Ride Among Wild Mustangs at Wild Horse Sanctuary

The first weekend in May marks the beginning of the 2007 trail ride season at the Wild Horse Sanctuary in the northern California foothills near Lassen Volcanic National Park.

The two and three-day trail rides offer guests a unique opportunity to view herds of wild mustangs and burros in a natural setting rich in Native American and pioneer history.

This year, riders will also have an opportunity to spot the Phantom Stallion and his mare. The white stallion bears a remarkable resemblance to the Phantom Stallion created by the series of books of the same name by Terri Farley.

"Phantom," the Magnificent Wild Stallion

For years the magnificent wild stallion, known as Phantom by those lucky enough to spot him, roamed the hills near Dayton, Nevada until he was rescued and brought to the Wild Horse Sanctuary in December 2006.

Wild Horse Sanctuary rides follow trails created by the wild horses and burros through a landscape of oaks and pines, rock outcroppings created by volcanic activity years ago, wildflowers, meandering streams, meadows, and populated by a diverse wildlife, including more than 150 species of song birds.

For those wanting to cool off during the ride, a stop at the spring-fed swimming hole can be arranged. After a day of riding the range, guests will enjoy a relaxing evening at the base camp, which includes story telling around the campfire and a hearty barbecue dinner.

Frontier-Style Sleeping Cabins

The camp features frontier-style sleeping cabins that comfortably sleep two, a cook house, restrooms, and yes, even a hot shower. New this year, are two cabins that share a common deck and can accommodate up to four people each.

“We look forward to the trail ride season, because we can share with our guests the incredible beauty of these wild creatures running free in a protected environment,” stated Dianne Nelson, Co-Founder, Wild Horse Sanctuary.

Cost for the two-day trip is only $325, and the three-day trip is $425.

The Wild Horse Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving America’s wild horses and has served as a haven for wild mustangs and burros since 1978. Located near Shingletown, California, approximately 170 miles northeast of Sacramento, more than 300 of these disappearing symbols of the American West roam free to live out their natural lives within the 5,000-acre sanctuary.

For more information about the Wild Horse Sanctuary or to make trail ride reservations, call (530) 335-2241 or visit www.wildhorsesanctuary.org.