Meet our Herd!
Zorro’s Crossing is the forever home to 12 magnificent horses. At our sanctuary, these former racehorses are properly cared for, loved unconditionally and kept safe from all harm.
Each of these horses has monthly sponsorship opportunities for loving people like you.
Sponsor a Horse
$200 Per Month - Soul Sponsor
Soul sponsors receive pictures of their horses weekly, weekly updates and one sanctuary visit per month.
$450 Per Month - Angel Sponsor
As an Angel Sponsor you can visit your horse weekly, receive weekly updates on your horse and receive weekly videos and pictures of your horse.
$900 Per Month - Herd Hero
Our Herd Heroes provide 100% support for their horses and in return receive unlimited monthly visits, will have their names on a stall, will have their name on our web site, receive weekly updates and pictures and videos if their horses, will have facetime sessions with their horses and will have their names on the Read to Rescues banner for each event.
Guardian Sponsor
Any amount of money is greatly appreciated and directly helps our horses. Guardian Sponsors receive monthly updates of your horse.
Zorro
Meet Zorro, the spirited equine who started it all! This 26-year-old Welsh/Morgan cross may be one of the smallest on the farm at just 13.3 hands high, but he is undoubtedly the mightiest. Zorro began his illustrious career as a jumper pony and gracefully transitioned into an equine-assisted therapy horse. Upon retiring, he found a loving home with one of his many devoted riders, the Astrop family.
Lovingly nicknamed Z-Man, Zorro now enjoys a life of luxury at Zorro’s Crossing. His journey has inspired our mission: to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide a forever home for horses who have been cast aside and are in crisis.
Despite his quiet demeanor, Zorro commands a strong presence. He carries himself with a regal air and showcases his intelligence in the most delightful ways. Whether breaking into the feed room, picking his meds out of treats, or nibbling on forbidden plants, Zorro’s mischievous antics never fail to entertain us.
Zorro's legacy is one of resilience, wisdom, and a touch of playful rebellion. He has shown us the path to our mission, and we are forever grateful for his guidance. At Zorro’s Crossing, Zorro is more than just a horse; he is the heart and soul of our sanctuary.
By sponsoring Zorro, you are not just supporting a remarkable horse; you are contributing to a legacy of hope and healing for countless others. Join us in honoring Zorro and help us continue our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide a loving home for horses in need. Your sponsorship will ensure Zorro and his friends live their best lives, full of love, care, and adventure. Sponsor Zorro today and become a part of our incredible journey!
Diva's Kitten
Meet Diva; she was first put to the whip as a two-year-old. Diva raced 32 times, earning over $100,000 for her connections. Her final race at Thistledown on September 17th, 2018, ended with her "trailing, stopping in the stretch, and jogging to the wire," finishing almost 30 lengths behind. Just a month later, at the tender age of four, Diva was put up for sale as a broodmare. Her listing revealed she had a chip in her upper left knee joint—a painful testament to her exploitation by the racing industry.
Despite being bred, used, and maimed by racing, Diva received no financial support from those who profited off her. Within six weeks, she was "flipped" by Blue Bloods, a TAA-accredited facility, to Colt Rainville, a self-professed "trainer" in Virginia. Under Rainville's jurisdiction for five months, Diva was neglected and abused.
Thanks to the diligent efforts of Rose Smith and Mary Johnson, Diva was tracked down in May of 2022 and brought to Zorro's Crossing in terrible condition. She was 200 pounds underweight, suffering from a bilateral eye infection, ticks all over her face, cracked hooves, and severe starvation.
Yet, Diva's spirit was unbroken. Over several months, with love, care, and patience, Diva began to heal. Today, she lifts her head high, enjoying her daily grooming sessions and the company of her pasture mates. She has a strong personality but is gentle with children and assisted living groups. Diva has blossomed into a symbol of resilience and strength.
