Interview with: Board of Directors President, Jason Zuromski
What is Healing Hoof Steps?
Healing Hoof Steps is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives through the healing connection between people and horses. Located in Northwest Florida, we provide innovative, equine-assisted programs that support mental health, emotional wellness, personal growth, and resilience for children, adults, veterans, first responders, and families facing life’s challenges. Healing Hoof Steps is the only program of its kind for over 500 miles that offers two distinct modalities utilizing horses for healing at the same location: a clinical equine-assisted psychotherapy program and a holistic adaptive riding program.
How did this organization come about?
Healing Hoof Steps was born from a simple but powerful belief: healing can happen in extraordinary ways. As the daughter of a Vietnam combat veteran, our founder, Narissa Jenkins, grew up understanding that the sacrifices of military service are often carried by the entire family, shaping her passion for supporting healing and resilience. After witnessing the extraordinary connection between horses and people navigating grief, trauma, mental health challenges, and other difficult life experiences, Narissa’s life-long passion for horses was reignited. She recognized the need for a place where individuals could step away from the pressures of everyday life and rediscover hope, confidence, and purpose.
What impact does the Healing Hoof Steps have on the community?
Healing Hoof Steps has become a trusted community resource by providing a safe, welcoming environment where children, adults, veterans, first responders, and families can find hope, healing, and connection. Through our mental health and wellness programs, we’ve helped individuals build confidence, overcome adversity, strengthen relationships, and improve emotional well-being; many of which may not have sought help otherwise. Beyond the lives changed on our ranch, we’ve fostered meaningful partnerships with local businesses, healthcare providers, schools, and civic organizations, creating a collaborative network dedicated to improving the health and resilience of our community. Every participant, volunteer, donor, and supporter plays a vital role in helping us create lasting change—one life, one family, and one hoof step at a time.
What are the future goals of your organization?
As Healing Hoof Steps looks to the future, our vision is to expand access to pioneering mental health and wellness services and continue to improve our region’s mental health statistics. We are focused on growing our equine-assisted programs, strengthening partnerships with healthcare providers, schools, and community organizations, and developing our facility to better serve the increasing demand for care. Through sustainable funding, community support, and continued innovation, we are committed to becoming a regional leader in equine-assisted mental health, ensuring that generations to come can experience hope, healing, and transformation that begins with a single hoof step.
What are some challenges your organization faces?
Like many nonprofits, Healing Hoof Steps faces the ongoing challenge of meeting a growing demand for mental health services while maintaining the highest quality of care. The daily costs of caring for our therapeutic herd, maintaining a safe and welcoming facility, and expanding programs require significant resources. We rely on the generosity of donors, corporate partners, foundations, and volunteers to help bridge the gap.
What events does your organization host? Are they open to the public?
Healing Hoof Steps currently hosts three major events each year. Our annual charity golf event, Par 4 Patriots, will be September 19th at the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club. In addition to golf, there will be a Paint n’ Sip event on the veranda for any non-golfers. The Equestrian Challenge is hosted on-site October 24th for our local horse community to compete in an obstacle course points challenge. In addition, there is also a $500 costume contest for the horse and rider teams! The Hub City Pickleball Derby occurs in late April each year at Twin Hills Park in celebration of the Kentucky Derby. Visit our Events page at www.HealingHoofSteps.org for more event information and registration.
What is your role and how did you get involved with the Healing Hoof Steps?
I serve as the President of the Board of Directors for Healing Hoof Steps, but my connection to this organization began long before I accepted that role. My wife and I found Healing Hoof Steps after experiencing the greatest loss of our lives, the death of our son, Mack, in 2021. Like so many families’ navigating grief, we were searching for hope and a reason to keep moving forward. Healing Hoof Steps became part of that journey. What started as volunteering quickly became something much deeper. We experienced firsthand the connection, peace, and hope that horses can provide during life’s darkest seasons. Today, it’s my honor to help lead an organization that gives others the same opportunity to find healing, regardless of the challenges they’re facing.
What would you like our readers to know about your organization?
Your legacy can begin with a single hoof step. Whether you choose to sponsor a horse, fund a participant’s healing journey, establish a legacy gift, send a recurring monthly donation through our Cavalry of Giving, or become a corporate partner, your generosity will create a lasting impact for generations to come. We invite you to schedule a tour of Healing Hoof Steps and discover firsthand how hope is taking shape—one life at a time.
How can someone get involved and/or support your nonprofit?
There are many meaningful ways to become part of the Healing Hoof Steps family. Community members can volunteer their time, sponsor a therapeutic horse, fund a participant’s healing journey, become a corporate or community impact partner, attend one of our signature fundraising events, or make a one-time or recurring charitable gift. We also welcome businesses, civic organizations, and individuals who want to share their talents, resources, or expertise in support of our mission. Whether you’re looking to give back, leave a legacy, or simply make a difference in the life of someone facing challenges, there’s a place for you at Healing Hoof Steps. Together, we can bring hope, healing, and opportunity to those who need it most. Visit the Ways to Give section at www.HealingHoofSteps.org for more information.
