Since it was founded in 1998, everything Return to Freedom (RTF) has done — from offering sanctuary, to educating the public, to conserving rare breeds — has been with one ultimate goal in mind: making sure that the diverse and awe-inspiring communities that exist in nature, from wild horse herds to the vast western landscape that serves as their habitat, survive the continued assault that humankind has waged against them.

With that goal in mind, RTF operates a model sanctuary, and the first to rescue entire family bands of wild horses. RTF recognizes the deep bond and intricate social structure that exists in wild horse herds and it is their priority to honor that. In addition to providing a safe haven for wild horses and burros, through collaboration with esteemed equine geneticists RTF is also working to preserve several rare genetic strains. Though these strains represent our lived and cultural history, many of them are threatened or already extinct in the wild. RTF offers many opportunities for the public to visit and connect with these horses themselves so that they may understand what we are losing and why we must work to save them.

Join us for the grand opening Sunday, February 25th from 12:00pm to 3:00pm to meet RTF’s team along with Isadora and Inez, equine ambassador from the historic Wilbur – Cruce Spanish Mission bloodline.

Catch a peek of the rich historical buildings of the Santa Ynez Valley. The 2019 third grade class of Los Olivos Elementary School has donated their models of historical landmarks such as Mattei’s Tavern, Sides Merchatile and the Mole Hole to be displayed in the Pioneer Gallery. Each model in the exhibit includes the report written by the creator.