MISSION & PROGRAMS

Mission:
Return to Freedom is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the freedom, diversity, and habitat of America's wild horses and burros through sanctuary, education, advocacy, and conservation, while enriching the human spirit through direct experience with the natural world.

Our organization provides programs involved with equine rescue, adoption & retirement
Our organization provides outreach and/or public education programs involving horses.
100% of our total programs and services are equine-related.
Our organization operates programs or activities involved with animals other than horses. *Missing
Our organization is directly responsible for the care and shelter of equines involved in our programs.


Please describe what steps your organization takes to ensure that:
1) all interactions between your equines and people are mutually beneficial and conducted in accordance with the Guidelines for Human-Equine Interactions stated below;
2) all equines in the care of our organization and/or equines that participate in the organization's program have access to clean drinking water at all times; nutritious food in sufficient quantity, including natural forage such as pasture grass and/or hay; appropriate veterinary, farrier, and dental care; shelter and protection from the weather; sufficient safe space to move around comfortably on a daily basis; and daily opportunity to freely interact and have contact with other equines:

*Missing

Equine Transition Services:
Overview of our programs involved with rescue, rehabilitation, retraining, re-homing and/or retirement:
     All the wild horses and burros under RTF's care were rescued, primarily because they were vulnerable when removed from public lands. In 2017, RTF also rescued 126 (including 9 pregnant mares) wild horses from an overburdened sanctuary, and we were pivotal in the rescue of the other approximately 800 horses in that situation. In December of 2018, RTF provided sanctuary to an additional 30 Spanish mustangs that were at risk of being sent to Mexico for slaughter.
     
     Although RTF's horse facility is primarily a sanctuary which provides lifetime homes for most of the residents there, some young or friendly horses are trained to be handled for adoption, with very stringent requirements and oversight. This is, however, a small number of horses compared to the total who find permanent refuge with the organization's sanctuary.
Overview of our programs involved with providing outreach and/or public education programs involving horses:
     Return to Freedom offers Program activities at our Lompoc and San Luis Obispo facilities designed to edcuate the public about the wild horse and burro issue and to inspire people to advocate for the horses.
     We have a substantial presence on social media, and use that as well to educate and inspire our followers to take action steps to encourage elected officials to sponsor pro-horse legislation and to oppose measures harmful to domestic and wild horses and burros.
     We also have periodic webinars which cover various topics related to the wild equines, including their history, behavior and habitat, explanation of the issues affecting them, and training in how to effectively advocate for them and provide adopt them.
     
     Our founder speaks before national and local groups (rotary clubs, schools, events, radio, media, prison etc), to educate and encourage wild horse advocacy for viable humane solutions to manage wild horses on and off the range.

Research/Medical Use of Equines:
Our organization has never made, and would not ever consider making, equines available for research studies or medical training that involves invasive procedures and/or that which may cause pain or suffering to the equine. 

Religious Affiliation:
Our organization does not promote religious education, religious purposes, or a specific religious faith or use donations for religious education or religious purposes; require participants to be of a certain faith; require participation in religious, instruction, activities or services; or require participation in prayer, worship, religious instruction or other religious activities as a condition of receiving social or secular services offered. 

Auction Donation:
Our organization has allowed, or would consider allowing, an equine to be sold, transferred, released, or otherwise placed into possession of any person or organization that would cause or allow the equine to be sold at auction for slaughter: *Missing

POLICIES: INTAKE, ASSESSMENT & TRAINING

Prior to a horse being accepted and/or arriving at the facility, the organization has the following policies in place:
*Missing
Trial Period: Check all that apply:
*Missing
Upon intake, the organization has the following quarantine policy in place:
*Missing
The typical length of quarantine is:   *Missing

Following arrival of the equine at the facility, the following is performed:
*Missing
Horses are assessed for following skills and behaviors:
*Missing
Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the ongoing assessment of horses in its care:
    The Henneke Body Condition score or other body conditioning score is updated at least annually by the veterinarian
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine chiropractor
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine acupuncturist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine massage therapist
    Equines at our facility may be treated by an equine nutritionist

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to the weight-carrying or workload capabilities of horses/equines that are ridden in our care:
*Missing

Horses provided formal training (groundwork or riding):   *Missing

POLICIES: BREEDING

The organization has the following policies related to breeding and stallions:
    Our organization does not conduct breeding of equines owned or under the care of our organization.
    Our main facility where our organization conducts its programs does NOT breed equines.
    One or more of the facilities where our organization conducts its programs, including foster/temporary care facilities, are permitted to house stallions

