 |
| Finding Freedom: An Inside Look at Return to Freedom's American Wild Horse Sanctuary |
Overview of Return to Freedom's Mission to Save America's Wild Horses
Introduction to the Sanctuary
Founded in 1998, Return to Freedom's American Wild Horse Sanctuary is located in Lompoc, California along the central coast. Encompassing over 2,300 acres between its main sanctuary and satellite locations, Return to Freedom provides a safe refuge for more than 450 rescued wild horses and burros.
With the goal of preserving viable herds of wild horses in their natural habitats, Return to Freedom also advocates for protecting wild horses and burros, as well as humane management alternatives to roundups and removals. Their sanctuary and education programs give visitors a glimpse into the lives of these magnificent animals.
Preserving At-Risk Wild Horse Populations
America's wild horses are an enduring symbol of the pioneering spirit, embodying strength, nobility, and freedom. As the descendants of horses brought by early Spanish explorers and others, they represent an important part of America's heritage.
However, many wild horse populations face an uncertain future. Each year, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) rounds up thousands of wild horses and burros from public lands, often breaking up families and herd dynamics critical to their well-being. Those not adopted end up relegated to holding facilities for years.
Return to Freedom provides sanctuary for wild horses rescued from these roundups while advocating for sustainable on-range management. Their ultimate goal is keeping wild horse populations wild and free.
An Inside Look at the Sanctuary
Nestled among oak-dotted hills on California's central coast, Return to Freedom's tranquil setting belies a flurry of activity dedicated to the well-being of its equine residents.
The Lompoc headquarters is home base for over 300 wild horses and serves as the site for visitor programs. The expansive, eco-friendly facility includes corralled areas, pastures stretching to the horizon, and state-of-the-art care facilities designed with the horses’ comfort and safety in mind.
The satellite sanctuary near San Luis Obispo provides care and refuge for an additional 100+ wild horses and burros removed from herd areas by the BLM. This scenic location allows the horses to live out their days roaming grassy hillsides in close-knit family bands.
A new Northern California sanctuary location is slated to open soon through a partnership with the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Eventually housing 100 rescued wild horses, this sanctuary will enable the continuation of Return to Freedom’s life-saving work in providing care and sanctuary for at-risk wild horses.
Rescuing At-Risk Wild Horses and Burros
Historical Context of Wild Horse Roundups
When populations exceed designated appropriate management levels, which are often controversial, the BLM removes thousands of wild horses and burros from herd management areas each year. These traumatic roundups frequently result in injury and death and the destruction of family bands.
Those not immediately adopted are sent to short and long-term holding facilities. As of March 2022, over 58,000 wild horses and burros were kept in these facilities – more than triple the number remaining on public rangelands.
Providing Sanctuary for Wild Horses in Need
Return to Freedom has directly rescued over a thousand wild horses and burros to date, providing them sanctuary and working to keep bonded families together whenever possible. Their stories spotlight the issues faced by America’s wild horses.
- The Calico Herd - During a BLM roundup in 2010, Return to Freedom rescued 20 stallions and 74 mares, reuniting many of their divided families. Nearly 140 horses died during this trauma.
- Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge - In 2000, Return to Freedom collaborated to bring an entire herd of over 100 horses to the sanctuary, preserving their family bands.
- Wyoming Roundup - Using photographer identification, Return to Freedom located 19 members of two Wyoming herds divided during a 2020 roundup, reuniting the families.
“Saving wild families from the disruption of roundups and providing them sanctuary has always been a priority in our rescue efforts,” says Neda DeMayo, Return to Freedom’s founder and president. “We strive to provide them the closest thing possible to living wild and free by keeping bonded horses together.”
The Sanctuary's Most Famous Resident: Spirit
Arguably the most famous wild horse in the world, the chestnut stallion Spirit was the inspiration behind the popular 2002 DreamWorks film Spirit: Stallion of the Cimmaron.
After the movie’s production, DreamWorks gifted Spirit to Return to Freedom. For over 20 years now, he has lived at the Lompoc sanctuary where he spends his days roaming the hills with his band of mares.
Symbolizing the courage and resilience of America’s wild horses, Spirit’s high-profile status has significantly increased public awareness of the issues facing wild horses and burros.
Educating the Public and Advocating for Wild Horses
Along with providing exceptional care, Return to Freedom actively works to increase public knowledge of America’s wild horses through various education initiatives. Their ultimate goal is promoting humane on-range management practices so wild horses can remain wild and free.
Fertility Control: A Humane Alternative
Return to Freedom has successfully implemented fertility control programs, like the use of PZP contraception, to stabilize herd growth rates. This minimally intrusive method allows wild horses to remain on the range vs. being removed. Their results demonstrate fertility control’s efficacy as a more humane alternative to roundups.
Preserving Rare Spanish Colonial Horses
Several strains of exceptionally rare Spanish Colonial Horses, like the Cerbat, Choctaw, Sulphur, and Wilbur Cruces, also call the Return to Freedom sanctuary home. Through public education and breeding programs, they are working to preserve the unique genetics of these historical wild horse bloodlines at risk of disappearing forever.
Uniting for Wild Horse Advocacy
Building awareness through education initiatives and uniting wild horse supporters through outreach campaigns are key aspects of Return to Freedom’s preservation efforts.
Joining the Movement:
- Visit the sanctuary - Meet the wild horses and see operations firsthand. Special programs run throughout the year.
- Adopt/Sponsor - Provide a wild horse/burro a home or help fund their care.
- Donate/Volunteer - Every bit helps support Return to Freedom's rescue and advocacy work.
- Share on social media - Spread awareness of wild horse issues to friends and family online. Social media drives change.
Follow Return to Freedom on social media and subscribe to their email newsletter to stay up to date. Working together, we can ensure the legacy of wild horses in the American West endures for generations to come.