Phase 1 Funding for Camp Harris Complete; War Horse Creek Shifts Focus to Raise Money for Improved Horse Facilities

[Mountain Center, Calif., August 23, 2021]

Living Free Animal Sanctuary and War Horse Creek are proud to announce that, thanks to generous donors from around the country, Camp Harris is fully funded. Matching grants from Ed O’Rourke and the team at Iris Technology, plus Mike and Linda Rivkin help push War Horse Creek through to their goal of $150,000. Dedicated to the late Randall Harris, military veteran and former President of Living Free and War Horse Creek, Camp Harris will serve as a home base for veterans participating in the transition training program at War Horse Creek.

War Horse Creek is located on 155 acres in the San Jacinto Mountains of Southern California. The program works to wild mustangs and bring them together with veterans in an innovative approach called Collaborative Horsemanship. Often compared to the popular equine therapy approach, Collaborative Horsemanship removes the “talk therapy” feel from the equation, allowing the veteran to connect with nature, with the mustangs and with other veterans like themselves. Veterans must work to earn the trust and collaboration of the mustang, rather than use force or intimidation. These skills can be translated into every relationship they have, improving decision-making and long-term outcomes.

The realization of Camp Harris is well under-way, with all materials now on site. Veterans and local volunteers will be assisting with construction in the coming weeks, with a goal of completion by the holiday season. If you have experience in construction and are interested in volunteering to lend a hand, please fill out a maintenance/grounds volunteer application here.

With veteran facilities fully funded, the team is turning their attention to the mustangs. The team at War Horse Creek is eager to announce Phase 2 of the 2021 funding campaign, which is dedicated to improving facilities for the horses who support veterans within the program. With a goal of $150,000, funds will be used for:

  • Three new horse shelters
  • Fencing and gates for stable yards and corrals
  • A multi-use barn
  • Waterline and utility improvements
  • Grading and sitework

“The mustangs are the heart of our program,” says Living Free Executive Director Ray Barmore. “We currently have 7 horses working with veterans here at War Horse Creek. With expanded and improved facilities, we hope to be able to rescue additional mustangs who will, in turn, rescue the veterans who come through our program. It sure is fitting that descendants of the horses which carried our forefathers into battle, can now help bring our warfighters home.”

Those willing to support the mission of War Horse Creek can do so through a donation here.

Donors also have the option of a one-time donation to support facility build-out, or can sponsor a horse’s care with a monthly donation.

  • $50 Monthly – Covers foot care for one horse
  • $100 Monthly – Covers veterinarian care for one horse
  • $300 Monthly – Covers the cost of food for one horse

Located on 155 acres in the San Jacinto Mountains of Southern California, War Horse Creek rescues wild mustangs and brings them together with veterans in an innovative approach called Collaborative Horsemanship. The results of the War Horse Creek pilot program have been life-changing, and the team is now seeking funding to build out facilities and expand to larger veteran groups. War Horse Creek is an initiative of Living Free Animal Sanctuary, which has been saving animals for over 40 years. To find out more and donate, click here: /war-horse-creek/

Donate Today

If you would like more information about War Horse Creek, please call Ray Barmore at  951-659-4687 ext. 0 or email warhorsecreek@living-free.org.