
Getting to know Dylan Palm!
Tremendous thanks to Caren McMillen, who interviewed Dylan and provided this write-up to help you all get to know him better! Thank you, Caren, you are one in a million! Dylan Palm became the Sunday Barn Manager at SAFE when Julien Dreher left for college. But because…

Alder Makes Progress
Here’s an update from Kaya, who worked with Alder while Joel Conner was in town: Alder learned a ton during this last clinic! I’m so lucky to be able to work with this smart, sweet gelding. We worked on freeing up his feet, roping, and saddling prep. Alder even wore a…
Barb and her Towel
Barb’s taking everything her foster throws at her–even a towel!–with grace.

A Devastating Loss
It’s almost inconceivable to have to write these words. We lost a horse this week — a horse that was young, strong, and full of life. A horse with a sunny personality and a friendly calm outlook on life. A horse who was just days away from finding his forever home.…

Joel Conner Clinic Report: Jollie!
Thank you to Casey A for this update about Jollie, who got to participate in her first Joel Conner Clinic* this month! Jollie had a fantastic week! When she arrived at SAFE she hadn’t really been halter started, and she was quite pushy, so leading her to and from her…

Anderson Training Update
Here’s an update from Anderson’s regular rider, Kaya: Since this clinic was a little unique, Anderson and I both had the opportunity to really delve into our biggest insecurities and issues. We had two round pens set up in the indoor arena and this allowed me to ride…

Goodbye, Slim
It is hard to share sad news with you, knowing how difficult the world is right now. But unfortunately, some things can’t wait for this to pass. We have been struggling to keep Slim comfortable for over 9 months. What started as an abscess became an infection of his…

SAFE State of the Union
It should come as no surprise that horses don’t care that much about COVID-19. While the world outside the farm is changing in unimaginable ways, life here at SAFE remains pretty much the same. The horses go about their day as they always have, with certain…

Buddy and Banner Dental
Buddy and Banner had their dentals and vaccines yesterday. Both were good boys. We are guessing ages are 25 for Buddy and 22 for Banner. The dentals should give both a ton of relief when eating. They got an intense deep cleaning spa treatments afterwards. They both…

Raising a White Flag
Do you ever get to moving so fast that you have no idea how exhausted you are? That’s a pretty accurate description of how things have been at SAFE for the past year or so. We started 2019 off with business as usual — caring for 30 rescued horses, managing their…
The Limelight Pet Project Features Millie
Thanks to The Limelight Pet Project for featuring Millie! The Limelight Pet Project is a campaign local to Washington that shines a light on harder to adopt pets and the people who help them. We’re delighted they chose Millie to share this month on Q13 FOX. Here’s the…

2019 Year in Review: Herd Health Update
Looking back on our accomplishments for the year in the herd health department at SAFE was easy in 2018, because we were still riding on the coattails of the adrenaline rush that came along with foaling out and raising 3 fillies. 2018 was also our first year with a…

An Unlikely Pair Finds a Forever Home
We meet Janelle a few weeks ago when she came to us, looking for a riding horse to join their family. She met Cameo, and It quickly became clear that Cameo and Janelle were perfect for each other. But since Janelle didn’t own any other horses, we were reluctant to…

Anderson Horsemanship Update
Here’s an update from Anderson’s regular rider and friend Kaya M: Anderson is one special horse. Since we first began working together last summer, our relationship and ability to understand each other has grown exponentially! Last summer, Anderson would walk away…

Fall City 40 Update
We started back in June with 40 horses…and we could not be happier that 30 of those horses are now in new homes, getting the care they need and deserve. That leaves ten horses who still need homes. You’ll notice that on the last update, we said that 11 horses are…

Amelia Under Saddle
SAFE volunteer rider Phoebe has been working with Amelia for quite a long time, and has successfully restarted her under saddle. Though Amelia will only be suited to light riding due to her age and history, she loves kids and would be a great horse for leadline.…

Pearl Training Update
Volunteer horseman Phoebe T has been working with Pearl. Here’s her report on their progress: I’ve never worked with a Morab before, and Pearl has me sold on the combination!! She is SOOO smart! She is definitely a willing partner and has gotten accustomed to the…

Valor Training Update
Here’s an update from one of Valor’s regular riders, Kaya M: Valor seems to have everyone swooning over him constantly at SAFE. He’s so handsome and sweet and wants nothing more than someone to hug his face and tell him he’s a good boy. Working with him the past…

Alder Training Update
Thank you to volunteer horseman Kaya M for this update on Alder. Don’t tell anyone, but I think she’s in love… Alder is a smart, thoughtful gelding with an active mind and an intense desire to find the right answer and do the right thing. Working with him on…

Buddy Intake Photos
Thank you to Kristina Oden for these photos of our new friend Buddy.

Banner Intake Photos
Thank you to Kristina Oden for these lovely pictures of our new boy Banner.

