We would like to thank the ASPCA for a very generous 3-Year grant commitment, and for their continued support and friendship.
Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors for their ongoing generosity and support.
Clinics
Return to Freedom offers clinics and programs suitable for people with varying degrees of horse experience.
Return to Freedom offers a variety of training and educational programs for horse owners as well as people interested in learning about wild horse dynamics and herd behavior. Our programs include:
Journeys With Wild Horses
Join us on a journey to steep yourself in the world of wild horses. In a unique package of experiential programs led by Return to Freedom's founder, Neda DeMayo, 'Journeys with Wild Horses' will immerse you in the world of the natural horse. Walk into the future of horse and human relationships in such way that you will not want to return to old and outdated methods of understanding. Various distinguished horse communicators may join Neda from time to time.
To register or for more information email programs@returntofreedom.org or call (805) 737-9246.
Reiki Clinic:
Reiki Master Cindy Rackley will offer certification courses in Reiki Levels I and II and a Master intensive course. An ancient form of natural healing, Reiki is now being taught in hospitals and colleges across the country. It is a technique that heals on all levels: body, mind, and spirit and is complimentary to other modalities of healing. Reiki is beneficial to people and animals in that it accelerates healing, alleviates pain, and reduces stress. Though Reiki is considered a powerful tool for both personal and spiritual development, it is not religious in any way. For more information, or to register, contact Cindy Rackley at 360 825-6949, or via e-mail at hawkmeadow4@q.com.
Level I - You will receive manuals. Learn about the history of Reiki, the Universal laws of healing/energy work, and how to work on yourself and others. This level teaches hands on and off the body healing techniques. You will learn some kinesiology; learn to scan the body for energy blocks and open your intuition further.
Level II - This level allows you to send Reiki at a distance (absentee healing). This includes your past, present and future. It is a very powerful tool to have when you are unable to be present physically.
Please check our calendar for dates and times.
Energy and Vibrational Medicine Introduction Course
An introduction to utilizing Reiki, homeopathy, flower essences, therapeutic grade essential oils and kinesiology in the healing of people and animals. These tools will enhance and deepen your relationship with all species. Must complete Reiki Level I to take this course.
Dress comfortably and we potluck lunch each day. To register or for more information contact Cindy Rackley at hawkmeadow4@q.com. Additional Reiki clinics scheduled throughout the year, check back often for dates!
Please check our calendar for dates and times.
The Heart of Listening:
An RTF program designed to help deepen our understanding of the world horses live in. An exploration of non-verbal language, how you receive and share information with the world around you. This clinic offers an introduction into herd society and how horses establish themselves within a pecking order—powerful tools that illuminate aspects of our own behavior and society. Program elements include: non- intrusive observation of wild herds; exercises and demonstrations of the human and horse relationship; an introduction to developing a bond at liberty (The Seven Waterhole Rituals developed by Carolyn Resnick), animal communication; and exercises to explore and develop your intuition. Founder Neda DeMayo and Reiki Master Cindy Rackley will facilitate this clinic. Other exciting guest clinicians will occasionally conduct parts of this comprehensive clinic. For more information contact 805 737-9246 or via email at programs@returntofreedom.org.
Please check our calendar for dates and times.
Understanding the Horse
This comprehensive 2 day clinic is geared towards first time horse owners, anyone who would like to gain a better understanding of the horse or those who simply want to improve their basic horsemanship skills. Participants will spend 2 days immersed in the world of the horse. A panel of equine professionals will lead discussions and demonstrations that cover everything from basic healthcare and feeding to understanding how to communicate with your horse. Through various hands-on exercises and demonstrations, students will come away with a basic understanding of:
- The nature of the horse, both physiologically and sociologically
- Proper feeding and nutritional requirements of horses
- Basic healthcare and preventative maintenance (including hoof and dental care)
- How to recognize and treat common illnesses and injuries
- Communicating clearly and effectively with horses, and how to begin building a relationship founded on trust and mutual respect
- Introduction to natural healing modalities
This clinic is designed so that participants learn through experiential education. Your experience will include a hike into the hills to observe and learn from wild herds. Click here for the printable flyer, with course description and facilitators. For more information or to register, email info@returntofreedom.org or call 805 737-9246
Cost: $300 for full clinic
*We want to make this clinic available to anyone who wishes to learn more about the horse, and we do not want funds to be an obstacle. Therefore, we have a limited number of full and partial scholarships available, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors. For information on how to apply for a scholarship, contact Jill Anderson at 805 737-9246 or via email at info@returntofreedom.org.
Please check our calendar for dates and times.
Natural Balance Hoof Care with Gene Ovnicek
Gene Ovnicek is nationally and internationally recognized as a farrier, clinician and researcher. A pioneer in the study of wild horse hoof form and function, Gene has combined his 40 years of farriery with the information from other scientific research as a basis for treating and preventing equine lameness. Gene is currently involved with ongoing research with Dr. Robert Bowker of Michigan State University and Dr. Barbara Page of the Equine Wellness Foundation. The ever evolving Natural Balance(R) information packed presentations have been featured at some of the most prestigious farrier and veterinary conferences in the world. In addition to the research projects, teaching, and his position as President and Chief Technician of Equine Digit Support System, Inc., Gene still operates a complete farrier practice ranging from performance horses to lameness management and consultation. This three-day clinic at Return to Freedom covers wild horse research, biomechanics of the foot, lameness treatment and prevention, as well as improving overall performance.
For more information contact 719 372-7463 or visit www.edsshoofcare.com
Please check our calendar for dates and times. Usually scheduled every other year.
I-Team Special Report: Stampede to Oblivion
Award winning journalist George Knapp exposes problems in the wild horse & burro program.
RTF through a visitor's eyes
Viggo Mortensen speaks out for the horses
View our PSA
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