Wild Horses Just North of Los Angeles

It might seem unbelievable, but there are wild horses just a scenic drive north of LA. Return to Freedom American Wild Horse Sanctuary in Lompoc, California offers unique tours and educational experiences, as well as the opportunity to be a part of the movement to save the American Wild Horse.

This is a wonderful opportunity to view wild horses in their natural environment, learn about the plight of the American Wild Horse, and the work Return to Freedom is doing to help save the dwindling number of horses in the wild due to government round-ups and slaughter.

A life-long dream was realized in 1997 when Neda DeMayo founded Return to Freedom to create a refuge for displaced wild horses. Today it is home to roughly 200 horses and burros. The horses live in herds, or family bands, roaming free on wide open spaces just as they would in the wild. DeMayo's sanctuary places top priority on the relocation of entire family bands, respecting the tight familial bond within wild herds.

Sadly, round-ups and slaughter of wild horses has become a gruesome and heart-breaking reality in recent years.  According to Return to Freedom's website, "A continued and aggressive wild horse removal policy has resulted in more wild horses now living in captivity than that which remain in the wild." To learn more about these government round-ups and what you can do to help, visit the website of the American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign.

Bristol MacDonald of Burbank has been a steadfast supporter of Return to Freedom and its cause for many years. Through artistic photography she has been able to capture the beauty, elegance and spirit of her equine subjects, and strives to inspire the public to extend the respect and protection these animals deserve.

“It is my greatest desire that my art touch the human spirit and encourage Americans to speak out on behalf of wild horses across the nation. We need to be their voice.”

She donates a portion of all sales of her work to help support the sanctuary and its goals to save the American Wild Horse.

"I work with Return to Freedom because I love what they represent - a safe haven for these majestic animals, allowing them to live in a natural habitat with their family bands, preserving rare genetic blood lines, as well as promoting conservation and education," says MacDonald.

To schedule a visit to the sanctuary simply email or call (805) 737-9246. They offer a number of educational tours and events. You can find more information about their calendar of events and suggested donations, as they are a non-profit organization, on their website.

Return to Freedom is a rare gem dedicated to protecting American Wild Horses, but they need support to continue their good work for these beautiful animals. Your visit and donation is a contribution you can really feel good about. This little break from the city is good for the soul.