2009 Calendar Of Events

Please take a few moments to review our up-coming tours, clinics, and special events.

Calendar Of Events

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 admin@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 & Youth tours are offered every Friday and the first and third Saturday of each month, May - September. The Saturday morning Youth tours are designed for families with children under 12. We also offer Youth tours for families with children under 12. Suggested donation of $20 per adult, $10 for children under 12.

Friday Tours: 9:00am - 11:30am
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
June 5, 12, 19, 26
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
August 7, 14, 21, 28
September 4

Saturday Tours: (youth) 9:00am - 11:30am (adult) 4:00pm - 5:30pm
May 2, 16
June 6,20
July 4,18
August 1, 15
September 5

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 the herds. There will be time allowed to discuss behavior, public land use, and other wild horse preservation related issues. Hiking is moderate to strenuous on uneven, steep land. Offered the first and third Saturday of each month May - September. Suggested donation of $50 per adult. This trip is not recommended for children under 12.

Saturday: 4:00pm - 7:00pm
May 2, 16
June 6,20
July 4,18
August 1, 15
September 5

Full Moon 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. Special guests and equine staff may also join us and add their expertise.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 light dinner, refreshments, storytelling, discussion and sometimes music! Please bring an instrument if you'd like to play. Deposit required since meals will be pre-arranged from local restaurants.

5 PM - 9PM
Scheduled on Full Moon evenings: May 9 (Saturday)
June 7 (Sunday)
July 7 (Tuesday)
August 5 (Wednesday)
September 4 (Friday)

Suggested donation of $150 per adult, (Not recommended for children under 12).

Scheduled by appointment only. Minimum of 5 people for private groups. To inquire about scheduling, call (805) 737-9246 or email admin@returntofreedom.org.

Volunteer Work Days & Weekends:

One Saturday a month 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 late afternoon.

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, help feed the horses, finish up projects, clean up. 4 PM Participants break down camp and head back home.

Volunteer Orientation: Saturday, March 21, and April 4 10:00 - 3:00 pm
Pack a lunch and get acquainted with ranch staff and the sanctuary. Focus is on basic safety, ranch rules, instructional overview of a variety of sanctuary chores!

Volunteer days:
March 21 - Orientation day
April 4- Orientation day
April 18
May 16
June 20
July 18
August- Special Youth Volunteer work weekend
September 19th
October 17
November 21
December 5

Volunteer Work Weekend: TBA
Youth Volunteer Work Weekend: Saturday August 29 - Sunday August 30

Clinics

Click here for full clinic descriptions.

Kids Day at The Ranch: August 1

Kids' Day at the Ranch will highlight the care and maintenance that goes into running a large horse sanctuary. Children will learn about horse care, participate in ranch chores, and feed all 200 horses at the ranch at the end of the day!

$40 per child/parent pair, $10 additional children

Photography Clinic at Return to Freedom: May 31-June 5 2009

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 May 31-June 5 when the landscape is full of color and richness, and life is celebrated with the arrival of new foals. RTF Founder, Neda DeMayo will offer demonstrations and exercises to better understand how horses perceive the world around them and respond to movement. Participants will also join Neda on journeys into the herds to expand their understanding of wild horse herds, movement and social dynamics. This very unique workshop stresses 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.wildhorsephotoworkshop.com.

The Heart of Listening: April 23-26

4-Day intensive clinic with world renowned equine behaviorist and author GaWaNi Pony Boy, RTF Founder Neda DeMayo, and Reiki Master/Animal Communicator Cindy Rackley.

Reiki Clinics: March 28, 29 and October 24,25 (Master Class TBA)

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 - March 28, 29 and October 24,25
Reiki Master Class - Reiki Master Certification Classes offered in conjunction with the Level I &II Classes. Must already be certified to Level I & II to take the Master class. If interested, please contact Cindy Rackley directly at hawkmeadow4@q.com or 360-825-6949

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.

Please Join Artist Carol Hernandez at a Reception for her Exhibit “Heavenly Horses”

Carol’s stunning equine art will be on display and available for purchase, with 25% of proceeds being gifted to Return to Freedom. The reception is being held May 8th, 2009 from 6:00-9:00pm at the Topanga Cyn Gallery, 120 N. Topanga Blvd #109. To view her work visit www.ArtistCarol.com or www.HorseArt.biz.

Portuguese Bend Pony Club Hosts 4th Annual “Spirit of the Horse” Art Exhibition

On May 9th, 2009 the Portuguese Bend Pony Club will hold their annual art exhibition at the PZ Zask Gallery in Rancho Palos Verdes. Pony Club members will use a portion of the proceeds to sponsor a horse at the Return to Freedom sanctuary. Click here to download a printable flyer for this event.

Spirit of the Horse: September 26, 2009

Saturday, September 26th, 2009, Return to Freedom's 4th annual "Spirit of the Horse" benefit, an upscale outdoor festival to benefit our wild horse sanctuary will once again be held at the exquisite Bella Vista Ranch in Carpinteria.

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

Mustangs & Merlot: July 25th

Mustangs & Merlot . . .

Join Wild Horse Winery and Return to Freedom on July 25th for a one of a kind wine tasting and brunch at Return to Freedom’s Wild Horse Sanctuary.

The festivities include brunch and wine on the veranda at the Return to Freedom ranch, followed by a hike into the hills to see the wild horses.

$100/pp; $75/ wine club members. Proceeds to benefit RTF. Space is limited. Call Wild Horse Winery for reservations. 805-434-2541 ext. 15

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.