Zuma’s Rescue Ranch
Denver Children’s Home is back in session with Zuma**!! We have had an incredible time with the new group of clients.
The group spent a most of the day outside with the animals and everyone enjoyed the warm, sunny weather but took lots of water breaks throughout. After a brief discussion with Misty and Shelly (our Zuma leaders), our kids jumped right back into the morning chore routine and enjoyed re-connecting with the animals, especially the donkeys, Reba and Dolly! Afterwards, the group gathered inside for a snack and participated in a discussion with Misty and Shelly to learn about leadership, control, mindfulness, and regulation through bilateral stimulation in preparation for placing harnesses on the horses. Next, the group transitioned back out to the paddocks and spent the remainder of the session meeting and greeting different horses and herds and practiced putting harnesses on Twilight and Bertha. Additionally, the group spent some time petting and greeting horses, Steely and Hope, to continue to build comfortability, as well as foster connection and mindfulness with the animals. Overall, everyone did a great job and they were all excited to talk and sing on the car ride home!
Here is an individual update for each of our kiddos (names anonymized):
Holly worked well while completing the morning chores by working with her peers and greeting a new horse, Lola. She enjoyed spending time with Moo and Maggie, the barn cats! Holly showed positive leadership by being the first to volunteer as gate guard and learned to harness Bertha and Twilight with guidance from Misty. She was excited to sing a few songs on the drive home!
Jacob had a great day today with no issues to report. He did well with the morning chore routine, often supporting peers when needed and thanking others for support through. He actively engaged during all group discussions and demonstrated positive interactions with Zuma staff throughout the day. He did a great job learning new haltering techniques. Jacob was very excited to make some progress in greeting the shy sheep, Lily!
Levi had a great day at Zuma, jumping into the routine and morning chores. He was eager to say hello to the animals while in their paddock. Levi was quick to learn haltering techniques with the horses while receiving support and guidance from Zuma staff. He was happy to have the barn cats greet him throughout the day. Overall, Levi was bright and happy!
Jess did a wonderful job today and was bright and happy throughout! She was excited to harness the horses and bonding with Twilight throughout. Overall, Jess had a really fun day and said she was excited to talk about it later!
**Zuma's Rescue has dedicated hearts and resources to making the world a better place for horses and humans alike. Through compassion-based therapy and animal rescue, Zuma’s is changing the perception of how horses are treated and how therapy is facilitated.
Zuma proudly welcome all neurodivergent community members and embrace an open-gate policy for those who lead with kindness, patience, and understanding. Whether living with anxiety, dementia, PTSD, depression, or other challenges, all are welcome here.
At Zuma’s, healing happens through connection—with animals, nature, and each other.