POLICIES: EUTHANASIA

The organization has the following policies related to euthanasia:
*Missing
The following are authorized to administer the procedure for your organization in accordance with state laws:

POLICIES: RE-HOMING

Re-homing Agreement *Missing
Our organization has the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) policies and procedures in place:
*Missing
*Missing
The uploaded Re-homing agreement includes the following re-homing (adoption/purchase) statements:
*Missing
Our organization requires references from the following:
*Missing
Transfer of ownership occurs:   *Missing

The average equine re-homing (adoption/purchase) fee received by your organization:
*Missing

EQUINE CARE & SHELTER/FACILITY INFORMATION

*Missing

Total facilities at which our organization cares for and shelters horses used in our programs: *Missing

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Return to Freedom's American Wild Horse Sanctuary
4115 Jalama Rd. Lompoc CA 93436

Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 161
Total number of horses at this facility NOT INCLUDING those counted above: 161
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 300

Does your organization own, lease or use a part of this facility? Use

Provide the contact information for the individual or organization responsible for investigating abuse in the county where the facility is located, including mailing address, email address, and phone information.
     Santa Barbara County Animal Services Santa Barbara: 5473 Overpass Road, Goleta, CA 93117 - Telephone: (805) 681-5285 Lompoc: 1501 West Central Avenue, Lompoc, CA 93436 - Telephone: (805) 737-7755 Santa Maria: 548 W. Foster Road, Santa Maria, CA 93455 - Telephone: (805) 934-6119 no email provided by them.

Does your organization conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS) at this facility in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS)? No

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Grounds: Return to Freedom's American Wild Horse Sanctuary () This section is required.
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 300
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 3  Run-in sheds: 13
Pastures: 11  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 17
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 1  Covered Outdoor Rings: 0  Indoor Rings: 2












Are the organization's rules, restrictions and warnings (signage) conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations?    Yes    
Are the organization's emergency contacts, including veterinarian contact information, conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations?    Yes    
Are human and equine first aid kits easily accessible?     Yes    

Regarding all shelters where horses are housed including run-in sheds:
Do horses have assigned stalls in the barn/structure(s) or exclusively assigned shelter locations where they are separated from other horses with a barrier?    No    
How many hours per day, on average, are horses stalled or restricted to these sheltered exclusive shelter locations? 4-8
How often are the stalls/shelters cleaned, i.e., kept in good repair and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris? 6-7 Days a Week
Do all stalls/shelters allow horses to lie down, stand up and turn around and provide protection from inclement weather (wind, sleet, rain, snow and extreme temperatures)?    Yes    
Are stalls/shelters kept in good repair, with adequate ceiling height, and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris?    Yes    
Are floors constructed and maintained for both good drainage and traction?    Yes    
Is there a ventilation and circulation system in place to allow free flow of air to control temperature, and humidity, and to prevent air stagnation?    Yes    
Is wiring inaccessible to horses and maintained for safety in all areas of facility?    Yes    
Are fire prevention/protection measures (fire alarms, extinguishers and sprinkler systems) maintained and in good working order?     Yes    
Is there adequate lighting to ensure safety in all areas of facility?     Yes    
How many hours per day, on average, are horses turned out:
    Equines are out 4 to 8 hours per day
    Equines are out 24/7
    Equines are out 24/7 except when they are being trained
    Equines are out 24/7 except when they are used for the conduct of the organization's programs

The following describes the pastures at this facility:
    This facility has a written plan in place for pasture management, which includes guidelines for seeding, fertilizing, irrigation, mowing, dragging, harrowing, manure removal, removal of debris, the control of poisonous plants, and a schedule for cleaning
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for pasture management
    All pastures are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly
    Pastures are rotated
    Pastures have natural protection for equines (i.e., trees)
    Pastures have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)

The following describes the turnout areas other than pastures at this facility:
    This facility does not have turnout areas
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for the maintenance of turnout areas
    All turnout areas are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Turnout areas have man-made protection for equines (i.e., shelters)
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly

The following policies and procedures are in place at the facility to restrict public access and to keep horses safe:
    The property owner, staff member or caretaker lives on the premises and ensures that public access is restricted and is responsible for the security of the facility and equines
    By Appointment Only signs are posted.
    No Trespassing signs are posted
    Authorized Personnel Only signs are posted
    Entrance gates are locked at night
    Visitors are only permitted at specific times
    Visitors are only permitted in specific areas
    The property is fitted with motion lights
    The perimeter of the property is fully fenced

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Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: Return to Freedom's American Wild Horse Sanctuary () This section is required.

