October 28, 2025 (Huntington Beach, CA) – The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), the only globally recognized organization providing standards for identifying legitimate animal sanctuaries, awarded Accreditation status to Free Rein Foundation as of October 20, 2025.
Free Rein Foundation achieved GFAS Accreditation, meeting criteria for providing humane and responsible care to equines. With dedication and commitment to demonstrating high levels of professionalism, Free Rein has achieved GFAS Accreditation. This certification signifies that Free Rein Foundation meets GFAS’s rigorous and peer-reviewed equine care standards which are confirmed by a comprehensive site visit. The Accreditation status also provides a clear and trusted means for the public, donors, and granters to recognize Free Rein Foundation as an excellent organization.
“We are very proud to announce GFAS Accreditation status for Free Rein Foundation.,” said Traci Hanson, GFAS Program Director – Equine, “The team at Free Rein provides sanctuary for abused and unwanted horses. These horses are truly given the opportunity to heal and to help young people heal too.”
Justine Makoff, President, Free Rein Foundation states, “We are deeply grateful to the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries for this accreditation. It not only acknowledges the important work we do at Free Rein Foundation but also substantiates what we have built over the past eleven years. As a volunteer-run organization, we are honored to receive this recognition and hope it inspires others to see our sanctuary as worthy of their philanthropic support. The accreditation process was both rigorous and enlightening, every aspect of our operation was reviewed. We can proudly say that Free Rein Foundation runs an outstanding sanctuary, providing the utmost care and respect for every animal in our charge.”
The GFAS Equine Accreditation Program is made possible by a generous grant from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® and the Kenneth Scott Charitable Trust.
About Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the sole purpose of strengthening and supporting the work of animal sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers worldwide. The goal of GFAS in working with and assisting these animal care facilities is to ensure they are supported, honored, recognized, and rewarded for meeting important criteria in providing care for the animals in residence. GFAS was founded in 2007 by animal protection leaders from a number of different organizations in response to unchecked and often hidden exploitation of animals for human entertainment and financial profit. For more information on GFAS, go to: www.sanctuaryfederation.org.
About Free Rein Foundation
Founded in 2014, Free Rein Foundation is a nonprofit equine sanctuary located in Huntington Beach, California. Over the past 11 years, we have rescued more than 40 abused, neglected, or unwanted horses—some still live in our sanctuary herd—and successfully re-homed 14 into safe, loving environments.
Our mission is twofold: to provide a lifelong, loving sanctuary for horses in need and to harness their natural, intuitive healing abilities to support youth facing mental health challenges. Through equine-assisted programs, we have helped over 5,000 young people build confidence, emotional resilience, and a sense of connection.
At Free Rein Foundation, horses and humans heal together—restoring trust, fostering compassion, and creating a better future for both. To learn more about Free Rein Foundation, go to: https://freereinfoundation.org/