Conservation

Return to Freedom strives to keep wild horses in their original family and social groups, maintaining their unique genetic lines so they may continue to evolve without the threat of capture or removal.

Conservation

Return to Freedom is affiliated with the Choctaw Horse Conservation Program, a project created by mustang preservationist and screenwriter John Fusco. This project, which is designed to preserve the almost extinct Choctaw horse, is a harmonious relationship with Return to Freedom's rare breeds preservation program.

In order to meet the challenge of the rapidly diminishing number of Wild Horses in America, we first need to preserve and protect those that remain. Therefore, the core of our conservation efforts focuses on:

Committed to preserving the many rare and diverse bloodlines that define the American wild horse of today, Return To Freedom preserves diverse herds maintained in separate areas according to their geographic origins. Some of the herds represent horses with DNA similar to the primitive Iberian horses (the Sorrias), some are direct and undiluted descendents of Padre Kino's original Spanish Mission strain which arrived in the 1600's, while others represent descendents of calvary horses and ranch horses that have interbred on our public and park lands reverting to a natural state over the past 500 years.

Whatever their historical, genetic or biological significance, the wild horses of today represent their evolution in their respective habitats. The bone density, the longer cannon bone and other physiological and sociological changes that have occurred make them what they are today. While geneticist Dr Gus Cothran (University of Kentucky) observes that the past 20 years we have witnessed the disintegration of domestic horse breeds, wild horses continue to adapt and survive against all odds. This unique adaptability and hardiness simply cannot be replicated in domestic breeding situations.

It is with this conscience that we recognize the American Wild Horse of Today as a re-introduced native wildlife species. Their resilience throughout the years in the face of mounting threats, has earned the American wild horse their rightful place on the most uninhabitable areas of America's public lands as expressed in The Wild Free Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971, the will of the people.

Providing Rescue and Sanctuary

As an animal welfare organization, Return to Freedom's primary focus is to preserve the sanctity, dignity and genetic diversity of America's Wild Horses. The cornerstone of our conservation efforts rests in the American Wild Horse Sanctuary, home to over 200 wild horses and burros, and Spirit, a Kiger Mustang stallion.

The majority of our horses have come to us through rescue efforts, organized in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service. We are the only sanctuary working with this agency that mandates that horses be relocated with their family and natural herd groups in tact.

Foster Care

To date, we have rescued hundreds of wild horses from U.S. public and park lands, abusive situations and others that have been displaced for various reasons. However, we are unable to provide sanctuary for all the horses that are in need. To fill that gap, when appropriate, we may also make foster care programs available so that some of the younger horses who demonstrate a desire to socialize with humans can find suitable homes.

Preservation Programs

Among the horses residing at the sanctuary, there several that have been proven, through DNA blood testing and pheno typing, to be genetically rare breeds. We work to assure that horses with pure genetic lines are preserved and remain a part of the diversity of America's Wild Horse population.

We Need You

Please consider any of the following ways in which you can get involved in our conservation efforts:

Join Return to Freedom and the Rickman Family to preserve an American legend

Wild horses galloping across the Western plains is an image that has long been associated with the spirit and freedom of America, and in 2004 Americans fell in love with a legendary mustang, thanks to the Disney film Hidalgo.

The film featured the story of Frank Hopkins, a man who devoted his life to protecting wild horses, and his famous mustang Hidalgo. Descendants of Hidalgo still range free in Blackjack Mountain near Finley, OK, along side original strains of the Choctaw Indian Horse. Owned and overseen by Bryant Rickman, the horses have been able to range in hundreds of thousands of acres, until now. Having endured centuries of change, the survival of this herd is now threatened. They are facing their last stand.

The Oklahoma Land and Timber Company has, with very little warning, terminated the grazing leases on Blackjack Mountain. They have just sent a final notice demanding that the mustangs be removed by March 31st 2008 and then it will be handed over to the local Sheriff's department who will take the horses to auction.

In an effort to preserve this historical herd, John Fusco, Bryant Rickman, Dr. Phillip Sponenberg (geneticist), Return to Freedom Founder Neda DeMayo, and other conservation groups have joined forces to launch an urgent rescue operation.

The IMMEDIATE and URGENT need is to safely relocate the horses to a 300 acre tract of land owned by the Rickman family, and to provide feed and veterinary care for the herd. More...

Make a donation to this historical effort via paypal or call (805) 737-9246 to make a donation over the phone.
Please note: Choctaw Horse Conservation on all donations.

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Let us know if you have a sanctuary and would like to work together; or would like to get involved in other ways.