Please note that the Return to Freedom American Wild Horse Sanctuary is open to visitors only by appointment or during an event. To visit or to book a reservation for a program or event, please email us here.
Overview of Return to Freedom’s Tours and Events
Join us for staff-led sanctuary tours at RTF’s Lompoc sanctuary headquarters.
This is a staff-guided walking tour of the sanctuary with some time for quiet herd observation along the way. Meet some of the mustangs who live here and represent a vital link to the history of the horse in North America. Learn about the horse as a native species with its origins in North America, their dispersal throughout the world, and their return to their home continent as it is interwoven with our cultural heritage.
Healthy snacks, fruits and beverages provided. Recommended minimum age is eight years. Suggested admission: $150 per adult; $75 for youth ages 6-17. Admission is free for children ages 5 and under. A minimum of four participants is required to hold the program with a maximum of 25 per tour (unless arranging a group tour). Time: 3:30 p.m.-6 p.m. This is a good introductory tour.
Please click on the date you would like to register for:
Special Events
Join us on Saturday, May 10, for the opening day to our 2025 program season and Spirit’s 30th birthday!
May 10, 2025
3:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Join us for the opening day to our 2025 program season and Spirit’s 30th birthday! Celebrate with us at our sanctuary headquarters in Lompoc, Calif., with a Native American blessing of the horses and land; beautiful items for sale in our store; eclectic locavore food; wine pours from local wineries; meet Spirit, the whole Return to Freedom team and get a personal photo with Spirit! A staff-guided walking tour of the sanctuary with some time for herd observation along the way will be included.
Tickets:
Adults: $200.00
Youth (ages 6-17): $75.00
Youth (ages 5 and under): $0.00
About Spirit
Spirit was the muse and model for the artists and animators during the making of the 2002 DreamWorks animated feature film, “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron.” Animators needed to create realistic movement on screen, and needed to find a horse that embodied the characteristics and movements needed to tell the story of the wild mustang. Spirit was selected by the animation directors because of his beautiful conformation, wide-set eyes, and thick, wavy, multi-colored mane and tail. An Emmy Award-winning spinoff for small children, “Spirit: Riding Free,” has now run for eight seasons on Netflix.
In April 2002, after the completion of the film, DreamWorks selected Return to Freedom’s Wild Horse Sanctuary to be Spirit’s new home, where he serves as a prominent ambassador. Spirit is not only a wonderful representation of the Kiger mustangs, he also serves to engage youth and adults alike worldwide to know about the existence, history and plight of America’s wild horses and burros.
This is an outdoor event, and we will be following any currently applicable CDC and Santa Barbara County Health Authority COVID-19 guidelines.
Join us for one of our 2025 Family Days!
Immerse yourself in an unforgettable day of hands-on experiences at Return to Freedom’s Family Day at our main sanctuary location in Lompoc. Walk alongside majestic wild horses, enjoy special opportunities to feed them, observe and learn about horse behavior and communication, contribute to their care through hands-on activities, discover their unique diets through interactive sessions, and delve into the history of America’s wild mustangs. An enriching and interactive day for all ages, fostering meaningful connections with nature and these magnificent animals.
Family Day is from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Light refreshments and healthy snacks and fruit will be provided. Recommended for children ages 8 and older.
This is an outdoor event, and we will be following any currently applicable CDC and Santa Barbara County Health Authority COVID-19 guidelines.
Tickets:
Adults: $150.00
Youth (ages 6-17): $75.00
Youth (ages 5 and under): $0.00
Please click the date you would like to register for:
Join us as we pull up our sleeves and tackle various projects around the ranch. Please bring your own lunch. Healthy snacks, fruits, and beverages will be provided. Following volunteer day there will be an opportunity to observe some of our sanctuary residents.
To register to participate in our next quarterly Volunteer Day please contact volunteers@returntofreedom.org.
San Luis Obispo Location: Let us know if you are available to help us at our 2,000-acre satellite sanctuary in San Luis Obispo. Volunteer projects would include: water trough cleaning and debris removal which includes old wood, pipes and cattle troughs. We need strong willing and able volunteers to help with these projects!
