Alumni Update: Amira
Laura shared the following update and some really cute photos! We are living our best life together, well my best life, Amira would probably rather be out on the open range back mustanging! Please see attached a couple of recent pictures where she is wearing a…
Alumni Update: Bubbles (Bella)
Bella is doing great! She and her pasture mates weathered an unusual North Carolina snowstorm the end of January just fine. Mary is recovering from surgery and hired a farm hand to care for the horses and other animals while she rehabs. She can see the horses from her…
Mahina on the Trails
With the recent blessing of a few dry, clear days, we’ve made it a point to take advantage of mother nature’s good nature and get outside. Mahina took her first (hand) walk down the trail the other day, and conquered branch and bramble with a great deal of bravery…
Alumni Update: Frosting (Shawnee)
Frosting, now Shawnee, has a beautiful, peaceful home and is very content there and loves her pasture mate, Raven. Ann said she currently just trail rides with Shawnee but will introduce her to cattle in the spring. Shawnee is an amazing horse and Ann said her only…
Happy First Birthday, Venturo!
One year ago today, Venturo was born. We want to wish the happiest of first birthdays to our sweet, silly guy! Vinnie has made quite the transformation in his first lap around the sun, metamorphosing from a BAY-bee into a striking grey. He is a kind, curious boy, not…
Four Minis: A New Start
Part 2: A new start The four minis are all registered and came to us with existing names. However, as part of welcoming any new horse to SAFE, we give them a new name to mark the beginning of their next chapter with us. Our handsome little stud was given the name…
Bridgit is the Best!
Bridgit is doing very well! She’s no longer on the nebulizer, and her respiration is within a healthy range. That said, when she plays hard or is pushed, her breathing rate does increase — but it settles back to normal with time. We’re not riding her yet. The next…
Alumni Update: Violet
Violet officially hit the jackpot when Lexee adopted her! With a big roomy paddock, awesome herd mates, and an indoor arena for turnout and riding and room service she’s got the ultimate life. Add in weekly adventures and tons of love from Lexee and her mom Kathleen…
Alumni Update: Sophie
Sophie and her adopter, Julie, have been doing well. They have been participating in Joel Conner and Buck Brannaman clinics and have signed up to do more in 2026.
Alumni Update: Emma
Emma is doing well and enjoys hanging out with her barn mate and two large goats. Jan and Emma usually trail ride three days per week year-round on the endless trails directly accessible from his property.
Overlooked No More
This Valentine’s Day, we’re highlighting three sweet, curious, lovable mares—Bridgit, Eda, and Wednesday—who have somehow been overlooked by our generous SAFEkeeper sponsors. Can you believe these mares have only two sponsors each? What does Valentine’s Day mean to…
Four Minis Arrive at SAFE
Part 1: Arrival Right around the first of January, we got a call from a woman with a small boarding facility who had been contacted by a member of her community urgently looking for a place to keep four miniature horses. This good Samaritan had agreed to help,…
Rest Easy, Justin
Justin was euthanized yesterday due to colic. He had spent the day as usual with his buddy, Linus. Kim shared that when her husband, Kerry, went out to bring the boys in for the night, they were playful and full of life. Once Justin was back in his stall, however, he…
New Friends: Wednesday and Marigold
As Marigold settled into her new digs at SAFE, we kept a single line of panels up between her and Wednesday to let them get to know one another over a fenceline. There is always a bit of risk involved when introducing horses, and with Marigold’s small stature and…
Poppy is Adopted!
We are thrilled to announce that Poppy has been adopted! Poppy was the last of our ‘Graham 27’ horses to find a home, leaving almost exactly three years since she first arrived at SAFE. Poppy came to us unstarted, with some challenging spots (her nickname of ‘PAW-ppy’…
Edward Back at SAFE
As part of our commitment to a lifetime of safety, we are here to support our alumni horses and their owners whenever needed. It is with sadness and a very heavy heart that Edward’s adopter has asked us to welcome him back to SAFE. Shortly after adopting him, she…
Alumni Update: Misty
Sarah is still taking riding lessons with Misty. Misty is also used as a lesson horse by two girls that ride her consistently. Misty is adored by everyone that comes in contact with her. She is such a wonderful horse and has a great temperament.
Sienna is Adopted!
We are thrilled to share that after 8 years at SAFE, our sweet Sienna has found a family to call her own! Debbie and Peter reached out shortly after the heartbreaking loss of their beloved SAFE alum, Pomme. Despite their dedicated care, Cushing’s eventually took its…
Alumni Update: Stevie (Chinook)
Diana and Stevie, now Chinook, go riding four times a week. They ride indoors and outdoors plus trailer out once a week. They also participate in equitation clinics.
Alumni Update: Roscoe
Roscoe is doing great — happy, healthy, sound, and Kasey’s steady Eddie boy! Kasey absolutely adores Roscoe and treats him like the #1 he is! While Kasey was recovering from an injury, Roscoe lived a quiet life with the herd. Once she recovered, even after several…
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…
Alumni Update: Opal (Bella)
Opal’s adopter Lyn recently provided a quick update and photos of Opal (Bella). Right now we are working through a Cushings diagnosis and trying to get dosage right. But we still have fun walking around the property and getting a little grazing time in.
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.…
