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.
2010 Calendar Of Events
Please take a few moments to review our up-coming Eco-tours, clinics, and special events.
Return to Freedom believes that education is the most positive catalyst for change and forward movement. Within nature's classroom, we seek to provide an experience where participants learn through sensitive observation of the natural world. Our tours and clinics are a wonderful way to experience America's wild horses in a natural setting. Click here to see photos and read testimonials from our clinics. For questions regarding tours and clinics, or to reserve your spot, please call (805) 737-9246 or email programs@returntofreedom.org.
Equine Eco- Tours:
Living History Tours:
Learn about and directly experience our living history, America's wild horses! The day starts with an educational presentation which is followed by a tour of the ranch facilities and a walk to the edge of the hills to see the horses. Tour will focus on the historical significance of America's wild horses and current political issues that threaten their survival.
Adult & Youth tours are offered the first and third Saturday of each month, May - September. The Saturday morning Youth tours are designed for adults and families with children under 12. Suggested donation of $20 per adult, $10 for children under 12.
Saturday Tours: 9:00am - 11:30am
May 1 & 15
June 5 & 19
July 17
August 7 & 21
September 4
Wild Horse Walks:
An intensive study of wild horses, their role in the American West, and their herd behaviors. Participants will get a tour of our facility first, with an educational overview. We will then hike into the hills, quietly observing the herds. There will be time allowed to discuss behavior, public land use, and other wild horse preservation related issues. Hiking is moderate to strenuous on uneven, steep land. Offered the first and third Saturday of each month May - September. Suggested donation of $50 per adult. This trip is not recommended for children under 12.
Saturday: 3:00pm - 6:00pm
May 1 & 15
June 5 & 19
July 17
August 7 & 21
September 4
Full Moon Herd Observation Evenings:
A meditative and reflective journey into the world of wild horses. These intimate evenings are hosted by RTF founder Neda DeMayo, sharing her unique insight and understanding of wild herds. Special guests and equine staff may also join us and add their expertise. A brief overview of Return to Freedom and the issues America's wild horses are facing will precede the walk. Once in the hills, our time will be reserved for quiet observation.
After several hours watching herds, we will gather around the campfire for a light dinner, refreshments, storytelling, discussion and sometimes music! Please bring an instrument if you'd like to play. Deposit required since meals will be pre-arranged from local restaurants.
5 PM - 9PM
Scheduled on Full Moon evenings
May 27, June 26, August 24
Suggested donation of $150 per adult, (Not recommended for children under 12).
Scheduled by special arrangement only. Minimum of 5 people for private groups. To inquire about scheduling, call (805) 737-9246 or email programs@returntofreedom.org.
Volunteer Work Days & Weekends:
One Saturday a month join the staff at RTF as we push up our sleeves and tackle various projects around the ranch. Arrive early Saturday morning. We'll work all day and go for a hike into the hills to visit the herds in the late afternoon.
During a work weekend, bring your family and camp out under the stars. After our work day we'll set up camp, go for a short hike to see the wild horse herds, and then gather around the campfire to share dinner and stories. Sunday morning, help feed the horses, finish up projects, clean up. 4 PM Participants break down camp and head back home.
Volunteer Orientation: Saturday, April 10, 10:00 am -
3:00 pm
Pack a lunch and get acquainted with ranch staff and the
sanctuary. Focus is on basic safety, ranch rules, instructional overview
of a variety of sanctuary chores! End with a wild horse walk & stay
for a campfire and s’mores!
Volunteer days:
Second Saturday of each month. Help with daily ranch chores and special
projects!
Volunteer Work Weekend: TBA
Youth Volunteer Work Weekend: Saturday July
24 - Sunday July 25
Clinics
Click here for full clinic descriptions.
Kids Day at The Ranch: August 10
Kids' Day at the Ranch will highlight the care and maintenance that goes into running a large horse sanctuary. Children will learn about horse care, participate in ranch chores, and feed all 200 horses at the ranch at the end of the day!
$40 per child/parent pair, $10 additional children
Photography Clinic at Return to Freedom:
May 16-21
Join award-winning photographers Tony Stromberg and Kimerlee Curyl for a 6-day equine photography workshop that will be taught at Return to Freedom. The workshop is May 16-21 when the landscape is full of color and richness, and life is celebrated with the arrival of new foals. RTF Founder, Neda DeMayo will offer demonstrations and exercises to better understand how horses perceive the world around them and respond to movement. Participants will also join Neda on journeys into the herds to expand their understanding of wild horse herds, movement and social dynamics. This very unique workshop stresses the importance of developing a relationship with the horses, with emphasis in "co-creation" as it relates to the authorship of a finished image. For more information or to register please visit www.wildhorsephotoworkshop.com.
Reiki and Energy Medicine For Horses: April 17 & 18, 2010
First day: Reiki Level I Certification. 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 also learn applied kinesiology; learn to scan the body for energy blocks and the attunement helps to open your intuition further. Manual included.
Second day: You'll learn how to use Reiki and other forms of Energy and Vibrational Medicine (homeopathy, flower essences, etc.) on horses and on all animals. You'll also learn about energy fields, and how to use applied kinesiology in your testing. Field practice and informational manual included.
Time: 10a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily
Fee: $350 ( prepayment required; space is limited so reserve your place early)
If interested, please contact Cindy Rackley directly at hawkmeadow4@q.com or 360-825-6949 or website www.cindyrackley.com
Reiki Clinics: August 13-15, October 22-24 (Master Class
Animal Communicator 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.
Return to Freedom, American Wild Horse Sanctuary near Lompoc, is hosting Reiki Certification Classes at the Sanctuary:
Reiki Level I & II - April 16-18, August 13-15 and
October 22-24
Reiki Master Class - Reiki Master Certification Classes
offered in conjunction with the Level I &II Classes. Must already
be certified to Level I & II to take the Master class. If interested,
please contact Cindy Rackley directly at hawkmeadow4@q.com or 360-825-6949
All classes are scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
Journeys With Wild Horses:
By special arrangement. Small and intimate workshops for the individual who wants to immerse themselves in the language and community of horses. The experience includes but is not limited to body language as a form of universal communication. The workshop will focus on the communion possible between horse and human and developing the bond as a foundation for relationship. For equestrians and non-equestrians. No previous horse experience needed. 3 and 5 day workshops. $200 per day per person.
Special Events: TBA
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
Please help us protect and preserve America's Wild Horses by becoming a Member today.
