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To the Sanctuary’s many dear friends,
With the Covid-19 virus causing so much uncertainty, we want to share the current situation at the Wild Horse and Burro Sanctuary.
Even as we care for our beautiful mustangs, we understand the need to adhere to the guidance issued by public health officials. In an effort to ensure the health of our volunteers, employees and guests, the Sanctuary will be closed to visitors until further notice. We look forward to reopening our gates when it is safe to do so. In response to the Governor's latest order, our employees will be sheltering at home and we will rely on our resident volunteers to feed the horses.
During this unsettling time, rest assured that our horses are doing well and our resident volunteers are following public health protocols.
Thank you for understanding. We hope that you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy as we weather this crisis.
The Wild Horse and Burro Sanctuary
Aftercare Program
Trail Rides With The Wild Horse Sanctuary
Due to the Covid-19 virus causing so much uncertainty, the Board of Directors are continuing to monitor the situation to determine if a 2021 trail ride season will be possible.
Please keep checking back for updates. As our Trail Rides are a major source of funding the wild horses feed any and all donations are greatly appreciated. Thank you all for your understanding.
To register for a ride, please call us at
(530) 474-5770 or send an email to info@wildhorsesanctuary.org.
About Our Rides
The Sanctuary is rich in Indian and pioneer history. There are remnants of homesteads, Indian camps and arrowheads.
In the spring and summer months, to raise money to support the horses, the Sanctuary offers picnic rides, 2 & 3 day overnight rides. Each day, ride the trails created by the wild horses and burros through pine and oak-studded hills and Volcanic Rock out croppings--a bit of paradise dotted with meadows, woods, creeks, and ponds.
Whether riding the valley floor or the rugged, rock-strewn ridges of the Sanctuary, visitors enjoy the excitement of wild herds grazing and running free in their natural surroundings. They share their natural setting with black bear, deer, quail, dove, wild turkey, gray fox, coyote, raccoon, badger, bobcat and mountain lion; also hawks, owls, bald eagles and 150 varieties of song birds.
Rides go out rain or shine.
Note: If you have a group that would like to book a ride exclusively, minimum of 6 guests with $150.00 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit per guest, please call 530-474-5770 to make arrangements.
Horseback Ride Rules and Conditions
The Wild Horse Sanctuary welcomes everyone to experience the beauty of the wild horses. Due to the nature of the rides, there are some rules and conditions we must abide by to ensure the safety of both horse and rider, as well as, provide an enjoyable experience for all.
Physical Condition
All riders must be in good physical condition and able to independently mount and dismount their horses.
Experience Level
Open to all riders from novice to experienced. However, please be honest about your experience level so that we can match you with a horse to suit your skills. The following definitions should be used as a guide when filling out the trip application form:
- Beginner: "Never been on a horse." "I ride 2 or 3 times a year."
- Novice: "I ride 5 to 10 times a year." (And have for several years)
- Intermediate: "I ride once a month." (And have for 5 years or more)
- Advanced: "I ride once a week." (And have for several years)
Weight
Due to the fact that the trip includes a saddle weighing approximately 50 lbs., we must limit rider weight to 205 lbs. for the safety of both horse and rider. (Trip participation of riders exceeding the weight limit will be subject to management approval.)
Age Limit
Participation of children under the age of 14 will be subject to Sanctuary management approval.
We Are In Our 43rd Year Thanks To The Generosity Of Individual Horse Sponsors
The Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to those who would like to help in the care of a particular horse or burro. By sponsoring a horse or burro, it becomes "yours." You will be providing food, minor veterinary care, etc., for as long as you continue your support.
In appreciation for helping the Sanctuary save a horse, a picture and a description of the animal are sent to the donor. As a sponsor, you are invited to visit the sanctuary and your horse or burro at any time.
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What People are Saying
Dear Dianne,
Sue and I have been friends for 40+ years and many, many years ago we had horses and rode together, along with kids and husbands. We have remained friends no matter where she has lived. This past year she asked if I was up for an Adventure — one last big horse ride — and of course I said yes. Neither one of us had ridden in many years (that mistake I won't make again), took me a few weeks before sitting on a hard surface was OK. But I wouldn't have traded it for the adventure we had.
I must commend you on your fantastic staff — what a great crew! Also your second crew at the cabins. Food was great and they made us feel welcome and part of your family. The group we were riding with were so much fun. I especially enjoyed the water hole where two bands of wild horses came for a drink at the same time. Your horses are well taken care of and that was a pleasure to see. I have never seen so many stars at night as were outside of our cabin. You did feel like you could connect with them and those settlers who may have passed through.
Thank you again for the adventure of a lifetime,
Mary M.
Butler, NJ
Greetings to Dianne and the wonderful staff at Wild Horse Sanctuary!
I am still savoring my recent visit to the Wild Horse Sanctuary May 27 through 29. What you are doing to preserve a slice of our California Legacy is amazing. To see the wild horses in a healthy and peaceful environment was an honor. I felt like I was stepping back in time when riding through the iconic California landscape that you have preserved on the 5000 acres. The passion with which the volunteers conveyed their knowledge of the Sanctuary residents was contagious. The fabulous food prepared by Liz as well as the margaritas and hot shower only topped off an already stellar experience. Look forward to coming back on a work party soon.
Brenda G.
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