Rest in Peace, Sweet Nico
On the day we picked up Tanis, we really only intended to rescue one horse. But she had a friend by her side that needed even more help than she did. Often when you make the decision to intake a horse, you can’t predict what type of assistance you’ll be providing, or…
Bob at the Horsemanship Gathering with Freya
One of our volunteers, Bob M. came to watch and participate in a horsemanship weekend at SAFE. Here’s what he had to say: “A few weekends ago, I attended the first ‘in house’ horsemanship gathering that Terry organized and hosted. At the end, I got my first experience…
Esme Makes New Friends
Esme came to SAFE alongside Edward and Jacob, and while they all got along quite well, being the only girl in a herd of boys does have its downsides. She could certainly hold her own, but the boys picked on her a bit, as horses figuring out herd dynamics are want to…
Kicking it With Cramer
One of our volunteers, Lise A. has spent some time recently with Cramer, and had the following to say about her experience: I have had the good fortune of getting to start grooming Cramer in early February (with Terry’s guidance of course). He and I have gotten to…
Training Update: Groundwork with Minnie
Check out this video of Minnie doing some groundwork. She works on leading on a float through three gaits (walk, trot, lope), transitioning through those gaits smoothly, and staying straight on her united circle. She also works on being touched by the rope and the…
Jacob’s Smile
For some, going to the dentist is no big deal. Jacob, whose human persona would, for the most part, be something akin to a laid back surfer dude, is one such fellow. He recently had his first dental visit since arriving at SAFE, and took it all in stride. He was a…
Teddi Sees the Dentist
Teddi’s recent dental was just how we like them – an easy, routine visit with very little that needed addressing. She had just a few sharp edges that needed filing down, and the entire procedure only took a few minutes. Even though Teddi’s dental was entirely…
Tiva: Training and Video Update
Someone once told me that in their experience the Yakima Reservation horses were like trying to tame a “wild cat”. They are flighty, jumpy and in that person’s eyes almost impossible to domesticate. For us, the jury is still out. We have seen now our fair share of…
Edward All Cinched Up
Edward, the skinny, asthmatic horse who arrived at SAFE last fall has been started under saddle. It has been a while since he looked like the gelding we first met – he has seen such dramatic improvement in both his health and his ground manners – and to see him with a…
SuperNova
Nova is a tall drink of water. Or, perhaps a bit more appropriately, a tall drink of soda – something with bubbles, the kind that dance and pop above the glass, sparkly and effervescent. The word ‘coltish’ also springs to mind, certainly due to those long legs of…
Two Men and A Baby
I’ll admit, the title is a bit misleading. But to see new herd-mates Nyx, Montana, and Otto out together, I think it would quickly become apparent to anyone who are the men and who is the baby. A brief description of the herd has – Nyx starring as the benevolent…
Edward, Defanged
Edward, along with the herd mates he arrived at SAFE with, Esme and Jacob, were all named after characters from a certain mid-2000s book series you may be familiar with, featuring vampires and werewolves and rain, oh my! Edward, the horse, was named after Edward, the…
Cramer Gets a Pedicure
We are happy to report that Cramer has successfully had all four hooves trimmed. He was a gem for the farrier and stayed connected to the handler without trouble. He has a kind and thoughtful nature. When he had issues with the hind it was less from being “naughty”…
Training Update: Montana Over Trot Poles
Check out this video of Montana working over trot poles — watch how he goes from rushing over them in the beginning to lengthening his stride and elongating his body towards the end.
Pepper’s Progress
Pepper has recovered from a wound on her hind leg that had her on stall rest for a couple months. She was a star patient for all her treatments and even coped really well with being separated from her herd and stuck in a rehab lot. Pepper has just been back to work…
Alumni Update: Emma
Emma has a new, but very familiar new home. For the past several years, Emma has been boarded at Sunset Stables in Carnation by her SAFE adopter Heidi. Over the past year, Emma has formed a very special bond with Sunset Stable Owner Jan and now is Emma’s new adopter.…
Meet Tanis and Nico!
