Nancy Taxeras

My background is quite different from working on the ranch, although I absolutely enjoy all my time there.  I grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina and became a nurse.  Nursing was my forte and I have 41 years in the healthcare field to include emergency nursing, flight nursing, intensive care, travel nursing, 6 years in the NC Air National Guard and then I moved into the management realm.  It has been a great experience, but when the first of the year came, I realized that I was ready to retire and do something different, especially with the challenge of Covid 19. 

My husband and 7 miniature dachshunds moved here from Arizona where we lived in both Tucson and Show Low.  I was the Director of a very busy Emergency Department in Tucson and with all the stress and pressures of healthcare, I decided it was time to move on….so I did.  There is a huge difference between all the stressors of healthcare (like writing schedules, doing disciplinary actions, solving major staffing and equipment challenges and don’t forget about budget) and the great opportunities of working on the New Mexico Horse Rescue Ranch.  

I thoroughly enjoy all the ranch duties, like mucking, feeding and attending all the classes.  This is all so different from healthcare and just one more challenge for me to conquer.   It has certainly been a privilege to help patients through tough times in their lives, but the great privilege at this time in my life comes in helping abused, neglected and abandoned horses to find their forever loving home.  It does all take patience, attentiveness, safe actions and lots of tender loving care.  I have made many great friends through this learning process and have learned and continue to learn from the wonderful trainers/staff at the ranch.  Ann and Elisa have been wonderful as far as answering questions and helping me out. 

I am now the proud owner of Maverick (from Walkin’ N Circles), Bonnie and Brea-two miniature horses and Biscuit, who is a mule (came from a kill shelter). Just recently, I also acquired 2 more from a kill pen, Burrito, a donkey and Beca, a baby horse. Our new barn will be going up soon and I look forward to adding even more horses, goats, chickens, etc. to our newly adopted family.  Lovin’ life in the country and although it is hard work, it is all worth it.  Thank you to Walkin’ N Circles for taking on a novice like myself and helping me to learn the ropes so I, too, can have a part in giving a loving home to rescued animals!

Nancy Taxeras