We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make last Saturday’s celebration of Spirit’s 30th birthday and the Opening Day of our 2025 program season so special!
More than 300 visitors came to see Spirit and help us raise funds for the more than 460 wild horses and burros in our sanctuary’s care.
We were brought to tears listening to their stories. This movie, DreamWorks’ “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron,” and this horse have meant so much and been transformative in so many lives!
As Marina, an equine assistant, led Spirit back up to his pasture on the hill, visitors from all over the United States, Brazil, Canada, Australia, Poland and England sang “Happy Birthday” to this special horse who carries their dreams of a free, kind world.
Like the words written by “Spirit” screenwriter John Fusco, the story told by America’s mustangs and the film is about resilience, family, perseverance and determination. Freedom is the birthright of all living beings.
A heartfelt thank you to:
- speakers Lorna Cook, “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron” co-director, and animator Peter Paul,
- flamenco guitarist George Quirin and classical guitarist Josiah Frias,
- Pete Crowheart for sharing a Native American blessing,
- Miguel Lupiano for showcasing his horse training skills,
- caterer Full of Life Flat Bread,
- vendors Chris West, Puremedy, Pacifica, Living Energy Crystals and Youth Springs Pottery,
- silent auction donors Montecito Med Spa, Lash On, Wax Off, Blossom Salon, Carole King, Walter Claudio Salon, Petrine Day Mitchum, Cindy Rackley, Chloe Marie Burk, The Ballard Inn, Transcendence Winery, Babcock Winery, Lori Sortino, Lumen Winery, Los Alamos Motel, Full of Life Foods, Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort,
- product donors Flying Goat Cellars, Beckmen Vineyards, Sadie’s Bake Shop, Two Wolves Winery, New Frontiers, Wild West Pizza, Farm Supply of Buellton,
- lift supplier Sunbelt Rentals,
- and our hard-working volunteers and staff!
Event photos by Irene Vejar.
