Las Vegas-based Horses 4 Heroes opened a new facility at the historic Tule Springs Ranch thanks to help from the Associated General Contractors of America. Volunteer contractors completed roughly $80,000 worth of work on the weeks-long project and donated an additional $20,000 for the group. Construction charity organization AGC Charities, Inc., with the leadership of Martin-Harris Construction, built a new riding center, mare motel, and petting zoo as part of its series of renovation projects known as Operation Opening Doors.

“The least we can do for our veterans and first responders is give them the kind of riding facility that will help them enjoy a few well-earned moments of rest and relaxation,” said Doug Barnhart, chairman of San Diego-based Barnhart-Reese Construction, Inc. and a board member of AGC Charities, Inc. “What is truly amazing is how many contractors from around the area and around the country chipped in with services, materials, and money.”

The new facility will allow Horses 4 Heroes to offer riding and animal care programs for more veterans, first responders, and their families. Since it was founded in 2006, the charity has been operating out of the backyard of its founder, Sydney Knott. 

AGC Charities teamed up with Las Vegas-based Martin-Harris Construction, which volunteered to serve as lead contractor and oversaw the management of the entire project and solicited donated materials and services. 

“One of the reasons this project was so appealing is that it serves veterans and first responders from the local community,” said Guy Martin, vice president of Martin-Harris Construction and president of the Associated General Contractors of Las Vegas. “As contractors that have benefitted from the local community, we have an obligation to give back and help improve the lives of those who work so hard to protect ours.”

In addition to Martin-Harris, Barnhart noted that other local contractors supporting the project include Dwyer Engineering, J&S Survey, Las Vegas Paving, New-Com Construction, Werdco BC Inc., Penta Building Company, McCarthy, Thor Construction, Helix Electric, Affordable Concepts, Ahern Rentals, Nevada Equipment Solutions, Sunstate Equipment, J.A. Tiberti Company, Cal Pac, Red Star, and Aggregate Industries. In addition to arranging to have the new riding center built, AGC Charities Inc. also provided a $20,000 donation to Horses 4 Heroes.

“We are extremely humbled by the generosity of AGC Charities and its members,” said Knott. “If it hadn't been for Guy Martin and his team of volunteer contractors, we would not have been able to get this new facility built.”