Meet Our New Board Members!
Please join us in welcoming two new members to the SAFE Board of Directors: Kaydee Johnston and Tiffany Stewart!! SAFE is so fortunate to have these amazing women step up to help at the Board level. They are delightful to work with, and they each have genuine passion…
Alvaro is a Growing Guy
Horses play musical paddocks at SAFE on a regular basis (the one difference being that no one is ever left ‘out’) so it’s not uncommon to have the sensation of ‘you’re not where I left you’ when traversing the property. This sensation is compounded when we have…
Welcoming Marigold Sunset
Earlier this year, SAFE became involved in one of the largest animal welfare cases of 2025. From this case, SAFE took in 11 horses, including two foals. One pregnant mare and her filly remained under close care elsewhere due to the mare’s fragile condition. From the…
Theo Claus: A SAFE Christmas Story
It was Venturo and Alvaro who started the rumor. “Did you know Theo is Santa Claus?” To skeptical minds, the boys doubled down. “It’s true, me ‘n Vinnie saw him with a red hat on.” The story only gained embellishment from there, Alvaro taking point when it came to…
Supporting Frida
After the incredibly tough decision to let Paloma go, our hearts and efforts immediately turned toward Frida. We were faced with the difficult task of separating her from the filly she had so lovingly cared for and raised. Those of you who have been with SAFE through…
A Devastating Loss
It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of our dear 6.5‑month-old filly, Paloma. After seven weeks of veterinary care, bodywork, and being surrounded by love and every healing intention, her body told us it was time to let her go. This has been an immeasurable…
Alumni Update: Karma
This is what Karma had to say when one of the Alumni Team volunteers visited. I am Karma and if I may say so myself, I am a real sweetheart. It is so easy to be sweet though, in my final home here in Graham. My meal service arrives 5 times a day consisting of yummy…
Bridget Back at SAFE
Changes in her family circumstances necessitated Bridget’s return to SAFE, where we would be able to best support her in the search for a new home. Quickly, Bridget cemented herself as a volunteer favorite. With her sweet disposition and welcoming nickers, it isn’t…
Artie is Adopted!
We have a very exciting announcement to make: Artie Shaw has been adopted! We’ve all loved Artie for so long, holding our breath as he transformed into the sweet, willing gelding he is today. To say “hours of work” went into him is a serious understatement—his journey…
Alumni Update: Heidi
Heidi’s adopter, Kristina, posted an update on October 10th: Heidi was rescued by safe in 2007. We’ll be celebrating 18 years together this November. She always cracks me up because she pretends to be independent and acts like she doesn’t want attention, but as soon…
Alumni Update: Freya
Freya’s Report (from her perspective and that’s the only way per Freya) Greetings my dear SAFE subjects, I know it has been a while, but I simply have had too full of a schedule to write. In addition, my hoof typewriter broke, and my servant has claimed she has no…
Mirana is adopted!
When Cal’s owner needed urgent help finding him a new home, SAFE stepped in to assist. The perfect home quickly emerged: lush green fields, a picture-perfect red barn, and a wonderful family ready to welcome Cal as their new horse. There was just one catch—they needed…
Alumni Update: Tasara
Sherri and Tasara are doing very well together. Tasara is as content and happy as can be and gets lots of attention throughout the day. She loves her large barn area that she can go in and out at will into her very large open paddock. Tasara shares the barn with four…
Alumni Update: Mac
Here is an update from Mac’s adopter Jerre from late this summer: Our biggest success has been a deep dive into positive reinforcement and collaborative care. I give Mac the option to refuse any contact, haltering, fly mask, etc., while encouraging participation with…
October Joel Conner Clinic Report: Barb
Annika rode Barb in the October Joel clinic, and has the following to say about their experience together: “Participating in the October Joel Conner clinic with Barb was a lesson in presence, patience, and partnership. Barb is a small horse with a big…
Brandit Forever
We have been struggling with Brandy and Bandit’s quality of life for some time now. Over the past two years, both mares have faced challenges that have required us to closely monitor their comfort and happiness. At the beginning of November, Brandy’s condition…
October Joel Conner Clinic Report: Brownie
Lexee N, who has been working and riding Brownie, brought him into the October Joel Conner clinic for his first riding clinic. Here’s her report on how it went: “Oh Mr. Brownie! This guy has come so far in such a short time and impresses me every day. This…
Alumni Update: Pippi
Pippi and her 14-year-old human, Taryn, are doing well and take riding and jumping lessons together. They did their first horse trials in August and competed in their first novice schooling event in October.