Horse Health Care/Barn Management Records: What system is used to collect and store health/horse care records?
    Onsite computer with onsite backup storage system
    Our organization utilizes a software application to maintain records

The following items are consistent with our feed management plan and practices:
    Equines are provided with individualized feeding plans, including supplements, according to the equine's age, breed/type, condition, size, work level and any health issues, consisting of nutritious food provided in sufficient quantity and access to adequate natural forage, or be fed daily, or as recommended by the organization's veterinarian
    Equines are fed grain in individual stalls
    Equines are fed grain in groups
    Staff and/or volunteers are trained in proper feed measurements and protocols and observed periodically to ensure they are feeding correctly
    The feed chart is centrally located and updated as needed
    The area(s) where hay, feed, grain, and supplements are stored are kept clean, free of debris and chemicals, and protected from weather and other animals in rodent-proof and mold-proof containers and grain bins
    Feed, supplements and hay types are clearly labeled
    Water sources, i.e., buckets, troughs, automatic waterers, etc. are kept clean, free of contaminants, debris and chemicals, protected from weather and other animals, and be positioned or affixed to minimize spillage.
    Medications are kept in a secure area

Is clean, potable water available at all times for all equines, or if not at all times, at least twice daily?     Yes    

Hoof Care: How often is hoof care provided for each equine? Every 4-8 weeks and when an issue arises

Dental Care: How often is dental care provided for each equine? Only when an issue arises

Horse checks: How often are equines visually and physically checked by personnel at the facility? Every day or 6 days a week

Our organization has the following parasite and fly/insect control protocols in place, including remedies used to control flies and insects:
    Fly/Insect Control Remedies:
    Fly Traps and Tapes
    Fly Spray Repellent
    Fly Masks

The following represent the biosecurity practices in place at facility:
    Equines are not quarantined on arrival.

The following represent the manure removal practices in place at facility:
    Manure is stored in dumpster(s)
    Manure is piled in an area where equines are not located
    Manure piles are composted or spread on pastures
    Our organization adheres to the manure management guidelines set by the state, local authorities, and/or our organization's veterinarian

The following steps are taken to help staff and volunteers readily identify each horse on the property:
    Equines are assigned the same exclusive stall/shelter location each day
    A notebook or binder with photos and information on each equine is easily accessible
    Staff and volunteers are provided with an information packet with equine profiles, including photos and detailed descriptions
    Team leaders work with new staff/volunteers until they are able to identify the equines

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to tack, apparel and equipment:
    Saddles are shared
    Saddle pads are shared
    Bridles are shared
    Blankets are shared
    Blankets, sheets and turn out apparel are cleaned regularly as needed
     Halters are shared
    Tack is cleaned only when needed
    Tack is inspected for overall working condition before each use by trained personnel
    Tack is assessed for fit before each use by trained personnel
    Assigned tack is clearly labeled
    Helmets are shared
    Helmets are cleaned/disinfected after each use

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Emergency Preparedness: Return to Freedom's American Wild Horse Sanctuary: This section is required.
The following plans, policies, and procedures are in place at the facility to handle emergencies and address weather related issues, fire safety procedures, and/or any additional hazardous scenarios the facility could potentially experience:
    Emergency procedures are posted prominently
    Emergency phone numbers are posted prominently
    The facility owns or has access to a generator
    The facility maintains at least two weeks of hay, feed, shavings and medications
    The facility collects and maintains medical information from staff, volunteers, and clients
    The facility maintains appropriate liability and/or workers' compensation insurance
    The organization has a written emergency preparedness/safety plan (EPP)
The written EPP addresses the following areas:
    Local fire department and/or the state's emergency planning department procedures
    Medical emergencies for clients, staff, and volunteers
    Medical emergencies for equines
    Evacuation plans
    Power outages
    Fire
    Natural Disasters - thunderstorm, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, etc
    Terrorist attacks
    Protocols to notify emergency personnel
    Building/facility exit plans