Recommended minimum age is eight years. Join our volunteer email list to receive volunteer updates. If you would like to volunteer for fundraisers or tabling events, please connect with us! For more information, email: volunteers@returntofreedom.org.
Private Tours
Private Tours are arranged on an individual basis. They can be scheduled on weekdays or weekends when there are no other scheduled events or activities at the ranch. The cost for large group tours and retreats are based on a sliding scale, and vary with each group. Please contact us at programs@returntofreedom.org for schedules, fees, and other information. We look forward to making your tour a memorable and special event!
Private tours and safaris are arranged on an individual basis. They can be scheduled Monday-Saturday when there are no other scheduled events or activities at the ranch. If your party would like to end the day with a light catered meal from a local restaurant, this can be arranged for an added fee. Please contact us at programs@returntofreedom.org for fees, scheduling, and other information. We look forward to making your visit a memorable and special event.
Note: The prices listed below are for private tours and safaris during the months of April-August 2024. For off-season tour inquiries, please contact programs@returntofreedom.org.
Private Tours
Our most popular tour! Schedule your own private group tour at our Lompoc sanctuary, a combination of an informative Living History Sanctuary Tour with some time for sensitive herd observation. Spend 2-1/2 hours experiencing a vital link to our living history: America’s wild horses! Learn about the origins of the horse in America, how they shaped American cultures, what they face in the world today and what we are doing to preserve them. This can be a light walking tour to view the sanctuary and visit our ambassador horses along with some time to quietly view the herds in the hills. For those who want a more vigorous hike or more time in quiet observation, custom tours are available by request. Light refreshments are provided.
The suggested minimum fee is $200 per person for private tours, with a minimum of four people or full payment for four people. Private tours are scheduled by appointment only and subject to staff availability. Please contact programs@returntofreedom.org or call our office at 805-737-9246 to schedule your tour.
Group Tours for Nonprofits, Schools and Senior Centers
Schedule a private tour for up to 30 participants! Great for school field trips, senior group tours, birthdays, clubs, youth groups, Pony Club outings, Girl Scouts, equine clubs or church groups! Bring a bag lunch and spread out a picnic blanket near the pagoda after the tour. Light refreshments are provided. Pricing is $2,500 for up to 30 participants, but can vary for nonprofit organizations, youth groups, and school groups. Scheduled by appointment only (Monday-Saturday) and subject to staff availability. To discuss special arrangements contact programs@returntofreedom.org.
Corporate Tours
Corporate tours are available by special arrangement. For more information, contact programs@returntofreedom.org.
Private Photo Safaris in San Luis Obispo or Lompoc
In addition to our scheduled Photo Safaris, private Photo Safaris in San Luis Obispo or Lompoc can be arranged upon request. Whether you and your amateur photo club want to photograph colorful wild horses in a serene setting or you’re a professional photographer looking to expand your fine arts portfolio, these safaris are the ones for you! One of our experienced guides will spend up to three hours with you and your group out in the hills of our 2,000 acre satellite sanctuary location in San Luis Obispo or our 300 acre main sanctuary location in Lompoc.
For private Photo Safaris in San Luis Obispo, the suggested minimum fee is $375 per person, with a minimum of four participants required to schedule. For private Photo Safaris in Lompoc, the suggested minimum fee is $250 per person, with a minimum of four participants required to schedule. Up to 10 participants can be accommodated for private safaris at both locations. Information for larger safaris is available by request. Special restrictions on photo use may apply. Contact programs@returntofreedom.org to view our photography waiver for more detailed information.
Private photo safaris in San Luis Obispo and Lompoc are scheduled by appointment only and subject to staff availability. Please contact programs@returntofreedom.org or call our office at 805-737-9246 to schedule your private safari.
