Return To Freedom American Wild Horse Sanctuary

I had to go to Lompoc to pick something up and since I have lived in So. California all my 72 years but have never been to Lompoc my husband and I decided to make it a two day adventure. I looked online to see what there was to do there and found the Return to Freedom American Wild Horse Sanctuary. I called and made a reservation for a tour. Just driving there was wonderful… beautiful scenery. When we got there we were greeted by Kelsey and shown a short DVD about the Sanctuary. A great, interesting, informative introduction. Then we were taken to see the horses. I am not really a horse person. I’ve been on a horse three times in my life and was scared stiff each time. No one was more surprised than I was when I found I loved being surrounded by these magnificent creatures and enjoyed petting them. We even got to see the famous Spirit. My finicky husband was having the time of his life. I wish I had known about the Wild Horse Sanctuary a long time ago. I will recommend a trip there to everyone I know. And I can’t wait to go back again!

Absolutely beautiful! We went for an event and had A great time. I think we will have to go out for one of the tours they offer What a great place right in Lompoc!

Beautiful place and they do an excellent job at educating the public about how the US government is trying to eradicate wild horses off our lands, at tax payers expense. So thankful so many wild ones have such a beautiful place to go to and be safe. Lots of fun for all ages.

My first time visiting Return To Freedom started a new chapter in my life. They educated us of the plight of our American wild horses and from there I continue to share with others. The Sanctuary tour informed us about what is happening in America to our horses, yet also showed what love and caring of wild horses at RTF means. I tell everyone I meet that they should visit RTF and have that experience at least one in their lifetime. But if they are anything like me, once will not be enough. To see what Neda DeMayo, her staff and volunteers bring to the table to help these horses gives you hope for the future. Magnificent horses in the rolling green hills of the Lompoc Valley. Doesn’t get much better then that! To check out more about RTF please visit their website @

I have been Volunteering my time at Return To Freedom going on a decade this April 2002. It was a crisp Sunny April morning, i had made arrangements to bring my family out to meet Spirit, Who had just been donated to the Sanctuary that month from DreamWorks Studios. The Kids Met Spirit and we spent a few hours on a guided tour with Neda Demayo and learned from her about the plight and path that these Wild Horses were facing if they remained under management of the BLM. This place has become A Sanctuary for anyone who passes through the entrance to the property on Jalama Road. Neda Demayo’s dedication, determination, clear vision and passion for the Wild herds of this Country is heard around the globe through her outstanding Volunteer programs which is a very huge success behind Return to Freedom. My kids love helping out there. I remember the 1^st volunteer weekend we painted the bathrooms. My daughter Cassie was 11 back then and as her reward for painting Neda Demayo and her Bathed and groomed Spirit together. Thank you Neda, Jill, Tess, Samantha, Jessica, Peter, Merced, and all the other volunteers and workers for keeping our experiences out at the Sanctuary very spiritual ones.