The facility follows the specific procedures to help PREVENT emergency situations:
    Smoking is strictly prohibited
    NO SMOKING signs are posted prominently
    Hay is stored away from permanent or temporary structures where equines are stalled
    Permanent or temporary structures where equines are stalled are kept free of dust, cobwebs, trash, cleaning rags, and other flammable items
    Aisles and doorways are kept clear

How often are the following checked or performed?
Fire Extinguishers are checked: Annually
Smoke detectors are checked: Semi-annually
Fence lines are checked: Weekly
Turnout Areas are checked: Daily
Sprinkler systems are checked: Not at all/NA
Fire drills are conducted: Not at all/NA
Review of safety protocols with staff are conducted: Annually
Review of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: Semi-annually
The Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Annually

Equine Transportation: 3= Onsite: 3 (2 + 1) + Offsite: 0
2-horse van/trailer with truck:
     Access offsite;
3-horse van/trailer with truck:
    1 Access onsite but not owned   Access offsite;
4-horse van/trailer with truck:
    1 Owned onsite   Access offsite;
6-horse van/trailer with truck:
     Access offsite;
8-horse van/trailer with truck:
     Access offsite;
10-horse van/trailer with truck:
    1 Owned onsite   Access offsite;

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SLO Springs Ranch
3211 Prefumo Canyon Road San Luis Obispo CA 93405

Total number of horses/equines currently involved with your programs, under your care, and/or owned by your organization at this facility: 69
Total number of horses at this facility NOT INCLUDING those counted above: 69
Maximum capacity of horses at this facility: 200

Does your organization own, lease or use a part of this facility? Use

Provide the contact information for the individual or organization responsible for investigating abuse in the county where the facility is located, including mailing address, email address, and phone information.
     The Animal Services Division of San Luis Obispo County 885 Oklahoma Avenue , San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 (805) 781-4400

Does your organization conduct Equine Assisted Services (EAS) at this facility in accordance with the EQUUS Foundation Guidelines on Qualifications of Organizations Conducting Equine Assisted Services (EAS)? No

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Grounds: SLO Springs Ranch () This section is required.
Total acreage dedicated specifically to the horses: 1250
Our organization has use of the following at this facility:
Structures/Barns: 0  Run-in sheds: 0
Pastures: 1  Paddocks/Pens/Turnout Areas: 3
Uncovered Outdoor Rings: 0  Covered Outdoor Rings: 0  Indoor Rings: 0












Are the organization's rules, restrictions and warnings (signage) conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations?    Yes    
Are the organization's emergency contacts, including veterinarian contact information, conspicuously posted in easily accessible locations?    Yes    
Are human and equine first aid kits easily accessible?     Yes    

Regarding all shelters where horses are housed including run-in sheds:
Do horses have assigned stalls in the barn/structure(s) or exclusively assigned shelter locations where they are separated from other horses with a barrier?    No    
How many hours per day, on average, are horses stalled or restricted to these sheltered exclusive shelter locations? 0-3;
How often are the stalls/shelters cleaned, i.e., kept in good repair and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris? *Missing
Do all stalls/shelters allow horses to lie down, stand up and turn around and provide protection from inclement weather (wind, sleet, rain, snow and extreme temperatures)?    Yes    
Are stalls/shelters kept in good repair, with adequate ceiling height, and free of standing water, accumulated waste, sharp objects and debris?    Yes    
Are floors constructed and maintained for both good drainage and traction?    Yes    
Is there a ventilation and circulation system in place to allow free flow of air to control temperature, and humidity, and to prevent air stagnation?    No    
Is wiring inaccessible to horses and maintained for safety in all areas of facility?    No    
Are fire prevention/protection measures (fire alarms, extinguishers and sprinkler systems) maintained and in good working order?     Yes    
Is there adequate lighting to ensure safety in all areas of facility?     No    
How many hours per day, on average, are horses turned out:
    Equines are out 24/7

The following describes the pastures at this facility:
    A dedicated staff person(s) is responsible for pasture management
    All pastures are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly
    Pastures have natural protection for equines (i.e., trees)

The following describes the turnout areas other than pastures at this facility:
    All turnout areas are fenced to prevent escape or injury
    Fencing checks, such as broken or missing planks, loose fence posts, exposed or loose nails, detached wires, etc., are done regularly

The following policies and procedures are in place at the facility to restrict public access and to keep horses safe:
    The property owner, staff member or caretaker lives on the premises and ensures that public access is restricted and is responsible for the security of the facility and equines
    By Appointment Only signs are posted.
    Entrance gates are locked at night
    Visitors are only permitted at specific times
    Visitors are only permitted in specific areas
    The perimeter of the property is fully fenced

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Equine Care/Emergency Preparedness: SLO Springs Ranch () This section is required.

