Sweet Freedom Farm is a place for rescued horses to live out their lives in their forever home, a place for families to picnic and enjoy nature, a place for micro-weddings, a place for women to retreat, and a place to reset.

Sweet Freedom Farm is a 501(c)(3) horse rescue that currently has seven rescue horses, two rescue dogs, and eight rescue chickens. Sweet Freedom Farm is a sister location to Believe Ranch and Rescue. The Farm hosts small weddings, retreats, family picnics, company team building, and Equine Inspired Business Alignment Coaching.

The property is owned and operated by Sara Rutter and her immediate family, her husband and a two-year old son, and also includes her parents who drive up from Denver to help with events. The family moved in two and a half years ago after running a successful cupcake business in Golden for a decade called Gold Mine Cupcakes.

With her cupcake business, she began the journey of a dream down a path that would lead to her purpose. When she saw the farm property, she knew it held a message to witness.

The message: “Sit down, relax, and just be in nature for a while.”

Sweet Freedom Farm was established in 2022 on 18 beautiful acres. The venue, home, and farm is nestled up against Golden Gate Canyon State Park in their own little slice of heaven at 104 Mountain House Road near Black Hawk.

Wildflowers grow plentifully in this quiet mountain valley reaching into the nearby pine and aspen forests. A certain tranquility lends itself to the space, with huge mountain views painting the background of a sweeping meadow.

Small weddings are held in a secluded area not far into the woods away from the farm activity. The property also offers a little cabin for reflection, counseling, or preparation for wedding ceremonies.

On Sunday, August 13, Sweet Freedom Farm hosted a family picnic in their mountain pasture, surrounded by nature and rescued animals. The event included a healthy picnic buffet of fruits, wraps, croissant sandwiches, and, of course, cupcakes. Families spent time exploring nature, picking wildflowers, and visiting with the rescue animals. The buffet was housed in a large outdoor tent that is set up May through September for outdoor events.

Attendees decorated recyclable, cardboard picnic baskets, then filled them up at the picnic buffet. Then they enjoyed lunch at a designated picnic spot while taking in the breathtaking views. Guests picked wildflowers and arrangements sat on a table waiting to be taken home. Rutter mentioned what an incredible year it has been for flowers with the heavy spring rains.

Guests were welcome to bring their own beer or wine, and non-alcoholic drinks were provided. For added entertainment, attendees played yard games like corn hole and bolo toss. The Rutters encouraged hiking and even set up a scavenger hunt in the woods. A waiver was required upon arrival for guests’ protection and the protection of the animals.

All profits of the events go toward funding their mission of rescuing farm animals and sharing the inspirational and healing stories of the Farm.

The family does not hold too many events because they still want the space to feel like home, and out of respect for their neighbors, one of whom is Trish Graves, owner of Bright Heart Catering. Graves often caters to the events held at the farm on Mountain House Road.

On Saturday, August 26, the Farm will host the Aligned Hearts Retreat. At this retreat, guests will have the opportunity to learn from the incredible Siri Lindley, a renowned expert in personal development and wellness.

With her guidance, attendees can gain valuable insights and tools to align the heart and mind, leading to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. Lindley will share her story of beating cancer, being able to not only survive but thrive in life. Her incredible journey of becoming a World Champion triathlete after teaching herself how to swim, will surely inspire.

Tickets to the event cost $99 for a half-day and $199 for a full-day. Spots must be reserved at Eventbrite’s website for the event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aligned-hearts-retreatfeaturing siri-lindley-registration-678238548757?aff=erelpanelorg

Rutter is always looking for volunteers to brush and pick up after the horses. The four horses who reside at the Farm are Heart, Promise, Penny, and Spud who cost about $25,000 each, per year, to feed. On the website, you can help with the cost of the horses by adopting a tree.

To learn more about upcoming events, schedule a company picnic, book a wedding, or adopt a tree to feed a horse go to https://www.sweetfreedomfarmco.com/home or call 720-341-5251. The next Pasture Picnic will be held on Sunday, September 10, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets can be bought online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pasture-picnics-at-sweet-freedom-farmtickets 643911595917.