They come from all over — horses neglected, abused and often forgotten after decades of hard work on a ranch or farm.

But The Horse Shelter, a nonprofit in Cerrillos, accepts as many of them as it can — as long as it has enough resources. That's why Sunday's annual spring benefit luncheon and auction is especially critical for the group's efforts.

Now at an all-time high of 52 horses, the shelter is dealing with as many occupants as it can, said Jennifer Rios, co-president of the group's Board of Directors.

"We're close to maximum capacity," she said, "not by property, but by resources. We are stretching ourselves, and that means that the staff is more overworked than normal."

The shelter, with only one and a half paid positions, relies entirely on volunteers and donations to help the state's neediest horses. But there's a lot of support in the community for the animals, especially when it comes to Sunday's fundraiser.

Luckily, Rios is married to one of Santa Fe's most celebrated chefs, Martín Rios of Restaurant Martín. The two recently returned from New York City, where Martín Rios was one of 20 chefs in the country invited to cook at the James Beard Foundation Awards Ceremony and Gala Reception. Last year, his restaurant was a semifinalist for the foundation's Best New Restaurant in the U.S. This year, he was a semifinalist for its Best Chef of the Southwest.

Martín Rios will volunteer his time and skills for The Horse Shelter luncheon, where he'll likely surprise guests again with a mixture of eclectic dishes cooked in a makeshift kitchen on the shelter's premises. Almost all the food and beverages at the gala are donated.

The event, now in its 10th year, will feature mariachi music performed by Mariachi Luna de Plata as well as music of Roarke Griffin, a cowboy musician and favorite among eventgoers.

Aside from dinner, wines, beverages and tours of the shelter, the event also will include an auction, Rios said. Some donated items include a contemporary art piece valued between $5,000 and $7,500, a dinner in a private home with actor Ali MacGraw, a horse sculpture, a vacation condo in Mexico and a chance to win a private dinner party at Restaurant Martín.

But the best part is helping to save horses, Rios said. People get a sense of that mission because the event is held on the ranch.

"So many of these fundraisers don't put you in direct contact with the population you are benefiting," she said. "But with this event, you hear them, smell them — it's literally there in the paddocks, with horses on three of the four sides of the tent."

Auction preview and shelter tours start at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $75. For reservations and information, call the shelter at 505-471-6179.