About Zuma’s
Success Stories
Impact by the Numbers
For more than 18 years, Zuma’s Rescue Ranch has been saving horses, strengthening families, and building innovative programs that support both equine welfare and human healing.
200+ MUSTANGS SAVED
In 2009, Zuma’s participated in the rescue and placement of over 200 Mustangs from a major hoarding case, working alongside the Humane Society of the United States to help place horses into safe homes.
JUSTICE FOR ABUSED HORSES
Information provided by Zuma’s helped prosecutors successfully convict the individual responsible for the Alliance, Nebraska horse starvation case, sending the perpetrator to prison.
23 HORSES SAVED IN ONE DAY
In 2015, Zuma’s rescued 23 horses in a single day from a corrupt brand inspector colluding with a kill buyer at Centennial Auction, temporarily expanding the sanctuary herd to 71 horses.
43,800 MEALS EVERY YEAR
Every year Zuma’s provides approximately 43,800 meals to the rescued horses living in a lifelong sanctuary.
780 HEALING SESSIONS
Zuma’s Equine Assisted Learning (Z.E.A.L.) program provides approximately 780 mental health and therapeutic sessions annually for foster youth, families, and community members.
NATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN HORSE WELFARE
Founder Jodi Messenich served 10 years on the Homes for Horses Coalition Advisory Board, alongside national organizations including:
• ASPCA
• Humane Society of the United States
• Animal Welfare Institute
Helping shape national policy on horse welfare and rescue standards.
SAFETY NET FOR HORSE OWNERS
Zuma’s launched a Safety Net Program to help horse owners keep their horses at home through:
• Feed assistance
• Veterinary support
• Owner education
• Emergency resources
Preventing horses from entering the auction-to-slaughter pipeline.
EDUCATION FOR HORSE OWNERS
Zuma’s provides community education on:
• Colic recognition and prevention
• Wound management
• Nutrition and preventative care
• Responsible horse ownership
Helping prevent neglect before it begins.
BUILDING COLORADO’S FIRST NON-PROFIT LARGE ANIMAL CLINIC
Zuma’s is currently developing Colorado’s first nonprofit large animal veterinary clinic to serve horse owners in need.
Milestones include:
• Douglas County approval for clinic development
• Architectural plans completed
• Capital campaign launched
• 2025: Construction begins inside Zuma’s hay barn
NO-COST THERAPY FOR CANCER PATIENTS WITH OUR “HEALING HERD” AND PHOTOADVOCACY- SCOTT WILSON
OUR MISSION
At Zuma’s Rescue Ranch, rescued horses are given lifelong safety, and in return, they help people rediscover trust, healing, and resilience.
Every horse saved.
Every meal provided.
Every therapy session delivered.
All made possible by a community that believes horses deserve protection and people deserve hope.
Don’t just take our word for it, check out what our amazing community is saying about Zuma’s!
“Our daughter researched locations for involvement with horses when she discovered information on Zuma’s Rescue Ranch. She knew how much horses meant to me from the stories I shared of years past.
To say I did not know what to expect when I visited Zuma’s is to say the least! When you observe the caring and love given to the animals, you will be blown away with emotion. Being around rescued animals will fill your heart to overflowing! Also, your soul will be filled in a way you can’t express in words! Zuma’s is a safe place to rejuvenate and remove the noise of the city. You are away from the daily tasks of your life. In helping others, whether 2-legged or 4-legged, you bring peace to your mind and soul. As you drive to Zuma’s, your blood pressure lowers, and the anticipation of a positive experience comes over you.
Another beautiful thing about Zuma’s, if you are not comfortable with horses, there are plenty of tasks that benefit the animals. Besides rescued horses, there are rescued: (3) goats, (1) sheep, (4) minis, (2) donkeys, (1) cow, (3) cats!
I encourage everyone who reads my story, PLEASE come and be a Volunteer! Whatever you give in time, you will be blessed triple!”
Dee Tickle, Volunteer of 16+ years
“I have been volunteering at Zuma's for the past 13 months...
Any expectations I had have been far exceeded... the care shown to the animals, the kindness of the people who volunteer, and the quality of the staff who have been informative and supportive have been such a positive experience.”
Dennis Friesen, Volunteer
“I am currently a volunteer at Zuma's Rescue Ranch and have been volunteering there for a while now.
About 3 or so years ago, I was going through some dark times when I found Zuma's website. The people and horses at Zuma's I feel have played a huge role in helping me get through some really tough times in my life, where I never thought I would see the end.
Zuma's brought a light into my life and it changed me for the better. There are so many positive feelings I have for this place that are hard to explain. It truly fulfills me to help the staff, other volunteers, horses and all the other animals there, and support the mission of Zuma's.
Zuma's is and will always be a sanctuary for me where feelings of compassion, empathy, beauty, kindness, peace, patience, integrity, feeling of safety, belonging, etc... all come together in one incredible place.
I feel so blessed and grateful to have found Zuma's many years ago and to be a part of this wonderful and beautiful place.
Thank you Zuma's for everything you do for people and animals.”
Julianna S., Volunteer
“I recently took a group of middle and high school students to Zuma's for a 4-hour equine therapy/relationship training. It was amazing to watch the transformation of the students from the beginning to the end of the session. One student started out the morning with a hat pulled low over her eyes. She spoke so quietly, it was difficult to hear her. Her entire body was literally trembling when she was introduced to her first horse. By the end of the session, she was the first one to volunteer to be blindfolded while leading a horse.
The entire Zuma's staff worked together to make this a safe space for mistakes and growth. They found the perfect horses - horses that were able soothe the fear and trauma that were present in some of the kids. With the assistance of the instructors, the horses sent out their healing energy. It was a truly inspiring morning.”
Marjorie Lane, Community Leader for At-Risk Youth
Support the Cause
Looking for ways to help? Zuma’s day-to-day operations add up to huge expenses. Donations are welcome and appreciated.
