New Mexico is a perfect state in which to experience the grandeur and history of the American West. Ruidoso, situated in such close proximity to the Lincoln National Forest, offers a unique variety of natural and manmade attractions. Local cultural institutions also make our city a fine place to visit and learn more about the history of the entire Southwest.
Located just off U.S. Route 70 in Ruidoso Downs is the Hubbard Museum of the American West. This young museum, featuring a large private collection of equestrian memorabilia, is New Mexico’s first Smithsonian affiliate institution. This facility features both indoor and outdoor exhibits of artifacts from the Western pioneer, Native American and Hispanic cultures that have dominated the region for centuries.
One woman’s lifelong passion for riding horses led to the creation of the Anne C. Stradling Museum of the Horse in 1960. Originally situated in Arizona, the collection started its migration to the Hubbard Museum in Ruidoso during the late 1980s, while the Hubbard itself was still private. In 2005, the private owners of the museum, R.D. and Joan Dale Hubbard, presented the entire collection of cultural and equestrian artifacts to the city of Ruidoso Downs.
Of the many attractions bringing people from all over the country to the doors of this Western museum is the Free Spirits at Noisy Water, a collection of eight horse sculptures completed by artist Dave McGary. Each horse represents a certain breed important to the history of the American West and horses in general, including Appaloosas, Arabians, Morgan horses and more. The heaviest of these lifelike statues reaches about two tons in weight, and five of them are perfectly balanced on one hoof.
The American Southwest is a region steeped in history that you’ll love to explore. Nowhere is that easier to do than Ruidoso, with its access to natural preserves and entertainment for all ages. Innsbrook Condos is the idyllic vacation stop for your perfect venture to New Mexico.
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