5,000 ACRES: If you are a horse out galloping about in nature, you might want to think about trotting by Shingletown, which is a bit east of Redding. That's the home of The Wild Horse Sanctuary, where some 80 animals, once slated "to be destroyed" because they lived on public lands, now roam free. Lovers of everything mane regularly make the trek to the equine-nice destination to take part in a trail ride or another horsey event. But there's also an open house and benefit, which gives a comprehensive view of the work the sanctuary does, and it is straight ahead on Saturday, Aug. 18.
OPEN HOUSE: A barn dance and barbecue are on the roster, as are more behinds-the-scenes-y things, like "a Q&A with our veterinarian." Kids under 10 can ride a horse for free, and then there's the activity that absolutely every visitor will want to participate in: The seeing of the wild horses.
A JOURNEY: If you've been to the beautiful Redding region, to visit Shasta Lake or Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, you know that you want to build a couple days around your trip; it's a few hours north of Sacramento, so for people coming from southerly destinations, it is a commitment. But those who love wild horses and want to support the work the sanctuary does don't mind the journey, of course; and it is lovely country. Can't make it up for the Aug. 18 open house? As mentioned, there are trail rides and cattle drives during the warmer months. Slots fill up, so this might be a dream trip for 2013.
