The Importance of Circles — Joel Conner
Joel Conner is back at SAFE this weekend for another three day clinic. Joel Conner is a remarkable horseman and teacher whose dedication to classic vaquero horsemanship is unparalleled. Following the traditions of Ray Hunt, Tom and Bill Dorrance, and Buck Brannaman,…
Alumni Update: Bliss and Evie
Bliss and Evie continue doing well, although they are no longer turned out together because Evie tried to kick Bliss. Bliss now has a one-year-old pony as a pasture mate who gets along well with her. Evie is great with kids and enjoys trail riding.
Brownie’s Glow Up
What a difference 6 months makes! Brownie came to SAFE in decent enough shape — not particularly underweight (unlike his herdmate Clarissa, who was incredibly thin), but when you look at the horse who arrived and the horse who is here today, you would not be wrong to…
Sparky and Rojo, Heart at Work
Sparky and Rojo, our two miniature donkey ambassadors, recently returned to SAFE to be able to greet guests at our 2025 Heart of the Horse. These two sweethearts have been dipping their (tiny, adorable) hooves in the water of attending more events, and what better…
Alumni Update: Coco, Minnie and Teddi
Coco, Minnie and Teddi continue to do very well together. While at SAFE, Teddi served as a wonderful aunt, watching over and teaching first Minnie and then Coco herd dynamics. Teddi has extended her motherly instincts to the bovine species. Marti told us Teddi was…
Venturo is Five Months Old!
Venturo turned five months old last week, and he sure is turning into one handsome little colt! He is a sweet and curious little fellow, one who very much appreciates scratches and a good romp on grass with mom, to whom he is baring a striking resemblance these days.…
Trinket Under Saddle
With only a handful of rides, Trinket is coming along great. We are keeping things short and sweet (just like Trinket herself) but this smart little mare is a fast learner! She is quickly getting the hang of coming up and down through the gaits on a feel, and recently…
Cleo and Deja Move to Care Fur Life
Having a community of trustworthy organizations in our network that can call on us for support — and vice versa — helps us to help more horses, not to mention each other. In exchange for taking Hayden into our program, Care Fur Life took in not just one, but two of…
Eda’s First Saddling
Eda was the first of the Valentine herd to wear a saddle, after making her way through our groundwork checklist swiftly and without a lot of trouble. Her first time being cinched up was, as you can see, pretty mellow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x‑S48RcX5m0 But…
Quincy (and Thistledown’s) New Home
SAFE’s promise to our alumni is that they will be safe, forever. Quincy’s adopter’s life circumstances had changed, and in the long term she would be unable to support Quincy and his herdmate, Thistledown. She asked for our help to rehome them — an incredibly…
Alvaro Having a Ball
Alvaro’s ball was temporarily lost, but this week it made a reappearance, much to his delight. This guy is perfecting his technique ahead of the world cup, running drills every day now. His athleticism is something else, and his energy supply never seems to end. He’s…
A Mother’s… Love?
The last time Tiva saw her filly, Hayden, was when she was weaned from her. The pair had been living in a stall, and when Hayden left for her fresh start at Care Fur Life, we did not anticipate that the pair would ever be in the same space again. But life moves in…
Inky is Adopted!
When a cute guy like Inky comes through SAFE, we know that he won’t stick around for long. His petite stature coupled with his sweet personality made Inky a hot ticket item — as soon as he got up to date on his vet and farrier and passed his intake quarantine, the…
Alumni Update: Harley
Elouise and Harley continue to do horse agility and compete through the International Agility club and have been doing very well at competitions. Harley and Elouise are definitely a very bonded team. Elouise is now learning to ride but is using another horse that is…
Edward is Adopted!
Back in 2021, Edward arrived at SAFE alongside his friends Jacob and Esme. The trio had been adopted from an orphan foal rescue by a family that was not equipped to care for them. On intake, Edward was suffering from equine asthma, and as a result was incredibly thin.…
Alumni Update: Jewel and Tilt (Korra)
Julie updated us on how both Jewel and Tilt, now Korra, are doing. Jewel is 13 now! She is doing well but still has issues with being saddled. I have been able to saddle her on and off but I just get about half a dozen rides on her before she freaks out again. Since…
Groundwork with Mateo
Since his gelding, Mateo has been waiting out some of his excess testosterone — or rather, we have been waiting for some of his studly behaviors to lose some of their potency. As a result, we have kept Mateo’s working sessions short and sweet, but this smart guy will…
Moshi is Adopted!
