Return To Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary

Almost 2 years ago, my daughter joined an after school community service program called Raising Hope. This group, whose fearless leader Debra Moseley volunteers both her time and energy, helps to create awareness and understanding for those in need. The program was spear headed by Deb’s daughter who has a passion and strong conviction to help. The kids become very involved in finding ways of helping the various organizations they are learning about. As a parent of one of the kids involved, this has been an informative and fascinating journey not just for my daughter, but for myself as well. Being able to participate in these tours and discussions helps foster a deeper understanding as to why so many of these organizations are vital for assisting those in need.

Return to Freedom is a magical sanctuary in the Central Coast of California consisting of 300 acres of land dedicated to the preservation of wild horses. Neda DeMayo is the organization’s founder and owner. The Sanctuary was born out of her commitment to preserve open spaces, natural resources and wildlife. The horses here are able to maintain the natural behaviors and social structures that they were accustomed to in the wild before the onslaught of heartbreaking round-ups. RTF is currently home to more than 400 wild horses and burros. What makes RTF all the more unique is that they allow their mares and stallions to run together while managing their population growth through natural means.

One Saturday in August we drove 3 hours North of Los Angeles to visit this beautiful spot for their “Youth Day.” We learned about what it takes to maintain a horse sanctuary and participated in feeding, manure scooping, grooming, head observing and much more. The staff was so informative and enthusiastic that the 5 hours we spent with them was consistently engaging. A favorite animal amongst the Raising Hope crew is a Donkey named “Jasper.” A rather elderly fellow with gorgeous markings and a calm demeanor, he lovingly allowed our group to groom him for quite some time and had all of us wanting to adopt him by the end of our visit! We were also able to interact with two beautiful rescued foals who had no shortage of spunk. The sanctuary is also home to a grand horse named “Spirit” who happened to be an inspiration for the Dreamworks motion picture Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron starring Matt Damon. (The markings on Spirit are glorious to see up close.) Many of the animals in need were housed in the stables while the larger portion roamed free on the ridge and expanse of the property.

It’s hard to imagine that the freedom and liberty the animals are afforded at RTF was ever in jeopardy. But the issues of maintaining land for all of us to share are as important as ever. Numbed, at times, by the bustle of Los Angeles, this can be easy to ignore – but traveling even short distances outside of the city will quickly remind you about the rich uniqueness of the Golden State and why it’s animals and the lands they inhabit are so deserving of preservation and respect.

Be sure to check out the ways that you can help support Return To Freedom.