Moonlit Evening Safari & Dinner
A meditative and reflective journey into the world of wild horses (perfect for a full moon) at either the Lompoc or San Luis Obispo location. These intimate evenings are hosted by Return to Freedom Founder Neda DeMayo, sharing her unique insight and understanding of wild herds. Special guests and staff may join to add their expertise. Once in the hills, our time will be reserved for quiet observation of the herds. At dusk we will gather for a light dinner, wine and conversation. The hiking level is moderate to strenuous on uneven, steep terrain, and the activity is not recommended for children under 12. Hiking boots, light jacket, and a water bottle are recommended for the hike. Suggested minimum fee is $625 per person for our Lompoc sanctuary and $825 per person at our San Luis Obispo satellite sanctuary, with a minimum of four people required to schedule. A maximum of 10 people can be accommodated. Schedule is 4:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.
Dates can be scheduled by special arrangement, with a minimum of four people. Please contact programs@returntofreedom.org or call our office at 805-737-9246 to schedule your evening safari and dinner.
Refund and Cancellation Policy
If you’re unable to attend your program or the program is postponed or rescheduled to a date you’re unable to attend, your payment may be applied to a credit for a future program’s registration for yourself or someone you designate, Return to Freedom store merchandise, or conversion to a much appreciated donation to Return to Freedom for the care and feeding of the sanctuary’s resident wild horses and burros.
Wild Horse and Burro Photo Safaris and Workshops at Return to Freedom
Return to Freedom (RTF) holds photo safaris and herd immersions at both our main 300 acre sanctuary location in Lompoc, California, and at our satellite sanctuary on 2,000 rolling acres in San Luis Obispo, California. RTF’s photo safaris are led by RTF staff, volunteers and/or professional photographers who know the sanctuary, the herds, and the light. If you prefer to schedule a private/personalized photo safari either in Lompoc or in San Luis Obispo, a minimum of four guests is necessary. Contact programs@returntofreedom.org.
On 2,000 acres of horse heaven on California’s Central Coast, over 65 wild horses and 24 burros roam free. You may choose to embark on a photo safari or herd immersion experience. While photographers will follow the best light, observers will instead have the opportunity to quietly watch herd behavior and move at their own pace. Each experience will have its own guide. Safaris last three-five hours and can be scheduled for early morning or late afternoon. Prescheduled safaris are held from 3:30pm – 7:00pm (dark).
Horses from the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge in southeastern Oregon, along with other family bands, grace the beautiful rolling hills of San Luis Obispo with a view of the ocean in the distance. A picnic basket with healthy snacks and beverages will be provided.
Minimum suggested fee: $375 per person. A minimum of four participants are required to hold the Safari.
To register for 2025 prescheduled Wild Horse and Burro Safari and Herd Immersion dates in San Luis Obispo, click on the date you would like to attend:
Come join us for an intimate Wild Horse Hike experience at our Lompoc headquarters sanctuary. On 300 acres at our main sanctuary location, equine enthusiasts and photographers are able to intimately experience and immerse themselves in Return to Freedom’s diverse conservation herds, which include some of the most significant, unique and rare bloodlines of the American Mustang, while hiking the rugged hills of Return to Freedom’s Lompoc sanctuary. Horses who look as though they have literally stepped off the pages of a history book — such as descendants of Padres Kino’s Spanish Mission horses, the Iberian Sorraia type Sulphur Springs herd and the rarely found Cerbat Spanish Mustang are found lower in the hills. As you hike higher and deeper into the sanctuary’s hills, you’ll find descendants of cavalry and ranch horses from the Great Basin and other rugged areas on Western Public lands. The sanctuary is also home to wild burros who live in the romantic oak forest.
The Wild Horse Hike is three hours long and scheduled from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. It includes navigating steep and uneven terrain. Modifications can be made to make the activity accessible. Light refreshments will be provided.
Suggested fee: $250 per person. A minimum of four participants are required to hold the Wild Horse Hike.