Mahina’s First Rides
With her long neck and big doe eyes, we have lovingly nicknamed Mahina ‘Littlefoot,’ and at the end of October, our dearest Littlefoot achieved a great big milestone: her first rides. It has been a real pleasure helping this mare develop — first in her trust of…
Halter Starting Venturo
The covered round pen has been witness to a tremendous amount of halter startings. This process varies in ease, but as a default always poses some degree of challenge. The Tivas and the Arties and the Esmes — uncertain and nervous and braced. It takes time, hours upon…
Alumni Update: Bliss
Bliss has some new friends!
October Joel Conner Clinic Report: Mateo
Lexee N has been working with Mateo and preparing him for his first rides, which he received at the October Joel Conner clinic. Here is what she has to say about the experience: “As much as I love this big oaf, he has a lot of trouble. And his first rides showed us he…
October Joel Conner Clinic Report: Maisy
Casey A has been working with Maisy, preparing her for her first saddling. Here is what she has to say: “Maisy continues to show her fun, spunky personality and a good mind for learning. She handled her first saddling with confidence, showing a lot of try. Over the…
October Joel Conner Clinic Report: Hayden
Cameron B worked alongside Hayden in the groundwork portion of October’s Joel Conner clinic, and has the following to say: “This was my first time working with Hayden in a clinic setting, though I’d had a brief opportunity to handle her beforehand. Hayden, the…
October Joel Conner Clinic Report: Mabel
Candi K has the following reflections about her recent time spent with Mabel: “This past weekend, I had the joy of partnering with sweet Mabel during the Joel Conner Clinic in the Groundwork class. From the moment she greeted me each morning with a soft nicker, I knew…
Alumni Update: Sugar (Ko)
Ko spent several months earlier this year with Cynthia’s mom and extended family, which he enjoyed, and he even participated in a family member’s wedding! He’s has been back home for a while and enjoys doing a bit of natural horsemanship, taking hand walks with…
Eda’s a Riding Horse!
Eda is wise beyond her four years. This sweet mare received her start under saddle just a few short months ago, and is already showing us what a cool, level-headed partner she is going to make someone in the not too distant future. Here you can see a bit of her…
Alumni Update: Ariel
Recent photo of Ariel and her buddy
Versatile Barb
Barb is fun, and Barb has fun. Barb says ‘no problemo’ to flags and ‘sure, why not’ to popping over a cavaletti. Barb has a great deal of sass and appreciates those who can take a joke, but when you laugh along with her, she is a willing and cool little partner.…
October Joel Conner Clinic Report: Ranger
Lise A worked alongside Ranger in the October Joel Conner clinic. While he has made lots of great progress in this style of groundwork, he still has some insecurities surrounding fly spray. Over the course of the three days, Lise worked a lot on helping Ranger grow…
Maisy in the Round Pen
We’re keeping things easy breezy with our miss Maisy, as she is still a growing girl. She comes in for groundwork sessions a few times a week where she gets her wiggles out and learns a bit more about giving to pressure and what a halter means. Here’s a recent video…
Alumni Update: Piper
Talia has been working a lot so hasn’t ridden much lately. Piper enjoys being with her pasture mate, Nova.
Mateo Makes a Choice
We tried the ‘choose a paper’ challenge with Mateo recently. In the end, turns out you can have your cake and eat it too! https://youtube.com/shorts/LJp3nFyP3D4 Mateo has been doing great, making good choices as he grows in his skills on the ground. He is well…
Bandit’s Recent Trim
Bandit was on her best behavior for her farrier appointment last week, and was a bit cheeky as well! For a long while, Bandit was very guarded about having her hind legs handled. She has evidence of an old injury, and perhaps because of this, she would often react…
Arionna Under Saddle
Since her start under saddle a few months ago, Arionna has been making steady forward progress. She’s been riding out of the roundpen, learning to tie, and wearing a bridle. All this while maintaining her sweet demeanor. She is a nice horse who is becoming an even…
Harissa is a Riding Horse!
