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.

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 tours are offered every Friday and the first Saturday of each month, May – October. We also offer Youth tours for families with children under 12. Suggested donation of $20 per adult, $10 for children under 12.

Friday Tours: 10:00am – 11:30am
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
June 6, 13, 20, 27
July 4, 11, 18, 25
August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
September 5

Saturday Tours: (youth) 10:00am – 11:30am (adult) 3:00pm – 4:30pm
May 3, 17
June 7, 21
July 5, 19
August 2, 16
September 6

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 wild horses and discussing behavior, public land use, and other wild horse preservation related issues. Hiking is moderate to strenuous on uneven, steep land. Offered the first Saturday of each month May - October. Suggested donation of $50 per adult. This trip is not recommended for children under 12.

Saturday: 3:00pm – 7:00pm
May 3, 17
June 7, 21
July 5, 19
August 2, 16
September 6

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. 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 "bring your own" dinner, storytelling, discussion and sometimes music! Please bring an instrument if you'd like to play. RTF will provide light refreshment- please pack your own dinners (refrigeration provided) or meals can be pre-arranged from local restaurants. Suggested donation of $75 per adult, (Not recommended for children under 12).

Scheduled by appointment only. Minimum of 10 people for private groups. To inquire about scheduling, call (805) 737-9246 or email programs@returntofreedom.org.

Volunteer Work Days & Weekends:

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 evening. 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, participants break down camp and head back home.

Volunteer Orientation: Saturday, July 12th, 2:00 - 7:00 pm
Volunteer Work Weekend: Saturday August 9 - Sunday August 10

Clinics

Click here for full clinic descriptions.

Photography Clinic at Return to Freedom: June 2-7, 2008

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 June 2-7, when the landscape is full of color and richness, and life is celebrated with the arrival of new foals. Included in the workshop will be a "wild horse walking adventure", this is devoted to teaching participants about wild horse behavior and how to move about and integrate into their special world. The workshop will also teach 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.tonystromberg.com/RTF-Workshop.html.

The Heart of Listening: Aug 14-17

A comprehensive clinic designed to help establish a bond with your horse that is based on trust, communication, and mutual respect. Clinic elements include: herd observation, an introduction to the Seven Waterhole Rituals (Liberty training method developed by Carolyn Resnick), animal communication, and exercises to help you deepen your intuition and to learn to move from that space. Founder Neda DeMayo and Reiki Master/Animal Communicator Cindy Rackley will facilitate this clinic.

Reiki Clinics: Oct 24-26

Reiki Master 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 - October 24th and 25th, 2008
Reiki Master Class – 3 day intensive, October 24th-26th, 2008

All classes are scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.

Journeys With Wild Horses: TBA

Special Events

Click here for full event descriptions.

Spirit of the Horse: Sept 27

Our annual fall fundraiser, this incredible family oriented event celebrates the freedom and spirit of the American wild horse and the cultural history that it represents.

Wild Horse Winery Wine Club Brunch: TBA

Join the folks at Wild Horse Winery for a one of a kind wine tasting and brunch at Return to Freedom’s wild horse sanctuary. An annual event at Return to Freedom, the Wild Horse Winery Wine Club Brunch includes brunch and wine on the veranda at the Return to Freedom ranch, followed by a hike into the hills to see the wild horses.