Tremendously exciting news: Moshi has been adopted! The match between Moshi and adopter Elle was about as perfect as it could be — they fit one another so well in so many ways, and when Elle told us she wanted to move forward, we couldn’t have been happier. Before her…
Mabel Under Saddle
Casey A recently put the first (at SAFE) rides on Mabel, and has been riding her since. Here’s what she has to say about how it’s going: “Mabel’s restart under saddle has been going quite smoothly. She is comfortable with a rider, though she does have some anxiety…
Alumni Update: Biscotti (Rowdy)
Biscotti/Rowdy looks great. The family recently moved to a larger property with more pasture space and a nice barn. He shares his pasture with a young mare and an older gentleman who both look well cared for. Nearby is a pig who roams the property and has made herself…
Nova’s Summer
Nova’s life at foster during the summertime is pretty sweet. Blue skies, western Washington winds, good friends, and a foster mom who meets this complex mare where she’s at each day. Life is easier some days for Nova than for others. Earlier this year when Bijou went…
Hi, Hayden!
Our newest intake, Hayden, may be new to SAFE, but her connection to us is about as old as she is. For the last three years, Hayden has been learning and growing and receiving phenomenal care at Care Fur Life, but before that, she was living in a stall alongside her…
Groundwork with Maisy
Not a whole lot will be expected of Maisy as she continues to grow, but she has begun her early forays into learning the ropes (literally) to set her up for success. Here she has her first experiences with the flag, the rope, and getting the hang of her hindquarters.…
Alvaro, Gelding!
A few months ago, we had a double feature gelding planned for both Mateo and Alvaro to make the switch on the same day, and while things do sometimes go as planned, this was not one of those times. Our vets were not confident they felt a second testicle on Alvaro,…
Frida and Paloma to Foster
Big enough to make the trip, last week Paloma shipped off to foster up in Arlington at the lovely Pacific Moon. Mom Frida was along for the ride too, of course, and will raise her filly out on lovely pasture. The pair join Wednesday and Venturo, and if everything goes…
Happy Birthday, Rojo!
Our sweet Rojo donkey recently snorted out the candles on his 16th birthday cake! This handsome fellow is living the good life in foster at Jackie’s Slacker Camp™ with his good friend Sparky and the rest of her marvelous menagerie. We will see both Rojo and Sparky…
Alumni Update: Willow
Willow is now 22 years old and enjoys ruling over 10 acres of pasture with her companion horse. She also supervises a company of sheep who help fertilize the 10 acres. She has a nice shelter to tuck in if she chooses and she gets blanketed when the winter gets too…
Venturo Growing Up
What’s black, white, and brown — err, we mean grey — all over? A four month old Venturo! Vinnie is proof that butterflies aren’t the only creatures capable of metamorphosis. It’s hard to believe that this little bay guy is now a not-so-little grey guy. From afar, it…
Alumni Update: Picasso (Justice)
SAFE alumni volunteer Manuela recently checked in with Picasso, now known as Justice. Justice appears to be living the good life at a fabulous farm. He gets to work and play every day with his human and also other horses. To keep Justice in top form, he is served a…
Thank You, Deloitte!
We feel incredibly lucky to have welcomed Deloitte back for the second time as a participant in their annual Impact Day on June 6th. Over the course of 6 hours, 19 participants worked on projects ranging from sanding and staining benches, washing or painting fences,…
Wren is Adopted!
We are delighted to announce that Wren has been adopted! Jake and his fiance came out to meet some horses, and fell in love with Wren. For the last month or so, Wren, now called Sage, has been settling into her new home, and is now officially a permanent member of…
Alumni Update: Darla
We recently caught up with Darla and her adopter, Monne. Monne is trail riding with Darla and works her in the round pen beforehand. Monne said, “With Darla, we are always working on confidence. She is such a smart girl, she even puts herself back in the sacrifice…
Rest Easy, Trixie
Every moment spent with a horse is precious. We never know how much time we’ll have with them, and we always hope the good days outnumber the hard ones. We are deeply grateful to Christina, Rae’s adopter, who stepped up and welcomed Trixie into her home as an official…
Alumni Update: Arrow
Alumni volunteer Manuela L recently paid a visit to Arrow and his adopter, Penni. This is what she had to share with us. Arrow’s visit was a pleasure. The property is beautiful all around and very peaceful for people and, more importantly, for Arrow and his pony…
Groundwork with Eda
Eda is one smart cookie! This mare, while hesitant to be handled at first, has really settled into the routines and rhythms of life around SAFE. She picked up on the groundwork quickly, and while she did initially show some frustrations, it didn’t take her long to…
Thank You, Equity Residential!