To register for 2025 prescheduled Wild Horse Hike dates in Lompoc, click on the date you would like to attend:
Clinics and Workshops
April 27, 2025 – May 2, 2025
Photo Safari and Editing Lab with Lori Sortino
Spend six amazing days with Return to Freedom’s rescued mustang herds. The first three days will be at Return to Freedom’s main sanctuary location on 300 acres in Lompoc, CA. The final three days will be at their 2,000 acre satellite sanctuary in San Luis Obispo, CA. The workshop includes both sunrise shoots and sunset shoots. Stay in the hotel of your choice and meet at the sanctuary each day. The editing lab will be held midday at the sanctuary when lighting outdoors isn’t ideal. If this workshop fills up, a second workshop may be opened up at a later date.
Participants will observe and photograph herds in their natural state. There will be time during the day for group editing for those interested in learning and sharing editing techniques. A significant portion of your registration will go to supporting Return to Freedom’s conservation work for America’s wild horses and burros.
Dates: April 27, 2025 – May 2, 2025
Locations: Lompoc, CA and San Luis Obispo, CA
Workshop fee: $3,000.00*
*There are opportunities to register for only the Lompoc or San Luis Obispo portions for reduced fees.
To register or for more information select the “Click Here to Register” button below or contact Lori directly:
Lori Sortino
http://essencecaptured.com
Phone: 805-709-6000
Email: Lori@essencecaptured.com
About Lori Sortino – Lori’s Story:
I had “photograph wild horses” on my bucket list and found my way to Return to Freedom. I registered for and attended a week long workshop with Tony Stromberg in June of 2018. It changed my life. It changed my “world-view” of horses and deepened my interest in and love for these incredible animals. I continue to be impressed by Neda DeMayo’s (founder of Return to Freedom) dedication and accomplishments on behalf of the wild mustangs. I have taken three workshops with Tony Stromberg (two at RTF and one in Idaho) and work as a professional equine photographer. I have accumulated about 1,000 hours of actual behind the camera time photographing horses, and probably over 5,000 hours editing equestrian images. This is where I am “in the flow” and the hours just whiz by!
I have been volunteering with Return to Freedom at their afternoon photo safaris since 2019, and holding a multi-day photo safari has been on my mind for quite a while, so I quickly responded “YES!” when Neda asked if I’d like to offer a workshop at RTF.
In addition to photographing horses on my own time to create fine art, which I sell on line and in cafe’s, galleries, and coffee houses, I have photographed equine sports and horse shows since 2019 (hunter/jumper, eventing, polo, dressage, breed shows, and cow-horse cutting). In this work I have had Deb Hofstetter and Cathy Wallace become my partners because of their equally profound love for horses and photography, and because they stepped up and helped with some of the behind the scenes and before the events work, providing input and work beyond shooting and editing. When I started offering equine photography workshops in 2021, I invited them to join me. Deb adds extensive editing experience and is eager to share, show, and tell. Cathy, in addition to her photography and editing experience, has experience as a horse-owner, rider, competitor, and trainer. Her knowledge of horses is extensive.
April 12-13, 2025
BE-ing Herd
Listening & Learning with The Council of Horses
Led by Cindy Rackley, renowned Animal Communicator, and Sandra Wallin, Ecopsychologist and Horse Listener, this unique compilation of experiences will teach you another way to listen, and help you attune to a language that goes deeper than words.
Join Cindy and Sandra for an immersive and transformative workshop at Return to Freedom Wild Horse Conservancy at their main sanctuary location in Lompoc, CA, in which you’ll deepen your connection to the natural world and learn to communicate with horses and other species – including humans – in a profound and new way.
Workshop Highlights:
· learn and practice the foundational principles of animal communication
· discover your innate ability to connect with the natural world through telepathy and presence
· understand Energy Fields and how they impact your ability to communicate with others
· use the science of Applied kinesiology to validate your answers
· discover the ancient Art of Hippomancy while receiving guidance from The Council of Horses (Sandra’s new wisdom deck), some who still reside in the hills at Return to Freedom
· create a wild horse talisman to carry with you as you integrate and embody teachings from the herds
· harmonize with the land and the Return to Freedom herds during a Wild Horse Walk
This transformative weekend will improve your communication skills, deepen your connection to the Earth, and provide personal guidance through intuitive practices. Reserve your spot today and begin your journey towards a deeper, more connected way of BE-ing in the world.