Introducing our newest herd members, Tanis and Nico. Recently, a woman in her 80s passed away leaving 14 dogs, a horse, a friendly cat, and several fixed feral cats. SAFE was contacted to help with the horse. Working with a local small animal rescue, JustCare Animal…
Cameron and Carrie
Here is an update on Cameron from one of our volunteers, Carrie S: “This is the magic of SAFE. A sweet old pointy Cameron is now a dashing debonair gelding full of life and showing his stuff. I took him out for his daily walk yesterday and he was simply dancing and…
Darla’s Toe Woes
It has certainly been a lengthy recovery process, but the end is finally in sight for our dear Darla. Since her abscess finally ported (in not one, not two, but three places: her coronet band, her heel bulbs, and her white line) back in early January, we have been…
Training Update: Edward Bumping up to the Rail
Check out this video of Edward bumping up to the rail — it was only the third time we did this exercise with him, and as you can see, he is a very fast learner and an incredibly smart boy!
Daisy’s Move To Foster
Adoptions are a wonderful thing, but they are often bittersweet for those involved in the horse’s life. When Sundae was adopted from her foster home, it left her human foster, Shellie, with a bit of an empty nest, and her foster brother lacking a friend. Luckily, we…
Frosting in the Sun
Check out this photo Frosting’s foster mom sent us of Frosting and her BFF, SAFE Alumna Fancy, enjoying a nap in the sun together. There’s nothing quite like basking in those rare wintertime rays with your buddy by your side!
Chip and Dale Health Update
Chip’s level of comfort appears to have made some slight improvements since his last visit two weeks ago with Dr. King from Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital. His blood work shows only a very slightly elevated ATCH but visually he has very classic symptoms of Cushing’s,…
Training Update: Groundwork with Coco
Check out this video of Coco doing some groundwork. She works on leading on a float through three gaits (walk, trot, lope), transitioning through those gaits smoothly, and staying straight on her united circle. She also works on being touched by the rope and the flag,…
Trim Time for Otto
Last time our farrier was out, Otto successfully had all four of his feet trimmed. It is such a pleasure to watch this young man as he sheds out and grows up, the latter of which includes a vast difference between his first trim and this, his most recent one. Learning…
Introducing Tiva!
Introducing our newest mare, Tiva! She was picked up from a boarding barn in Olympia and arrived at SAFE in the late afternoon. After living in a stall for nearly a year, she was reluctant to leave it and or to get out of the trailer. Freedom was not something she had…
Sundae is Adopted!
We are over the moon excited for our little momma, Sundae, who officially has her own forever home, where she will only be expected to eat, run and be happy! Gone are the days of her constant motherhood. Sundae, now named Neapolitan, moved to Tacoma in February to…
Alumni Update: Trey
This cute Quarter Horse/Pony is a big horse, with lots of personality, just stuck in a smaller horse’s body! Even though he isn’t competing in dressage any longer, he still loves to zip around the property, hang out with his other horse friends in the pasture and…
“Brandit” Go To Foster
Brandy and Bandit have arrived at their foster home with long-time SAFE volunteer, Sarah V! A group of SAFE volunteers spent a sunny weekend day putting the finishing touches on the girl’s new home, and then it was time for the pair to arrive. They had a lovely first…
Jasper is Adopted!
Jasper is adopted! Connie came to SAFE looking for a companion for her 19 year old mare, Poppy, who had recently lost her gelding companion. When she met Jasper, Connie immediately fell in love with his soft eyes. Jasper came to SAFE in the summer of 2020 as a very…
The Tooth Fairy Visits Otto
Though his follow-up appointment wasn’t for another month, a few days after he returned from his check-in with Dr. Hanson, Otto decided he was ready to go back. His now characteristic bump was appearing noticeably larger, and after a call to the vet, it was decided…
Update on Chip and Dale
Shortly after arriving at their foster home, Chip and Dale gave us quite a scare. The pair had an intake vet visit scheduled for early March, where they would get overall examinations including bloodwork to test for possible Cushing’s, lameness evaluations, and dental…
Mac and Domino in the Limelight
Our friends at the Limelight pet project stopped by last month to visit with Domino and Mac and learn a bit more about these two gentlemen! Their spotlight really highlighted the boys’ distinct personalities. Check out the video interview below!