By sponsoring Diva, you are supporting her continued recovery and joining a mission of love and rehabilitation. Your monthly sponsorship will ensure Diva continues to thrive in a nurturing environment.
Join us in celebrating Diva's journey and help us continue our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide forever homes for horses in need. Sponsor Diva today and be a part of her inspiring story, ensuring she lives her best life filled with love, care, and joy.
Cupula
Born at the prestigious Juddmonte Farms in Kentucky, Cupola boasts a noble lineage as the third generation bred for Prince Khalid Bin Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. The prince purchased her great-grandmother, Nijinsky Star, 1987 for a staggering $700,000, highlighting Cupola's esteemed heritage. However, despite her illustrious background, Cupola's journey took a harrowing turn, leading her into the slaughter pipeline destined for Mexico.
After foaling two beautiful fillies in 2019 and 2020, Cupola struggled to conceive for a third consecutive year. This unfortunate circumstance led her to a sale in New Holland, Pennsylvania, where she was to be sold by the pound. With a USDA sticker marking her fate, Cupola was on the brink of a horrific end. But fate intervened when angels from the Unbridled Thoroughbred Foundation rescued her from the "meat buyer" on November 20, 2020, giving her a new lease on life.
Initially frightened and apprehensive, Cupola found solace and companionship with Baby and Ladybug, forming an unbreakable bond. The trio arrived at Zorro's Crossing in 2021 and have since flourished together. While still timid initially, Cupola has made remarkable strides in becoming more trusting.
Today, Cupola stands as the head mare of Zorro's Crossing. Though she may be shy around new faces, her nurturing and gentle nature shines as she watches over all the horses on the farm. Her journey from near tragedy to a life filled with love and care is a testament to resilience and the power of second chances.
By sponsoring Cupola, you are not just supporting a remarkable horse; you are contributing to a story of hope and transformation. Your sponsorship will ensure Cupola and her friends thrive in a loving, caring environment. Join us in honoring Cupola and help us continue our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide a forever home for horses in need. Sponsor Cupola today and become a vital part of our incredible journey, ensuring she lives her best life filled with love, care, and joy.
Ladybug
Meet Summlikealady, affectionately known as Ladybug, a resilient mare born in 2010 whose journey is a testament to courage, compassion, and second chances. Raced in 2018-2019, Ladybug's life took a dramatic turn when a racing insider reached out to Mary Johnson about her deteriorating health. Lacking the financial resources to help, this person highlighted Ladybug's plight, prompting Rose Smith, a dedicated horse advocate, to step in and cover her veterinary costs.
Initially, Ladybug's colic concerns were dismissed, but her condition soon worsened, leading to a diagnosis of gas colic and eventually a blockage in the cecum. With no improvement after five days, euthanasia seemed inevitable. Despite her excruciating pain, Ladybug's fighting spirit shone through—she refused to give up.
Recognizing her will to live, Rose and Mary sent Ladybug to the Equine Specialty Hospital, where she was diagnosed with Grade 4 Bleeding Ulcers. Thanks to aggressive treatment and rehabilitation, Ladybug made a remarkable recovery.
Ladybug's story sheds light on the silent suffering many horses endure behind the scenes of the racing industry. Her resilience is a powerful reminder of the countless others still needing help.
Today, Ladybug thrives at Zorro's Crossing, enjoying a life filled with love and companionship. This strong, stunning mare has bonded deeply with Cupola, often sharing a stall with her barn mate. Ladybug is now training to become a hippotherapy horse, embodying hope and second chances. Her journey from suffering to joy inspires us, and we are grateful to have her as part of our herd.
By sponsoring Ladybug, you are not just supporting a remarkable horse; you are joining a mission of hope and transformation. Your monthly sponsorship will ensure that Ladybug continues to thrive in a loving, nurturing environment. Join us in honoring Ladybug and help us continue our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide forever homes for horses in need. Sponsor Ladybug today and be a part of our incredible journey, ensuring she lives her best life filled with love, care, and joy.