We want to give a massive shout out to Equity Residential who came out for a work party at the end of May. These folks blew our minds with their enthusiasm, sense of community, thoroughness, and sheer joy at getting to work around the horses. They came ready to…
Listening Closely to Our Older Mares — Brandy & Bandit
Over the last six months, Brandy and Bandit have been giving us some signs that things are changing for them. Once a star of the grooming program, Brandy was always game for a good brushing session. From time to time she would clearly communicate that her quarter was…
Alumni Update: Rhythm
Here is a recent update from Hillary: These days, Rhythm spends most of his days enjoying retirement with his old pal Jimmy. We do however enjoy good grooming sessions and the occasional lunging session or bareback ride around the pasture. Back in our good ole days,…
Mahina’s First Saddling
In the year she has been with us, Mahina has experienced a lot of firsts: first bath, first dental, first farrier appointment. After many hours of groundwork, Mahina was ready for another first: wearing a saddle. The first time being cinched up was momentarily…
Alumni Update: Billy
Billy is doing well. He lives in a side-by-side paddock next to Anne’s mare, Vinnie. They have a brother/sister relationship and can intermittently irk each other, but they also lick and nuzzle each other through the fence. Billy gets to have a peaceful life without…
Alumni Update: Montana
Montana is enjoying life on a beautiful property with his adopters Alycia, Rebecca and their son. He hangs out with four other horses and a few ducks.
Inky’s Intro to Sunny
Inky had been living alone for some time before he got to SAFE, so we really had no indication of how he would be with other horses. Due to the fact that he was to be adopted out as a companion horse, it was important for us to be able to see his interactions in order…
May Joel Conner Clinic Report: Cleopatra
Lise A worked alongside Cleopatra in the May Joel Conner Clinic and has the following to say about her experience: “I had the good fortune to work with Cleo in the ground work portion of the most recent clinic in May with Joel Conner. I had only worked her a few times…
Ciara and Inula are Adopted!
We are jumping for joy to announce that Ciara and Inula have been adopted, together! These two came to us in 2023 as part of a 7 horse seizure out of Gig Harbor. During their time at SAFE, they both told us they would be better suited for the companion lifestyle:…
Trailer Practice with Mirana
Aside from the usual suspects of loading and unloading and taking short trips, one of the other ways we help get our horses accustomed to and comfortable with spending time in the trailer is by getting them reservations at Cafe Tie-In. The location is typically our…
Alumni Update: Oscar
Oscar is companion to Nic, a 17-year-old quarter horse. Vickie has had Nic since July 2024. She rides Nic western dressage style riding. Both Oscar and Nic obviously adore her (and vice versa). The two horses get along well, with Oscar being the “boss.” They live on a…
Alumni Update: George
Alumni volunteer Candi recently checked in with George and his adopters, Ana and Clint. Candi writes: George is living the good life! He is absolutely thriving in his forever home with Dr. Ana Kidder and her husband Clint! Whether he’s strolling the country lanes with…
Come Dance with Artie
Candi K on Artie S: “Looking for the perfect dance partner? What if he’s more than just smooth moves—what if he’s kind, willing, and eager to grow alongside you? Meet Artie Shaw, a true gentleman with a golden heart and a remarkable ability to connect with his rider.…
May Joel Conner Clinic Report: Sienna
Cameron B worked with Sienna in the May Joel Conner clinic, and wrote the following about the experience: “Working with Sienna during our second Joel Conner Groundwork Clinic was both rewarding and eye-opening. As a natural herd leader, Sienna brings a confident,…
Alumni Update: Breve
Breve is enjoying life on a beautiful, peaceful property and is well taken care of by Lola who has created an atmosphere of community around ponies and horses. Breve has now been started in saddle and is good with kids. The kids still have to be led by their parents…