Help for Two Senior Minis and Their Owner
Recently, SAFE received a phone call from a senior in our community. Up until mid January, they had been in very good health. Sadly, they were in an automobile accident and ever since had been experiencing a diminished capacity on their left side. While waiting for…
Alumni Update: Misty
Misty is doing amazing! She is currently residing at Buck wood Farms as a lesson horse and is being ridden by a lovely lady Amber, who absolutely loves Misty. Come spring, Misty’s adopter will be able to start riding her again as she is finishing school and has a…
Alumni Update: Sierra
No matter the season, Sierra always has something she loves. If it’s muddy, she loves to blend in with rolling in the mud and if it’s snowing, she just stands there to camouflage with her surroundings But, if there is a kicking ball, then it’s get up and go time!…
Bath Day for Cramer
Cramer was a very good boy for his first bath at SAFE. He has come a long way from the timid giant that arrived just a short time ago. He is coming along nicely in the halter work, and we have been able to complete his first dental, vaccines and worming treatments.…
Barb Needs a Knowledgeable Partner
Barb has a very strong sense of justice, so if you fail to release her immediately when she does the right thing, or add pressure that’s not meaningful, she’ll resent your poor timing. When you time up correctly and have good consistency of your feel and movements,…
Nyx is waiting to meet you!
Nyx is a 15-year-old big mustang boy standing at 16.0hh and he’s ready for an intermediate rider! He came to SAFE as a rescue in Washington, but he’s originally from Beatys Butte, Oregon HMA–a herd that is known to have traces of everything from Spanish mustang to…
Our Baby Rae
Rae is doing very well this winter. She has been a good citizen with a few new members of her turnout herd. Rae keeps “her nose clean” in the herd and is never in the middle when things get energized. She is polite when meeting new horses and over all very easy to…
George: Happy to get back to Work!
George is officially ready to get back to work. He has been enjoying returning to daily turnout and is beginning saddle time this week! We are excited to once again reopen applications as he progresses to full riding workouts over the next several weeks. This guy…
Otto Training Update: Giving to Pressure
Check out this video of a training session with Otto as he works on giving to pressure through the use of a rope:
Jill Is Ready For Her Forever Home!
Jill has blossomed into a fun and reliable riding horse! This sweet mare is so fun to ride because she loves working with her rider and is forward and willing, but also enjoys working at a relaxed walk and is getting a pretty dynamite stop. While she’s still young,…
Alumni Update: Moon
Moon is a companion horse and is best buddies with another draft horse, Goliath. She loves attention, especially being groomed. Recently, she has found a farrier who really understands her hooves and loves her hoof-pedis every 8 weeks, which has improved her…
Alumni Update: Bucky B Lucky
Lorenzo, formally known as Bucky B Lucky and his adopter Ruth, are still actively competing often. Here are some recent photos of playing, training and competing! Such a handsome fella!
We Love Our Minis
Written by our volunteer, Debbie Meyer, aka “Best Buddy to Shasta & Sunny” Traditionally, February has been known as the month of love. As a result, no better time for an update on SAFE’s lovable ambassadors and permanent residents, Shasta and Sunny D. As some of…
Terrific Teddi
Recently, Teddi reminded us what an amazing herd member she can be! Since Minnie and Coco had to have their vaccines done to help them protect against strangles, we were instructed to keep them separated for one-week post-vaccine from other horses. Since it is winter,…
Cameron Enjoys Long Walks
We have a few volunteers who come once a week to give our gentleman Cameron a walk around the property. Here is what Meghan Nicolson had to say: “Walking with Cameron is a highlight of my week! When we first started walking together he just wanted to go, with his…
Alumni Update: Lucy
Check out these photos of Lucy! She has been finding her way in the herd and apparently found a new friend that she is mothering a bit.
Sienna is our Special Project
Here is what Terry had to say about Sienna: What an absolute gift Joel Conner is to SAFE and horses like Sienna. His resolve, knowledge and compassion for her success is unmatched. Joel made Sienna a “special project” in this past November’s horsemanship clinic. He…