Ballet Gala
Meet Ballet Gala, affectionately known as Baby, was born on April 21, 2018. This lustrous dark chestnut mare quickly earned the nickname "pocket pony" and even starred on Steve Caporizzo's Pet Connection, capturing hearts with her charm and innocence.
Originally bred to race, Baby's path took a fortunate turn in May 2020 when her breeder generously donated her to the Unbridled Thoroughbred Foundation. Baby has a slightly turned-out right front leg, a condition that prevented her from enduring the demands of racing. This twist of fate led her to a more meaningful and joyful life.
Baby is curious and loves to be involved in everything happening around her. One of her favorite activities is playing in the water—she's notorious for placing her hoof in the trough and splashing around as soon as it's clean. Her playful nature and eagerness to engage with her surroundings make her a joy to be around.
Currently, Baby is being trained for hippotherapy, where her intelligence and gentle demeanor will shine. Her story is a testament to the power of second chances and the extraordinary spirit of horses.
By sponsoring Baby, you are not only supporting her continued growth and training but also joining a mission of love, rehabilitation, and care. Your monthly sponsorship will ensure Baby continues to thrive in a nurturing environment.
Join us in celebrating Baby's journey and help us continue our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide forever homes for horses in need. Sponsor Baby today and be a part of her heartwarming story, ensuring she lives her best life filled with love, care, and joy.
Daisy
Meet Daisy Mae, affectionately known as Daisy, a charming 16-year-old Paint Pony/Haflinger cross born in 2008. Daisy's journey is one of resilience and heartwarming transformation. Rescued from a kill lot in Kentucky by our neighbor and friend at Wild Fern Ranch, Daisy's story took a remarkable turn. Trained by Grace, Daisy found her true calling in therapeutic riding lessons for children.
We first encountered Daisy when one of our sons took lessons with her, and it was love at first sight. Seizing the opportunity, we welcomed Daisy into our family at Zorro's Crossing. Daisy epitomizes a "bombproof" pony—intelligent, robust, and adaptable to any situation. Her sassy personality adds to her charm, yet she is incredibly gentle and calm, allowing any child to ride her bareback without a bridle.
Daisy's dedication to assisting children is truly special. She extends her gentle spirit beyond our ranch, visiting assisted living homes to bring joy and comfort to the residents. We are immensely grateful to Grace at Wild Fern Ranch for saving Daisy's life and feel blessed to have her as an integral part of our herd at Zorro's Crossing.
Daisy's story is a testament to the power of love, training, and the unbreakable bond between humans and horses. She continues to inspire us daily with her gentle heart and unwavering strength.
Ladd
Meet Ladd, a magnificent 23-year-old Draft/Thoroughbred Cross Bay who once soared as a champion jumper. Towering and strong, Ladd embodies power and grace, yet he's incredibly gentle and easy to handle. He spent his early years with a loving family on the farm where we now reside. When they had to move and couldn't take him along, we were overjoyed to welcome him into our hearts and provide him with a peaceful retirement full of love and care.
Ladd shared a deep bond with his soulmate, Lady, who had been his pasture mate for seven wonderful years. Lady was a true hero, valiantly battling a severe case of EPM until her passing in 2021. Her spirit remains with us, and she rests peacefully at our farm's gravesite. We miss her dearly and cherish her memory every day.
Today, Ladd has formed new, strong friendships with Diva's Kitten, Cupola, and Daisy. Watching him thrive in their company is a joy as he continues to be the gentle giant we adore. Ladd's story is one of resilience, love, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.
By sponsoring Ladd, you are not just supporting a remarkable horse; you are joining a mission of hope and transformation. Your monthly sponsorship will ensure that Ladd continues to enjoy a life filled with love, care, and companionship. Join us in honoring Ladd and help us continue our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide forever homes for horses in need. Sponsor Ladd today and become a part of our incredible journey, ensuring he lives his best life surrounded by friends and care.
