In 2017, Return to Freedom took in the then-112-strong Gila herd. With births and adoptions, we now care for 126 members of the herd. They are some of approximately 900 horses who were found neglected in blizzards and freezing temperatures, and impounded on a property in Lantry, S.D. After traveling more than 1,200 miles from South Dakota to a temporary staging area in Nevada, they are now well-situated and thriving in CA. RTF needs your help caring for them and keeping them healthy and happy.
126 wild horses, descendants of the Gila herd, are part of about 900 horses that the State of South Dakota found neglected and impounded on a property in Lantry. They survived blizzards and freezing temperatures that covered their winter coats with ice for weeks, even months on end. After traveling more than 1,200 miles from South Dakota to a temporary staging area in Nevada, they are now living and under our care in Northern CA.
RTF took on responsibility for the Gila herd. with births and adoptions now numbering 126 horses, now living safey in Northern CA. This project helps RTF continue to feed and care for this large number of horses, whose emergency rescue greatly expanded our expenses overnight.
Providing for the lifelong care of a large number of wild horses is an arduous undertaking. We've secured 2 great locations in Northern California, where 2 especially bonded herd groups live happily in beautiful surroundings. Horses are long-lived, so this will be an ongoing expense for RTF, potentially for decades.
