Born January 17, 2012, Skye is our newest resident at the sanctuary. Skye's Sire " Red" and Dam, "Gabriella", are part of the Hart Mountain herd - the first herd to arrive at Return to Freedom some 14 years ago. The Hart Moutain herd roamed free in the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge in Oregon until a total wild horse removal by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in the late nineties.

The Hart Mountain Herd at Return to Freedom is one of our largest and strongest herds.  Skye will grow up in the safety and comfort of his herd, learning important lessons from his mother and father, as well as other members of the herd. Though we utilize nonhormonal birth control, some mares are nonresponders and each year brings a few new foals. While we are able to mitigate population growth, the birth of a few new foals like Skye plays a strong role in our educational programs. Taking visitors out to quietly observe the behavioral dynamics, social structure and deep bonds that exist within our herd groups helps build an appreciation for wildlife communities and the need to preserve their natural lifestyle and their habitat.

Skye is a welcome new member of the Return to Freedom family and we look forward to watching this young foal grow into a strong young horse.