Free Rein Foundation

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Free Rein Foundation Free Rein Foundation is a 501c3 rescuing horses & offering equine-assisted growth & learning programs

Free Rein rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes horses that have been abused and enlists their incredible “horse sense” in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) programs. The use of horses in the treatment and training of humans is a non-traditional therapeutic approach. Activities provide opportunities to explore ways of managing difficult situations, fears, attitudes, and ways of being in relationships and society.

10/12/2026

WHAT DOES YOUR HORSE SPOOK AT? 🎃👻

Happy Spooktober! Since horses are prey animals, they are often afraid of seemingly benign stimuli, like plastic grocery bags and running groups. As humans, it’s our job to be calm leaders and to be ready for spooks when they occur! 🐴❤️

We hope you’ll join us for the November Hug & Groom on Sunday 11/1 @ 11 am!!It’s going to be a fun day of loving, walkin...
10/12/2026

We hope you’ll join us for the November Hug & Groom on Sunday 11/1 @ 11 am!!

It’s going to be a fun day of loving, walking, & brushing our rescued horses. Plus, your visit directly supports the care of our rescued animals. Grab tickets at the link in our bio!!🎟️🔗

Psst… tickets sell out and there are only a handful left ❤️🐎

10/10/2026

Today is world mental health day! Through Free Rein’s group equine-assisted growth and learning sessions, we’ve witnesses countless breakthroughs, moments of growth, and connections.

🐴 Three reasons our group equine-assisted therapy works 👇

1️⃣ Horses don’t lie. They are prey animals with highly tuned senses. They mirror our exact energy and emotions, forcing us to be honest with ourselves.

2️⃣ It’s completely judgment-free. A horse doesn’t care about your past, your mistakes, or your labels. They respond to who you are in the present moment.

3️⃣ It gets you out of your head. Grooming, leading, and bonding with a 1,000-pound animal grounds you in the physical world, breaking mental blocks.

Do you have a group in mind that would benefit from equine-assisted growth and learning programs? Contact [email protected] for details ❤️

❤️

10/09/2026

Come visit our herd and support our mission on the first Sunday of every month!

During our monthly Hug & Groom fundraiser, guests are invited to meet our rescued herd and help walk and brush them. As of posting, there are only 33 tickets left for the 11/01 date!

🔗 Tap the link to learn more and get tickets!

https://freereinfoundation.org/hug-and-groom/

10/06/2026

⚠️ A quick update on Alph’s health during the current SoCal heatwave

Alph has chronic breathing problems and Cushing’s disease. We are monitoring Alph for flared nostrils and shallow breaths because his breathing problems are exacerbated by hot weather. In addition to his breathing treatment, we are doing everything possible to keep him cool. We’ve installed extra shade, clipped his body, and added extra manpower during the hottest part of the day to spray him with cool water.

Alph has been at Free Rein since 2023 and was rescued, in part, because his complicated health history made it difficult for others to care for him. Alph and Free Rein are so lucky to have volunteers who are willing to go above and beyond. Special thanks to Pam, Jennifer, Karen G, Dawn, Beth, Victoria, and Emily who are working extra shifts during the hottest part of the day to monitor Alph and keep him cool. They are examples of the extraordinary love and dedication our volunteers bring to rescued horses.

10/06/2026

Four ways to bond with a horse 🐎❤️

Thank you to all the newly minted cowboys & cowgirls who braved the heat to visit our herd this afternoon! Our horses lo...
10/04/2026

Thank you to all the newly minted cowboys & cowgirls who braved the heat to visit our herd this afternoon! Our horses loved the extra attention and your visit supports our rescue operations 🥰🥰🥰

10/01/2026

Three things we NEVER do on our equine therapy ranch:

1. HAND FEED 🌾
We never hand feed our horses because we want our horses to approach humans out of genuine curiosity and a desire for connection, not because they are hoping for a snack.

2. GIVE TREATS 🍩
Many of our rescues are sick or older and have complex nutritional requirements. To keep things consistent and fair, we put all of our energy into preparing safe & nutrient dense meals, and skip the treats. Also, since our horses work with small children and the elderly, it’s good to discourage treat-motivated bad habits such as nipping or searching pockets.

3. FORCE PARTICIPATION 🐎
In the Eagala learning model, horses are not forced to participate in sessions. Allowing the horse freedom of choice, including the choice to walk away, puts the human and the horse on equal ground. A horse’s authentic behaviors are used to explore nonverbal communication, leadership, and human emotions.

What do you think? Do you do any of these things with your horse?

09/28/2026

What happens to mustangs that are captured by the bureau of land management?

In the United States, mustangs that have been captured by the BLM face a perilous future. Many are sold at auction to be slaughtered. At Free Rein Foundation, we’re rescuing these mustangs and giving them the tools they need to find a loving forever home ❤️

Free Rein Foundation has rescued 14 mustangs.
⭐️ 10 have found their forever home
⭐️ 2 live permanently in our sanctuary
⭐️ 2 are in training to find their forever home - Tennessee is featured in this video and Smoke is ready for adoption!

With the October Hug & Groom one week away, we’re spotlighting the horses you WON’T meet when you visit our sanctuary. J...
09/28/2026

With the October Hug & Groom one week away, we’re spotlighting the horses you WON’T meet when you visit our sanctuary.

Just like humans, some of our horses feel uncomfortable in social settings. Many of these rescues have valid reasons to distrust unfamiliar humans. For our shy or nervous horses, sanctuary means keeping big social gatherings to a minimum, even though they have unique and sweet personalities that we are certain you would fall in love with.

At the Hug & Groom, you’ll meet and work with our rescues that LIVE for pets, attention, and work. But we have plenty of other personalities that get equal amounts of love and care behind the scenes ❤️🐴

Address

Huntington Beach, CA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm
Sunday 8am - 7pm

Telephone

+17148427777

Website

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