Horse Health Care/Barn Management Records: What system is used to collect and store health/horse care records?
    Our organization utilizes a software application to maintain records
    The organization utilizes its own system to maintain records

The following items are consistent with our feed management plan and practices:
    Equines are provided with individualized feeding plans, including supplements, according to the equine's age, breed/type, condition, size, work level and any health issues, consisting of nutritious food provided in sufficient quantity and access to adequate natural forage, or be fed daily, or as recommended by the organization's veterinarian
    Feed plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
    Supplement plans are determined in consultation with a veterinarian
    Equines are fed grain in groups
    Staff and/or volunteers are trained in proper feed measurements and protocols and observed periodically to ensure they are feeding correctly
    The area(s) where hay, feed, grain, and supplements are stored are kept clean, free of debris and chemicals, and protected from weather and other animals in rodent-proof and mold-proof containers and grain bins
    Feed, supplements and hay types are clearly labeled
    Water sources, i.e., buckets, troughs, automatic waterers, etc. are kept clean, free of contaminants, debris and chemicals, protected from weather and other animals, and be positioned or affixed to minimize spillage.
    Medications are kept in a secure area

Is clean, potable water available at all times for all equines, or if not at all times, at least twice daily?     Yes    

Hoof Care: How often is hoof care provided for each equine? Only when an issue arises

Dental Care: How often is dental care provided for each equine? Only when an issue arises

Horse checks: How often are equines visually and physically checked by personnel at the facility? Every day or 6 days a week

Our organization has the following parasite and fly/insect control protocols in place, including remedies used to control flies and insects:
    Fly/Insect Control Remedies:
    Fly Traps and Tapes
    Fly Spray Repellent

The following represent the biosecurity practices in place at facility:
    Equines are not quarantined on arrival.

The following represent the manure removal practices in place at facility:
    Manure piles are composted or spread on pastures

The following steps are taken to help staff and volunteers readily identify each horse on the property:
    Equine photos and profiles are available on the website
    Staff and volunteers are provided with an information packet with equine profiles, including photos and detailed descriptions
    Team leaders work with new staff/volunteers until they are able to identify the equines

Our organization has the following policies and procedures in place pertaining to tack, apparel and equipment:
     Halters are shared

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Emergency Preparedness: SLO Springs Ranch: This section is required.
The following plans, policies, and procedures are in place at the facility to handle emergencies and address weather related issues, fire safety procedures, and/or any additional hazardous scenarios the facility could potentially experience:
    Emergency procedures are posted prominently
    Emergency phone numbers are posted prominently
    The facility owns or has access to a generator
    The facility maintains at least two weeks of hay, feed, shavings and medications
    The facility collects and maintains medical information from staff, volunteers, and clients
    The facility maintains appropriate liability and/or workers' compensation insurance
    The organization has a written emergency preparedness/safety plan (EPP)
The written EPP addresses the following areas:
    Local fire department and/or the state's emergency planning department procedures
    Medical emergencies for clients, staff, and volunteers
    Medical emergencies for equines
    Evacuation plans
    Power outages
    Fire
    Protocols to notify emergency personnel


The facility follows the specific procedures to help PREVENT emergency situations:
    Smoking is strictly prohibited
    Hay is stored away from permanent or temporary structures where equines are stalled

How often are the following checked or performed?
Fire Extinguishers are checked: Annually
Smoke detectors are checked: Not at all/NA
Fence lines are checked: Monthly
Turnout Areas are checked: Weekly
Sprinkler systems are checked: Not at all/NA
Fire drills are conducted: Not at all/NA
Review of safety protocols with staff are conducted: Semi-annually
Review of safety protocols with volunteers are conducted: Semi-annually
The Emergency Preparedness Plan is reviewed and updated: Not at all/NA

Equine Transportation: 1= Onsite: 1 (1 + 0) + Offsite: 0
2-horse van/trailer with truck:
     Access offsite;
3-horse van/trailer with truck:
     Access offsite;
4-horse van/trailer with truck:
     Access offsite;
6-horse van/trailer with truck:
     Access offsite;
8-horse van/trailer with truck:
     Access offsite;
10-horse van/trailer with truck:
    1 Owned onsite   Access offsite;