Our Horses
Every horse at Return to Freedom carries a story—of survival, resilience, and renewal. From the wild herds rescued from government roundups to the rare and historic strains preserved for future generations, each one represents a vital piece of America's living heritage. Across our sanctuaries in Lompoc and San Luis Obispo, more than 460 wild horses and burros now live safely in natural family bands, free from fear and confinement.
Meet Spirit
Spirit, the Kiger mustang who inspired DreamWorks’ Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, found his permanent home at Return to Freedom after the film’s release in 2002. Now in his thirties, Spirit lives at our Lompoc sanctuary as an ambassador for all wild horses—helping children and adults alike connect with the beauty, strength, and freedom that define America's mustangs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SPIRIT
Our Herds
Alpine Herd
In one of the largest equine rescues in California's history, RTF partnered with county officials to care for over 425 neglected and starving horses seized from a local ranch. Within days, RTF mobilized emergency crews, coordinated medical care, and provided refuge for many of the animals. This response helped establish RTF as a trusted national voice in large-scale rescue and rehabilitation.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ALPINE HERD
Sponsor a Horse
Isabelle
A sorrel mare with a white star and strip unique tuft on his forehead
Female | 27 y.o. | Lompoc Herd
SPONSOR
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Isabelle
A sorrel mare with a white star and strip unique tuft on his forehead
Female | 27 y.o. | Lompoc Herd
SPONSOR
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Isabelle
A sorrel mare with a white star and strip unique tuft on his forehead
Female | 27 y.o. | Lompoc Herd
SPONSOR
Learn More
Isabelle
A sorrel mare with a white star and strip unique tuft on his forehead
Female | 27 y.o. | Lompoc Herd
SPONSOR
Learn More
Isabelle
A sorrel mare with a white star and strip unique tuft on his forehead
Female | 27 y.o. | Lompoc Herd
SPONSOR
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Adopt a Horse
Give a horse a forever home.
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In Memoriam
Mystic
1995-2025
Mystic, one of our ambassador stallions left this world to run in the next. He was approximately 30 years old. It is painful to know he is no longer here in the hills, but many of us share 16 years of memories with him and for that time we are forever grateful. Mystic was one of the first stallions to arrive at Return to Freedom in 1999. He was captured during the total removal of 279 horses from the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge in Oregon.
Donate in Memory of Mystic