At the end of the class you’ll be guided by a RTF staff member to walk in the hills with the wild horses.
Daily Schedule: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.-ish
Fee: $750.00
Location: Return to Freedom in Lompoc, CA
A portion of the proceeds from this workshop go toward Return to Freedom’s tireless and noble work providing solace and safety for the horses and burros who live there and advocacy for those who remain in the wild.
To register please click on the link below, or you can contact Cindy directly to register for the class:
Cindy Rackley, Reiki Master/Teacher
www.cindyrackley.com
Email: hawkmeadow4@q.com
Text: 253-653-5317
Cindy Rackley offers readings for people and animals. She is a Reiki Master/Teacher, Coach, and Healer. Her work incorporates many forms of Energy Medicine, applied Kinesiology, Vibrational Medicines, such as Homeopathy, Flower Essences, and Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils. She works with people, animals, and organizations in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Other Programs Benefiting Return to Freedom
Lorraine Turner Programs Benefitting Return to Freedom:
Lorraine Turner, author of Calico Horses and the Patchwork Trail and renowned facilitator of animal communication, supports Return to Freedom in numerous ways, including having the proceeds of her book sales and private animal communication sessions be donated to Return to Freedom.
Lorraine is a Certified Professional Animal Communicator and has studied with world-renowned Wynter Worsthorne of AnimalTalk Africa. Lorraine specializes in distant communication services that include general communication, animals in spirit, and missing animals for animals located anywhere on the planet or animals that have passed on. If you would like to learn more about Lorraine and her services, please visit her website.
Lorraine’s animal communication sessions are available to schedule privately with her for an $80 donation to Return to Freedom for a general conversation or a $100 donation to Return to Freedom for missing animals. Contact Lorraine directly at info@calicohorses.com to arrange your session with her and make your donation for your session to Return to Freedom using the button below.
Lorraine’s book, Calico Horses and the Patchwork Trail is available for sale at Return to Freedom’s online store
Testimonials:
“The messages that Lorraine was able to relay to me were unbelievably accurate and inspiring. I was amazed by her accuracy in depicting things that are going on in my family’s lives and hearts — currently, as well as past and future. To add to my amazement, Lorraine and I live in different countries, and the fact that she was able to connect with them through a photograph leaves me speechless! Wow!!” – Jenn, Canada
“I’ve had the blessing to work with Lorraine on some of my other animals. She is spot on…and the kindness she has is a rainbow bright soothing cup of all that’s right. If I had to explain how I felt after the sessions would be..the same feeling you get on a hot night…the cool side of your pillow. Thank you Loraine!!!!” – Shelli, Florida
“In my unsuccessful attempts to locate a horse I used to own, I decided to use an animal communicator having had great results in the past. I found Lorraine on Animal Talk Africa online. After emailing her with my plight, she responded with support and compassion. She quickly started communicating with him and relayed what she was receiving. It was so important to me to know that I was not alone in this search. He has now been located and is doing well. Thanks so much for your assistance!!” – Nikki, South Africa
COVID-19 RESPONSE AND IMPACTS TO 2025 PROGRAMS SEASON
Return to Freedom (RTF) is preparing our 2025 programs season and will operate in accordance with any current guidances from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the State of California, Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County health authorities. When you are planning to register for a program or event, and once you are registered, please check the links above for updates and current guidances. Activities at our Lompoc sanctuary fall under Santa Barbara County health authority guidelines. Activities at our satellite San Luis Obispo sanctuary fall under San Luis Obispo County health authority guidelines. RTF staff will also reach out to all registered participants the week of their program to confirm registration, share directions to the activity location, and provide additional information if there are changes that would require cancellation or postponement.
RTF implements safe practices including limiting the number of participants at its programs and practicing safe social distancing along with other steps to help protect the health of visitors, staff, and the horses and burros. Of course, we will not be able to accommodate anyone who is ill or has been in contact with someone who is ill for the safety of all visitors.
Please reach out to us at programs@returntofreedom.org if you have any questions regarding our 2025 programs.