Photo by Lori Sortino
UPDATE: Opening Day is now completely sold out. Please see our Visit page for other opportunities to visit our Lompoc, Calif., headquarters sanctuary or our beautiful San Luis Obispo, Calif., satellite sanctuary over the spring and summer months. Spirit’s matching campaign and bidding in the silent auction (see below) to benefit the sanctuary’s rescued horses and burros will continue on until May 10. If you are interested in being added to a possible second Spirit event, please contact alexandra@returntofreedom.org.
Spirit’s getting ready for his 30th birthday!
Here are three ways you can make his birthday wishes come true:
- Join us as we celebrate his birthday and the Opening Day of our 2025 programs season on May 10 at our Lompoc, Calif., headquarters sanctuary (details below)!
- Donate to his matching fund: During the 30 days until Spirit’s birthday, a generous donor is matching donations dollar for dollar! Our goal: raise $30,000 for the care of the more than 450 rescued wild horses and burros at our sanctuary.
- Take part in our silent auction, underway now online with more great items still to be added.
On Opening Day / Spirit’s Birthday, you can:
- Meet Spirit, the Kiger mustang stallion that served as the animators’ muse during the making of the 2002 DreamWorks Animation feature film, “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron!”
- Hear stories from the making of the film from the movie’s animation director, Lorna Cook, including about how Spirit was chosen as the model for the film’s hero, and animator Peter Paul.
- Enjoy flamenco music played by guitarist George Quirin, eclectic organic locavore cuisine and locally sourced seafood served by Full of Life Flatbread, and wine pourings by Flying Goat Cellars and Beckmen Vineyards!
- Experience a Native American blessing of the horses and the land
- Join a mini walking tour of the sanctuary
- Shop for beautiful items in our store