Today was bittersweet for the Free Rein family, who said goodbye to one of their rescued mustangs. With very little coaxing the mare boarded the horse transporter taking her to Tennessee. She will join two new mustang brothers who were also Free Rein rescues, and their two-legged mom, Rocky.
Sapphire, whose coat gleams like an orange sapphire, was rescued by Free Rein Foundation two years ago. She is one of more than a dozen mustangs that have been rescued and rehomed by Free Rein in the past four years. Mustangs’ population in the wild doubles about every five years, which has led to an overpopulation and starvation crisis, as well as overgrazing and ecological deterioration.
Not all members of Free Rein’s eclectic herd of once-unwanted horses will be adopted into forever homes. Here, even the most senior horses are closely tended each day and serve a noble purpose: helping children and adults solve life’s struggles through equine-assisted services.
The non-profit, 70-volunteers-strong Free Rein Foundation began at the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center in 2014 as a sanctuary for horses and humans. Certified professionals lead non-riding sessions of discovery between these highly sensitive creatures and men, women and children.
Each summer, Free Rein holds its signature event to raise the funds needed to sustain its mission and keep the horses well-fed. This year for the first time, on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 5:30 p.m., Free Rein will present “The Cattle Baron’s Ball” at the Red Horse Barn at the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center.
“The enthusiasm of our volunteers in putting together a very unique event for our supporters and for new friends has been incredible,” says Justine Makoff, president and founder of Free Rein Foundation. The Yellowstone-themed Cattle Baron’s Ball will include fresh-air, sit-down dining; the James Kelly band; line dancing instruction; a Whiskey Game Room; live and silent auctions; a chance to meet the mustangs and miniature horses, and more. Funds raised are earmarked for pasture improvements that include small barns for miniature horses and better facilities for clients and students.
Cattle Baron’s Ball tickets are available by visiting freereinfoundation.org/event/cattle-barons-ball. For further information on the Cattle Baron’s Ball or Free Rein Foundation, please contact Equine Specialist and Manager Judy Alexander at judy@freereinfoundation.org or 714-328-9923.