Shamrock Road
Meet Shamrock Road, affectionately known as Shamrock or Sham, a sorrel Thoroughbred gelding with a story of resilience and hope. Shamrock's early years were filled with hardship, having raced an astonishing 24 times in his first year alone and a total of 61 times over less than five years. Despite his struggles, he only earned $42,000, epitomizing the life of a low-level claimer.
Throughout his racing career, advocates like Mary Johnson followed Shamrock closely, appalled by the relentless demands placed on him. Despite several attempts to retire him from racing, it wasn't until October 2022 that Mary Johnson was able to purchase him and finally end his suffering. Their determination brought Shamrock to Zorro's Crossing, where he now enjoys a life of love and security, free from the racing industry's demands.
Shamrock has quickly become a beloved member of our herd, charming everyone with his gentle nature. His past trauma is evident in his cribbing and swaying, but his spirit remains unbroken. He has found a special friend in his pasture mate, Baby, and their bond brings joy to all who witness it.
Shamrock's journey from hardship to happiness is a testament to the power of compassion and second chances. By sponsoring Shamrock, you are not just supporting a horse; you are becoming a part of his incredible transformation. Your monthly sponsorship will ensure that Shamrock continues to thrive in a loving, nurturing environment. Join us in honoring Shamrock and help us continue our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide forever homes for horses in need. Sponsor Shamrock today and be a part of our heartwarming journey, ensuring he lives his best life filled with love and care.
Alicia's Song
Meet Alicia's Song, lovingly known as Alicia. She is a resilient and spirited mare with a story that exemplifies hope and second chances. Born on February 21, 2001, Alicia has a prestigious lineage. She is the daughter of American Standard, a horse sold at Keeneland in 1987 for an impressive $1,060,000.
Alicia's journey to Zorro's Crossing began in a dire situation. She and her companion, Rose, were found at the Unadilla auction in New York, malnourished and abused, mere skin and bones. Both had already been sold to a meat broker, their fates seemingly sealed with USDA stickers marking their future. However, a timely text from Susan Kayne changed everything. Susan asked if we could take in the two mares, knowing their history as once-raced horses. Without hesitation, we welcomed Alicia and Rose into our family in November 2020.
Despite her age, Alicia has a feisty and fun-loving spirit. She has shown incredible resilience and has blossomed into a joyful and affectionate mare. Alicia loves the company of other horses, especially her dear friend Rose. One of her favorite pastimes is playing in the water and being sprayed with a hose, a simple pleasure that brings out her playful nature.
Alicia's transformation from a neglected and abused horse to a beloved member of our herd is a testament to the power of compassion and care. She embodies the spirit of Zorro's Crossing, where every horse is given a chance to heal, thrive, and live their best life.
By sponsoring Alicia, you are not just supporting a remarkable horse; you are joining a mission of hope and transformation. Your monthly sponsorship will ensure that Alicia continues to enjoy her days filled with love, care, and the companionship she cherishes. Join us in celebrating Alicia's incredible journey and help us continue our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide forever homes for horses in need. Sponsor Alicia today and be a part of her heartwarming story, ensuring she lives a life filled with joy and happiness.
Dakota
Meet Dakota. He is a charming paint horse with a heartwarming story and an indomitable spirit. His journey to Zorro's Crossing began with a heartfelt rescue by our beloved friend, Jama Hedgecoth. Jama would often drive by a lonely field where Dakota stood
alone, knowing that horses are meant to live with companions in a herd. One day, she decided to knock on the owner's door and, for $300, secured Dakota's freedom.
Dakota found refuge at Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary, but when the sanctuary decided to rehome all their hoofed animals, Jama reached out to Jennifer at Zorro's Crossing. She asked if we could take care of Dakota until she could reorganize her sanctuary. Sadly, Jama passed away from brain cancer, making Dakota a permanent and cherished resident of Zorro's Crossing.
