By Elisabeth Ashe*
Rural Mexico has always been a haven for horse lovers, and nowhere else as much as Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area. There are active horse groups and a thriving horse community that hosts parades and other events throughout the year.
It is this vibrant community that I, a Canadian Expat of nearly 25 years, want to tap into and realize my dream of opening a horse sanctuary, rescue center, and therapy riding program.
Alliance with The Seahorse Foundation
Another Expat, Russell Paulsen, founder of The Seahorse Foundation, an organization in Zihuatanejo, is building an 8-classroom school to educate up to 80 disabled students. Although we are not a part of the Foundation per se, our collaboration is a perfect fit. The Seahorse School provides us with the kids, our sanctuary will provide horse therapy.
Horses have an uncanny instinct with children, especially children with autism, down syndrome as well physical and emotional issues. It is almost mystical when you see them together. The horses somehow know that these children need extra care, and the children respond to that knowingness. It is very heartwarming to witness.
Donated Land
The first thing the sanctuary needed, of course, was enough land to build the park, and in a good location, that is easily accessible, ideally with water, pasture, and fence. With the help of videographer Eduardo Haywood, we produced a sales video that highlighted our dreams and plans.
Luckily for us, the first people to offer us enough land to use to build our dream was the Aguilar Family, owners of the popular Pollo Coa Restaurant immediately outside of Coacoyul.
Future Plans
Now that the land is secured, phase two can begin. That includes registering as a non-profit organization. It’s amazing how many locals and foreigners have already reached out to me – people with valuable experience as horse trainers, therapy instructors, and locals who have long since seen the need for a rescue center for abused and neglected horses.
Plans include not only the therapy aspect but a riding arena for lessons and a field of obstacle courses in which everyone, tourists and locals alike can participate. People will be able to ride or walk their horses through 20 challenges. It’s a great way to create more tourism because tourists are always looking for something to do when they get here. Long-term plans will include lease programs and boarding opportunities for locals who own their horses.
Contact Information
If you want to learn more about how you can get involved, please contact me at:
Elisabeth Ashe WhatsApp 1-705-791-0665
Or Mexican cell: 755-136-9504
*About the Author: Elisabeth Ashe has been coming to Zihuatanejo since 1995. “Zihuatanejo inspires me,” she says. “It is here where I come to write, as no other place gets my creative juices flowing the way Z does.”
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