Slim’s Hoof: A Summary and Where We Are Today
We’ve been fighting a losing battle with Slim’s foot. Every time we think we’re making progress in getting him healed, another abscess pops up and the crack in his foot becomes even bigger. Because this has been going on for such a long time, let me summarize the…

Getting to Know Alder and Pearl
Our two new bay beauties, Alder and Pearl, have settled in well to their new digs at Safe Harbor Stables. We have taken the first step in separating them, and they are now in two individual but neighboring paddocks. We never know how that first step will go when two…

Rain Rain Go Away
With the recent and ongoing deluge of rain rain rain rain rain, we get calls from people concerned about horses they see standing outside in water, getting wet. As horse people, we know that most horses, when given a dry shelter to stand in, will choose to stand…
Meet Pepper!
Meet Pepper, formerly known as Filly #125! This little one is proving to be brave, smart, and kind… with a good stubborn streak in there as well! Pepper likes her living area (a three sided shelter with mats), keeps it quite tidy, and has decided that her Timothy hay…

Spending Some Time with Beauty
Beauty is doing great at SAFE. She has completed the intake process and has settled into the routine of the barn. Her dull starvation coat is shedding away and soon she will be shining like a copper penny. She is very gentle, likes attention and is a kind mare. She…

Training Update: Cyrus
Cyrus has finished his first month of professional training with Donohue Horsemanship and all reports are good. He is a good guy and is learning to be more accepting of the work. No major issues but at this time, but Cyrus will still need an experienced hand to help…

Fall City 40 Horses Update
If we’re being completely honest, taking on 24 wild horses in the dead of winter seemed like an impossible task, even to us. But we have successfully placed 11 of the seized horses into good homes with experiences handlers, and two more leave this week. That leaves 11…
New Video: Fancy
https://vimeo.com/384437238
The Limelight Pet Project Features Renee and Angel
Thanks to The Limelight Pet Project for featuring Renee and Angel! The Limelight Pet Project is a campaign local to Washington that shines a light on harder to adopt pets and the people who help them. We’re delighted they chose these two lovely ladies to share this…
The Limelight Pet Project Features Mara
Thanks to The Limelight Pet Project for featuring Mara! The Limelight Pet Project is a campaign local to Washington that shines a light on harder to adopt pets and the people who help them. We’re delighted they chose Mara to share this month on Q13 FOX. Here’s the…

If Horses Could Have Dentures: Amelia’s Dental Update
We are now two months post-colic for Amelia and we’re pleased to say that she’s doing great! We haven’t seen any signs of pain from her for some time. Shortly after she returned from the hospital, we still saw minor signs of discomfort, but those have disappeared.…

The Problem with Mara’s Eye
A few weeks ago, Mara’s left eye appeared to be hurting. She was squinting, had ocular discharge, and started trying to rub the pain away by scratching her head on the fence post. Dr. Renner from Rainland Farm came out to do an eye exam and found that she had a very…

Farley Gets a Forever Home
We are happy to announce that Mr. Farley has found his FOREVER home! He joined SAFE Alum Pyrrha and the two have hit it off. When Pyrrha’s pasturemate passed away, she was doing ok but having a buddy is an important thing for herd animals. We are glad that she…
Look who’s got a new pair of shoes
Cyrus is a new man with front shoes and a saddle! His restart with Nick Donohue is underway and going well. More soon.
Fall City 40 Update
It’s been about a month since the remaining Fall City 40 horses were seized in Enumclaw. These 24 horses have all been signed over to SAFE now, so we have full responsibility for their housing, feeding, and vet care, and we are taking steps to find homes for as many…

What’s New with Wind
Sometimes things go as planned, and sometimes plans can change. Before Wind arrived at SAFE, our staff reviewed prior vet records, spoke with animal control officials, and made the unanimous decision to welcome her into our hospice program. We prepared ourselves to…
Mina Training Update
Mina finished her 60 days of professional training with Nick Donohue and made her way back to Safe Harbor Stables. This big beautiful mare has a gentle personality and the foundation to make some one a great riding partner. Since back with us she has spent some time…

Luna Finds a Home
Dear Luna has been ADOPTED! She has been placed with a lovely family living outside Ashland Oregon. Luna’s adopter Heather had visited her while in training with Nick Donohue and fell instantly in love. Heather really appreciated the training foundation Luna had been…
Jollie and Merry Intake Photos

Asha Makes Her Way Home
Miss Asha headed to her adopters and the pair is doing great. Makia spent a few weeks at SAFE learning to work with Asha and forming a special bond. All the hard work has paid off and they are ready to start their life together at home. We were so glad that we were…

Horses Rescued in Enumclaw
Answers to FAQs• yes, these are the horses we called the Fall City 40• these horses are in a secure location, with food, water, and shelter• these horses are in sheriff’s custody now, but will be signed over to SAFE soon• SAFE is covering the cost of their…

A Big Year for Zoe!
What an amazing year Zoe is having. She had her first rides, 30 days of professional training with Nick Donohue, her first trail rides, and two amazing clinics with Buck Brannaman! She is gentle, endearing, and a solid citizen all around. The two areas we are still…

Meet George!
Back in August, we were called upon to help find homes for a group of wild horses we dubbed the Fall City 40. In the two weeks that we had access to these horses, we placed 14 of them into new homes. We also ended up taking one of the horses into our rescue program.…

And Just Like That, They’re Yearlings!
It’s hard to believe that our three resident bundles of joy were born over a year ago! Nova, Rae, and Pippi have blossomed into beautiful young ladies, full of life and personality. We have enjoyed watching them grow and are looking forward to seeing what their…

A Plot Twist for Lacey
At the most recent Joel Conner clinic, Lacey went into season and we saw some less than desirable behavior from her. She has a history of being sensitive around her flank region, especially when she goes into heat. She’ll squeal and make it known that she is not at…
Roscoe 12/8/2019
Alder and Pearl Intake Photos
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Cassidy is a Riding Horse!
Little “Baby” has sure grown up! A lot has changed for her since her arrival at SAFE, but more recently she has become a riding horse! We put in a lot of preparation and patience to get her ready to start this next chapter. During the September Horsemanship clinic,…