Jama always said Dakota thought he was a puppy dog, having been raised with dogs and cats, and he didn't understand why he couldn't live on her porch. Here at Zorro's Crossing, Dakota displays his affectionate and friendly nature. He loves people, children, and all small animals, and he has formed a powerful bond with Momma, his closest companion.
Dakota's story is about love, resilience, and the power of companionship. By sponsoring Dakota, you support a wonderful horse and join a mission of care and compassion. Your monthly sponsorship will ensure that Dakota continues to receive the love, attention, and care he deserves.
Join us in celebrating Dakota's journey and help us continue our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide forever homes for horses in need. Sponsor Dakota today and be a part of his heartwarming story, ensuring he lives his best life filled with love, companionship, and joy.
Saint Lani aka Momma
Meet Saint Lani, affectionately known as Momma. She is a registered Skipper W-bred Doc Bar Quarter Horse, a breed originally developed for racing. While Momma's history remains a mystery, her story at Zorro's Crossing is one of heartwarming transformation and enduring bonds.
Momma's initial stay at our sanctuary wasn't as a rescue; she was meant to be here temporarily. However, during her time with us, she formed an unbreakable bond with Dakota, becoming his rescuer and source of comfort. When it was time for her to return to her original home, Dakota, Alicia, and Rose were heartbroken. The depth of their connection was undeniable, and we knew we had to bring Momma back for the well-being of our herd.
We are incredibly fortunate that a generous donor stepped forward to purchase Momma from her previous owner, allowing her to return to her forever home at Zorro's Crossing. Since her return, Momma has blossomed. She is now more comfortable with human interaction, knowing she is loved, wanted, and a valued member of our herd. Her transformation is a testament to the healing power of love and companionship.
Momma's story is one of resilience, love, and the incredible bonds that form between horses. By sponsoring Momma, you are not just supporting a remarkable horse; you are joining a mission of hope and healing. Your monthly sponsorship will ensure that Momma continues to thrive in a loving and nurturing environment.
Join us in celebrating Momma's journey and help us continue our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide forever homes for horses in need. Sponsor Momma today and become a vital part of her heartwarming story, ensuring she lives her best life filled with love, care, and the joy of being with her cherished friends.
Rose
Meet Rose; she is a beautiful, sweet mare whose journey to Zorro's Crossing is a poignant reminder of resilience and hope. Her story began in dire circumstances at the Unadilla Auction in New York, where she and her companion, Alicia, were already sold to a meat broker. Both horses were malnourished, abused, and reduced to skin and bones. It was a desperate situation until Susan Kayne intervened, texting us from the auction and asking if we could take them in if she bid on them. We couldn't say no, so Rose came into our lives in November 2022.
Rose's past remains a mystery. Her racing tattoo was illegible, and her DNA test came back inconclusive, leaving us without clues about her exact age or detailed history. However, her spirit and demeanor speak volumes. Despite her past hardships, Rose has shown incredible resilience and a willingness to trust again. Our trainer has discovered that Rose is quite fancy when ridden, indicating that she was once well-trained. How she ended up in the slaughter pipeline remains a heartbreaking mystery.
At Zorro's Crossing, we are committed to giving Rose the time, love, and security she needs to heal. We ask nothing of her except to enjoy her new life surrounded by care and compassion. Watching Rose slowly learn to trust again and seeing her sweet, gentle nature emerge has been a rewarding journey for all of us.
By sponsoring Rose, you are not just supporting her; you are becoming part of a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide forever homes for horses in need. Your monthly sponsorship will ensure Rose receives the love and care she deserves, helping her recover and thrive fully. Join us in celebrating Rose's journey and help us continue our mission to offer sanctuary to horses like her. Sponsor Rose today and be a vital part of her story, ensuring she lives a life filled with love, care, and the happiness she so richly deserves.