Wild horses have been a quintessential part of the American western landscape for centuries. But today, these horses are being persecuted. Their presence places pressure on the ecology and water distribution of the region. As they compete with livestock for food and resources, they are being removed from their home ranges and forced into designated areas. Wild horse populations have decreased by 98% in the last century due to relocation and culling. To preserve these animals, Neda DeMayo founded Return to Freedom in California. Her sanctuary is the first of its kind to keep family bands together.
“Return to Freedom is dedicated to the preservation of America's wild horses and burros and their habitats,” she says. The trapping of wild horses can be dangerous and harmful, and individuals are often separated from their herds. “These horses suffer greatly when they’re captured, when they’re torn from their family band,” DeMayo says. Her methods involve as little disturbance to the horses as possible. Minimally invasive population management is vital to her sanctuary’s work, as they cannot let the land become overrun. “They need all that room and all that diversity of terrain and plant life to maintain their health and wellbeing,” she says.
Today, Return to Freedom is a haven for nearly 500 wild horses and 51 burros. By allowing them to roam the landscape together, DeMayo has been able to conserve this symbol of liberty. Her empathetic approach is spurring hope for wild horses across America.
Footage and photographs by Return to Freedom, F. Wagner, and Lilian Haider were used in the creation of this film.
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