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Southern California: Lompoc, Family Vacation Idea- Return to Freedom at American Wild Horse Sanctuary.Californa Wild Horse Sanctuary Wild horses galloping across the Western plains is an image that has long been associated with the spirit and freedom of America. Part of any legend of the Old West includes the mustang. Remember the Disney film Hidalgo. Return to Freedom strives to protect and preserve the remaining wild horses through sanctuary, education, and conservation.

Less than an hour from Santa Barbara the American Wild Horse Sanctuary provides a safe haven for wild horses, herds and burros who might otherwise be separated, slaughtered, abused, or left to roam without food or water. Within the natural setting the animals will live their lives in freedom. Simultaneously it creates an opportunity for people to directly experience part of America's living heritage - the wild horse in its natural habitat. The refuge is currently home to more than 200 wild horses and burros, the American Wild Horse Sanctuary offers a number of unique conservation and preservation programs onsite. Return To Freedom is a learning environment where visitors learn directly from the natural world within “Nature’s Classroom”. The various tours, clinics, and experiential educational programs offered at the sanctuary are designed to deepen awareness and connection to the living earth.

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. They also offer youth tours for families with children under 12. (Suggested donation of $20 per adult, $10 for children younger than 12.)

Wild Horse Walks: Californa Wild HorsesInclude 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 younger than 12.)

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, and is not recommended for children younger than 12).
Scheduled by appointment only. A minimum of 10 people is required 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 workday 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.

Reiki Clinics: 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.

Art of Listening: Californa DonkeyA 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.

Understanding the Horse: This comprehensive two-day clinic is geared towards first time horse owners, anyone who would like to gain a better understanding of the horse or those who simply want to improve their basic horsemanship skills. Participants will spend two days immersed in the world of the horse. A panel of equine professionals will lead discussions and demonstrations that cover everything from basic healthcare and feeding to understanding how to communicate with your horse.

RTF is located about 54 miles North of Santa Barbara, CA. There is an RV resort located about 45 miles away called El Capitan- www.elcapranch.com. This is a great alternative stop in California while people are out and about exploring and wanting to do a little volunteering. Return to Freedom Ranch P.O. Box 926 Lompoc, CA 93438. (805) 737-9246 or www.returntofreedom.org
 
Content and images provided by Return To Freedom. Copyright 2011.
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