Rancho Baaxal; A Sanctuary For Horses and Humans

Rancho Baaxal, a small ranch nestled in the jungle off the coast of the Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula was created in 2008 as a place of sanctuary for both horses and humans. For years, the ranch operation has been financed mainly by taking guests out for rides in a non commercial piece of paradise. The last year has been very tough though, and after  the economic devastation  of COVID-19 and the ensuing hurricanes of 2020, the future of the ranch and our horses is very uncertain and without an urgent infusion of money we may not be able to continue. The ranch is run as a non-profit operation and any and all profits are invested into the well being of the horses; who have all been rescued from suffering neglect and/or abuse before ending up at our ranch. The Rancho Baaxal family also includes several rescue dogs; we also care for and rescue dogs and cats that have been abandoned in the area. During these difficult times, with almost zero income generated by our guided tours on horseback, we are suffering tremendously and are in desperate need of help to feed and care for the horses, many of which are on medication and under veterinary care from prior abuse. One tropical storm and two hurricanes within just a couple of weeks last month led to many additional expenses for roofing, fence repair and hundreds of downed trees that had to be removed from the ranch, access roads and trails. No donation is too small and the Rancho Baaxal family is truly grateful for the opportunity this platform offers to assist us in caring for our "children". Our greatest hope is to endure the challenges of the coming months and once again share in the happiness of our patrons arriving as guests and leaving as friends. We are finally open for reservations again, although bookings are few and costs continue to accrue. Sending wishes of healing, hope and wellness to all...ranchobaaxal.com
That is the Rancho Baaxal story; this is mine. My name is Melissa Moors and I created this fund raiser because of my personal experience at the ranch. Last February, shortly before COVID-19 reared it’s ugly head, my
husband and I took a guided tour through
the jungle on two of their cherished horses, Rey and Chiquilin. I could sense immediately that Rey had trust issues with regards to humans but he was willing to give me a
chance. He was covered with scars inflicted by inhumane training devices and I could
tell that he had suffered.  In conversation
with our guide I learned that he had been
severely abused before being rescued by
Lisa and Rancho Baaxal. My husbands mount was a
beautiful gray Andalusian stallion
“Chiquilin” who, as I remember, had been
abandoned and left to starve before being
saved from what would have been an awful fate. These are just two stories of many... 

 I was very impressed with the Rancho Baaxal team and how they operated; I knew from the time I left that I wanted to somehow be a part of their family in the future. I recently contacted Lisa to inquire about a job working at the ranch during my next 
trip to the Yucatán this coming February, as I’ll be in the area for the entire month.
When I learned  of her trying situation,
I was compelled to help in some way. I will
be volunteering my time.