Exploring Life & Business with Jodi Messenich of Zuma’s

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jodi Messenich.

Hi Jodi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

In 1997, I realized my lifelong dream of owning a horse! We named her Zuma, but soon discovered she was traumatized. The seller had been sedating her during our pre-purchase visits. Once at home, Zuma was clearly distressed; she was jittery, shied away from touch, and often kicked out when ridden. Deemed dangerous by our trainers, they recommended euthanasia. However, I couldn’t give up on her—she was already part of the family. After nearly a year of patient rehabilitation, we managed to calm her down enough to ride. Zuma even went on to achieve success in the Hunter/Jumper show circuit.

Over the next three years, our family’s equine family grew from just Zuma to eight horses housed at a local boarding facility, prompting us to buy and develop our land into a training center. This horse show period also opened my eyes to the mistreatment of some horses in the show industry; I vowed to do better and help suffering horses.

After our daughter left for college, we intended to sell our facility and downsize. Fate intervened with a literal lightning strike that sparked a grass fire on the day we planned to list the property. The sale was postponed, and shortly after, a friend implored us to rescue seven horses destined for slaughter—a fate I was shocked to learn existed in the U.S. We agreed to take those horses in need without hesitation.

A year later, our rescue count had grown to 16, in addition to our nine personal horses. This surge in rescues led us to establish Zuma’s as a nonprofit in 2008, eventually housing over 70 horses at a time.

My journey in foster care began in 1987; shortly after I had my daughter, I became a licensed foster parent. Twenty years later, amidst the rescuing of so many horses, I met another foster parent whose need led me to add a mental health program at Zuma’s. We initially collaborated with the Denver University’s Graduate School of Social Work on an Animal-Assisted Therapy Program. We later expanded our approach with Naropa University to create a more experiential learning environment run by licensed therapists.

In 2007, I joined the advisory board of the Homes For Horses Coalition, a collaboration with ASPCA, HSUS, and AWI. I contributed for ten years, aiding in developing new rescue operations and setting standards for horse care.

Fast-forward to 2024, and Zuma’s has grown into a robust center for horse rescue, education, and mental health. We’ve secured a contract with the Department of Defense Skills Bridge program to help military personnel transition to civilian life. We are driving a capital campaign to establish a nonprofit, large animal clinic.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road? If not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Rescue work is challenging yet profoundly rewarding. Both animal and child abuse inflict deep psychological scars, resulting in what is known as a “trauma brain.” These traumatic experiences keep the affected in a constant state of alert, often leading to behaviors that seem selfish or devoid of empathy due to their focus on survival. Without consistent nurturing, victims—whether they be human or animal—become unfocused, reactive, and often profoundly depressed.

Just as with humans, animals can suffer from depression and may not react appropriately to their surroundings. At Zuma’s, we are committed to helping these victims of abuse and neglect heal. Through therapists and trainers’ combined efforts, animals and people discover pathways to peace, trust, and love. Supporting the majestic horses at our facility incurs significant costs and requires much physical effort. We are continually seeking funding opportunities to sustain our programs. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated challenges by creating shortages of licensed therapists, and there is also a steep decline in Veterinarians entering the large animal field; these deficits in professional services complicate our operations.

Thanks for sharing that. Maybe you can tell us a bit more about your business next.

Zuma excels in rehabilitation and is dedicated to transforming people’s and animals’ lives through its various programs.

One notable rescue effort was in 2009 at the Three Strikes Ranch in Alliance, Nebraska, where we were called to save 300 starving mustangs. Tragically, 200 horses had already died by the time we arrived. However, once our team was on the ground, we ensured no further loss of life. Over a week, we categorized and prepared the surviving horses for rescue, collaborating with the Humane Society of the United States and Habitat for Horses to make this significant rescue operation successful.

To fund our activities, we utilize a mix of service fees, educational programs, sponsorships, fundraisers, and grant writing. A highlight for 2024 is our “Rock the Ranch” event, a live music festival scheduled for June 15th from 4:00-9:00 pm, featuring musicians, vendors, and children’s activities aimed at hosting 500 guests. More information is available on our website at www.zumasrr.com.

Most of our funding is directed towards program services, which means I personally handle a range of responsibilities, including HR, training, grant writing, social media, marketing, newsletters, teaching, equine nutrition, equine bodywork, public relations, and extensive facility maintenance and horse care. Our team is small but supported by many dedicated volunteers.

Opportunities abound at Zuma’s. Visitors can meet with a therapist, become students learn about horse care and horseback riding, rent the facility for private events, integrate their therapy business using our space, or engage with us as interns, donors, or volunteers.

Before we go, can you tell us how people can work with, collaborate with, or support you?

To get involved with Zuma, consider joining our new member orientation, held every third Saturday of the month from 9 AM to 12 PM. You can also schedule a riding lesson, book a mental health session, or arrange a private tour.

The most effective way to support Zuma financially is to become a member for $25 a month.

Additionally, you might sponsor the care of a horse you grow fond of or take riding lessons from our exceptional instructors. Any of the above activities will help us fund the life-saving programs happening every day at Zuma’s.

Pricing:

• Lessons $40-$90
• Therapy $60-$145
• Membership is $25 a month
• Facility Rentals $500 and up
• Birthday Parties $250-$500

Contact Info:

• Website: www.zumasrr.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zumascolorado/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zumasrr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/54689954/admin/feed/posts/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZumaRescueRanch
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxi241ennah2vJEBTaSErCA
• Other: https://zumasrescue.simplybook.me/v2/#book/count/1/

Image Credits
Angella Crabb Photography