Frequently Asked Questions

Of course! If you’d like a tour, you can sign up for a Ranch Tour here. When you arrive, make sure to find a staff member (we wear red!) and they’ll get you a release form to sign.

Zuma is the Messenich Family’s first horse, her untimely death changed the family’s life and was the spark to start the nonprofit.

Boomer was one of the family’s original show horses that lost his life to a misdiagnosis, another human error. Boomer’s life changed how we care for horses in regard to nutrition, fecal samples, and colic care.

Lucky was a 2009 rescue that was found in horrible condition living in a city neighborhood backyard. He was the ambassador for our first at-risk youth group program with Shiloh House Denver. We sadly lost Lucky to colic in 2013.

We’re so happy to have you! To become a Zumateer, complete our Volunteer Application here. Once your application has been accepted, your next step is Volunteer Orientation. After you attend Volunteer Orientation, you are officially a Zumateer!

If you’re looking for volunteer opportunities with more hands-on animal time, be sure to sign up for our mandatory Horsemanship 101 class. This class covers the basics of interacting with our herd and will allow you to spend more time with our amazing animals.

At Zuma’s, we make a conscious effort to not discuss our herd’s history in front of the herd, as many have come from traumatic situations. If you have a question about a specific horse, be sure to visit Our Herd page, or chat with a staff member.

No, these are different.

Sponsoring a horse means you help Zuma’s provide food, care, and medical attention to that herd member but you do not own them.

Most of our rescues are here to stay! We don’t usually adopt out our herd members unless we feel that they have found a perfect fit, because we want Zuma’s to become their forever home.

If you’re interested in leasing one of our horses, check on their bio page to see if they are available!

When you sign up for riding lessons at Zuma’s Riding Academy, our experienced instructors will select a horse that would be a good fit for you at your current riding level. Most likely you will get to ride several of our incredible lesson horses over the course of your riding education. 

Here at Zuma’s, we strive to ensure every experience is as beneficial to the horse as possible. Together with The American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA), we suggest that horses should not carry more than 15% human and 5% tack weight for a combined 20% of their body weight on their backs, as this can cause damage to their spine and connective tissue.

If you’re looking to spend time with our horses and gain more knowledge, please explore our Additional Equine Education Options. All of these classes take place with everyone’s feet on the ground and are inclusive of every experience level.

What to Wear When Volunteering
Closed-toes shoes are required at all times. Otherwise, dress for the weather and bring layers!

A water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, work gloves, and sunglasses are helpful items to bring as well.

What to Wear To a Riding or Equine Lesson

Long pants are required, and wear a comfortable shirt for the weather or indoor arena. Our program has boots, half-chaps and helmets to borrow.