Following months of preparation, we can officially say that Harissa is a riding horse! When we first met Harissa, we weren’t convinced she wouldn’t go for the jugular. She had a poor understanding of pressure, and could be quite dangerous to be around. We had moments…
Alumni Update: Zuri
Laura posted an update on Zuri October 9th: For all of you who know and cared for Zuri, just a sweet update. It always takes some time to get to know your four-legged friends. Zuri is such a strong independent character and at first, she wasn’t very attentive to…
Alumni Update: Moshi (Moxie)
Elle provided a three-month update August 18th on Moshi, now Moxie: We are almost through the dog days of summer down here in Alabama which means lots of cooling hose downs throughout the day, a bucket of SAFE’s famous “sweet water” every night with her dinner, and…
Fabulous Frida
While her filly gets a lot of (well deserved) screen time, we have to pay homage to Frida herself. As we round the corner on 6 months of Paloma, let’s take a moment to shout out the mare who gave us that little life. Frida is a strong personality, a fact we picked up…
Nova and Friends
Nova is still enjoying life over in Ellensburg, and we are continually grateful that her foster, Blair, continues to have both physical and emotional space for Nova to be the special mare she is. Here is an update from Blair: “R & B Ranch is happy to share that…
Pepper is Adopted!
Our fun, feisty, and fabulous Pepper has been adopted! After a brief return to SAFE, where she received a tune-up under saddle, Pepper was ready to meet adopters once more. When Liz met Pepper, she could feel it was a match, and told us that she felt very lucky to be…
Brownie Out and About
Brownie lives up to his name — he is a sweet guy. His progress under saddle has been smooth and steady, a relatively quick upward trajectory. Here you can see his first ride outside of the arena, his 5th ride overall. This dude is going places, sometimes at a lope!…
Alumni Update: Mesquite
Mesquite’s adopter Cory recently shared some thoughts on their relationship: Mesquite is ALL ARAB! A hot, opinionated, so extremely soft, Velcro, one-person horse. I love him more than anyone can know. I met and adopted him from SAFE as my friend when he was 11.…
Alumni Update: Remy
A SAFE Alumni volunteer recently visited with Remy and his adopter Jessica. Remy has been doing well. He and Soldier are companions together in hilly acreage, stalled briefly for grain; otherwise, live outside all summer. Stall will be available as needed when weather…
Sienna Under the Rainbow
As far as “things you’d hope to find under a rainbow” go, Sienna is right up there with a pot of gold. This mare is certainly a treasure! As SAFE’s current longest resident, Sienna is approaching 8 years with us. “From Feral to Friend” could be the title of her…
Mabel on the Move
Mabel went on her first walk outside the arena walls the other day, accompanied by Poppy, who was more than happy to show her around. Mabel has limited vision in her left eye, but you’d never know with how confidently she handles new experiences such as this. Mabel is…
Alumni Update: Stella
Stella spends the school year at Carrol College engaged in equine emotional therapy and horsemanship. Bethany does endurance rides with her in the spring. Stella’s nickname at the college is the “Sports Car”, with all the bells and whistles. And she lets the rider…
Mornings at SAFE
What makes a morning at SAFE? In the early hours before our volunteers arrive, our barn staff get all the horses fed and ready to start their days! Check out a sample of what a typical morning looks like below. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/B5OrQNUYJDM
Alumni Update: Tilt (Korra)
Julie shared a milestone for Korra on August 18th: Another milestone for little Korra. We hauled out to new trails to ride with our farrier and her partner. Korra is TINY compared to the other horses on the ride so we did a whole lotta trotting to keep up. She was a…
Jacob at Foster — Again!
After a brief reappearance at SAFE, Jacob was off to foster again, showing what an adaptable (and still adoptable) guy he can be! While not without his quirks, Jacob makes a good companion to have around. He is not particularly herd bound, and has a goofy personality.…
