Events

Annual Gala
Hug & Groom
Chris Epting Book Signing
Field Trips
Free Rein Walking Tours
Private Events
Unbridled Hope Gala 2026

Unbridled Hope, Free Rein Foundation’s Annual Gala

Please save the date for this year’s Annual Gala on August 8, 2026!

Our Unbridled Hope Gala is a must-attend event for anyone who enjoys a memorable evening while making a meaningful impact in the community. Come dressed in your best cowboy and cowgirl glam and join us for a beautiful night under the stars. Enjoy live music from the James Kelly Band and dance the night away in a truly unforgettable setting.

The event will take place this August at the picturesque Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center Red Horse Barn.

Read about our 2025 Honorees, Bridgette Radzai and Ralph Orsino.

Hug & Groom

On the first Sunday of each month, we hold our popular “Hug & Groom” event for the public to meet our herd of rescued horses and goats. It’s a fun afternoon of learning about horses and supporting Free Rein’s mission to rescue horses and help at-promise youth thrive. Each event can only accommodate 75 people so please purchase your tickets in advance.

Purchase Tickets
Location
Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center
6956 Ellis Avenue Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Good to Know
  • After spending time with out rescued herd, enjoy the afternoon with food, crafts, and take-home gardening in the pastures.
  • Open to all ages. Children under 2 are free.
  • Parking is available in the dirt lot on the corner of Ellis and Goldenwest. The lot is about 1/4 mile from the event. Participants walk through the Huntington Beach Urban Forest to the Free Rein pastures. If individuals need assistance, transportation to the pasture can be arranged.
book signing & lecture

Book signing & lecture with Chris Epting

Saturday, May 23  •  3 PM – 5 PM

Join us at the Huntington Beach Equestrian Center for an unforgettable evening with best-selling author Chris Epting.

Epting will present his latest book, “Theodore Roosevelt in California: The Presidential Adventure That Saved the Wilderness,” which chronicles Roosevelt’s landmark trip to California in 1903.

Experience the adventure as Epting shares fascinating insights about Roosevelt’s profound love for horseback riding, showcasing his diverse horses from the White House stables, including Bleistein, Renown, and General. Learn how Roosevelt’s passion for horses shaped his legacy and allowed him to connect with his family on memorable rides.

Don’t miss this opportunity to dive into the rich history of one of America’s greatest presidents and his bond with the majestic world of equestrianism.

Purchase Tickets
Location
Red Horse Barn @ Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center
18381 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

School Field Trips

Free Rein Foundation offers educational experiences to schools. These field trips provide experiential learning beyond the classroom walls. Students have the unique opportunity to gain insight into the Free Rein herd and interact with a variety of horses. They learn about how horses communicate, what it means to be part of a herd, what they eat, and how they are cared for in our pastures. The donations made for these visits are specifically allocated to the care and feed of our herd. Homeschools, private and public school groups are invited to reach out for more information.

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Free Rein Walking Tours

In the heart of Huntington Beach, discover a place where horses, humans and habitat are successfully rescued, as shown to you by your Free Rein Ecotour guide on a two-hour tour for a nominal fee. Meander into the Free Rein Foundation sanctuary and through the world-class, 400-horse Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center. Explore the neighboring and ever-expanding Urban Forest, filled with native plants attracting migrating birds and local wildlife.

Book Tour
girl with horse

Birthday Parties & Private Events

At Free Rein Foundation, we offer a unique and unforgettable experience for birthday parties and private events. Imagine celebrating amidst the serene beauty of our barn nestled near the pasture, surrounded by lush gardens and picturesque scenery. Guests can mingle with our beloved rescued horses, forming connections and memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday or hosting a special gathering, our venue provides the perfect backdrop for a truly magical experience. You bring the food and drinks, and we’ll provide the rest – from the gentle presence of our horses to the tranquil ambiance of our surroundings. Come celebrate with us at Free Rein Foundation, where every event is filled with warmth, joy, and the spirit of compassion.

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Q&A

Q: Can FRF accommodate children in wheelchairs?

Yes, our facility is dirt and a bit hilly so it’s not easy to move a wheelchair in the pasture, but our dedicated volunteers are available to help. If you are planning on bringing an individual who needs wheelchair assistance, please reach out for us in advance so that we can make sure we have enough volunteers on site to help.

Q: Is it possible to schedule a private Hug & Groom event?

Absolutely, we are happy to accommodate most groups for a small donation that will help feed and care for our horses. Please reach out to let us know what you are interested in.