My journey into the amazing world of wild horses started with my first visit to Return To Freedom American Wild Horse Sanctuary in Lompoc, CA. I attended their Opening Day in May 2012 not sure what to expect, yet knowing if there were horses I would enjoy it. They started off our visit showing us a video of what is happening to our wild horses in America. I was shocked, horrified and saddened at the destruction and cruelty our wild horses are experiencing. I had no idea our country gives no rights to these majestic animals. Treated like a disposable commodity, our wild horses are being exterminated. And if not exterminated families are torn apart, sold or shipped off and many left to live their lives out in pens in the desert. Here in America where we support equal rights, protect the innocent and fight for freedom, this was beyond any comprehension I had what these horses are going through. I was forever changed that day at RTF and decided to educate others like I had been and do what I could to help.
That moment in the pastures as Neda DeMayo, the owner of Return To Freedom released the one band of horses into the tall grass I experienced joy, beauty, awakening, power, and freedom as the horses ran past us. An avid photographer I was torn from taking photographs to just being in the moment and taking it all in. Yet, taking photographs enabled me to share with others the beauty of these horses and to start this blog.
I am including part of what is written on RTF’s website page. I hope you will check their website out, http://www.returntofreedom.org and take time to visit them on the ranch. I guarantee your life will be changed forever.
Return To Freedom American Wild Horse Sanctuary
Mission
Return to Freedom is dedicated to preserving the freedom, diversity and habitat of America’s wild horses through sanctuary, education and conservation while enriching the human spirit through direct experience with the natural world.
History
Founded in 1997 by Neda DeMayo and operated on a 300 acre ranch in California owned by the DeMayo family.
Meet Our Founder
One of Neda’s earliest memories of wild horses was watching them being chased and captured on television. “Whether it was a movie or the news I cannot recall, but I will never forget the anguish I felt as a 5 year old child standing by helplessly as these beautiful horses were traumatically captured”. Read More . . .
Accolades
– Chosen as permanent home for “Spirit” the Kiger mustang stallion that served as muse for the DreamWorks animated film “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron”
– Recipient of Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network’s Wildlife Sanctuary Award and the American Horse Defense Fund’s Spotlight Rescue Award
– Two time and current recipient of Charity Navigator’s highest rating, the 4 Star Charity rating
– 2011 Charity of the Week in The Week
Join me in protecting our American wild horses. They are are past, our present and only our future if we step in and get involved.
-Susan
