Some may find it hard to believe our fiery little thoroughbred could ignite such compassion, but Zuma’s soul provides the very foundation for our dream. Her unwavering heart and dedication to her loved ones courses through every vein of our program, and anyone involved with our cause can feel the strength of her pulse living on today. Her story while unique, offers insight to the depth of the bond between man and horse, and its ability to support and inspire us through the most difficult of times.

Looking back on my late childhood and teenage years now, I still find it difficult to put down in ink the seemingly infinite ways horses touched my heart, and molded me into who I am today. I will never find a medium with which I can thank my parents for connecting me with these animals. I only hope my life’s journey represents the profundity of gratitude and knowledge I gain from my experiences.

My memoirs of Zuma are tumultuous to say the least, but through the highs and the lows of our life together I acquired a profound respect for her intuition and earned a steadfast and loyal companion. She taught me how to earn respect and build a foundation of trust through hard work and honesty; something I do not think I could understand so completely and apply to all my relationships without her help. Zuma (and every horse after her) remind to take everything in stride, offering me sanctuary from a chaotic world while reminding me not to lose myself and my passions in the commotion.

The details of my decade of education from Zuma and her hoofed counterparts are numerous, covering more subject matter than I could draw from any classroom lesson.
Zuma taught me respect. If you do not ask for what you want kindly and respectfully, I will end up with dirt in my face, quite literally. This lesson transcends into every aspect of my life and while dirt may be a figure of speech here, the lack of respect holds true.

Zuma taught me patience and trust. If you force me to do something I am not ready to try, I will go back to the barn, with or without you. Her timorous nature showed me you cannot force any situation unless you take the time to let others view you as a place to lay their trust. Then and only then can you move forward.

Zuma taught me the power of unconditional love. I will stand by your side and dry your tears on my coat. I expect nothing more than for you to stay with me until I feel the relief in your embrace and see the happiness in your eyes return. Hug me closer, and stay as long as you want. I know the powerful bond of love between two souls can mend even the deepest wounds.
I want the world to feel the love I have in my heart for these animals. I want everyone to know they have someone out there, two legs or four, that will love them without question, if they just give them the chance.

“Get these hard times right out of our minds, riding Wildfire.”  (Zuma's show name was wildfire)

Victoria Messenich

Horse Rescue with Equine Assisted Experiential Learning