in March.

People of all ages who weigh less than 200 pounds are invited to ride horses.

In addition, every weekend in March, Knott plans to honor active-duty military members, veterans, first-responders and their families with free horseback rides and visits with farm animals, including goats, sheep, cows, miniature horses and an alpaca.

Horses4Heroes is a national nonprofit equestrian group based in Las Vegas. Knott and her three daughters founded the organization in 2006. The organization has since grown to 265 locations across 44 U.S. states and Canada.

Horses4Heroes is based at a facility in Centennial Hills from one of its donors. During the monthlong celebration, Knott hopes to relocate her operation to Tule Springs.

Las Vegas City Councilman Steve Ross supports the organization’s efforts to move. He said the nonprofit would provide valuable services to first responders and military families and teach people about the history of Las Vegas.

“The history of Tule Springs has always been ranch-driven,” Ross said. “It was a working ranch before it was dude ranch for people seeking quick divorces in Nevada. It’s important to have Las Vegas residents experience the ranch.”

The Associated General Contractors of Las Vegas plans to donate between $30,000 and $40,000 worth of materials and labor to construct the new facility for Horses4Heroes.

“Her cause is very noble,” said Guy Martin, president of the group. “She will be able to touch more lives of servicemen and women and their families through the relocation. We’re just waiting on the final lease terms with the city.”

Knott focuses her efforts on empowerment workshops, weekly horseback rides for stay-at-home military moms and life-changing health and wellness programs for returning veterans, victims of domestic violence and foster children.

Knott said she hopes that by relocating her organization, she can introduce children, teens and adults to horses, horseback riding and horsemanship.

If all goes according to plan, Knott hopes to bring chickens and create an egg-laying program and farm at the park.

“We want to bring ranching and farming back to Floyd Lamb Park,” Knott said. “We hope to teach children and their families where things come from.”

She also hopes the relocation will attract more people to her organization and create a larger space where she can add activities and programs.

A ribbon cutting and grand opening are planned at 1 p.m. March 6 during Horses4Heroes Days.

Admission is free, and parking is $6.

For more information, call 888-987-4376 or visit theranchlasvegas.com or horses4heroes.org.

Contact North Las Vegas and Centennial View reporter Sandy Lopez at slopez@viewnews.com or 702-383-4686.