Duchess: Joel Conner Clinic Report

Duchess: Joel Conner Clinic Report

SAFE volunteer rider Phoebe rode Duchess in the April Joel Conner clinic. Here’s what she had to say about the experience: Duchess, what a great teacher she is! Understanding that her inability to hold a focus for very long can be used to distract her from her…

Nashville: Joel Conner Clinic report

Nashville: Joel Conner Clinic report

SAFE Volunteer Rider Casey A has been working with Nashville and rode her in the riding sessions of last weekend’s Joel Conner clinic. Here’s what she had to say about it: I rode Nashville in the riding portion of the clinic all three days. Joel put the first couple…

Asha: Joel Conner Clinic Report

Asha: Joel Conner Clinic Report

SAFE volunteer rider Casey A worked with new girl Asha during the groundwork portion of last weekends’s Joel Conner clinic. Here’s what she had to say: I worked with Asha for the groundwork portion of the clinic all three days. This was the first time she had been…

Tasara: Joel Conner Clinic report

Tasara: Joel Conner Clinic report

SAFE volunteer Marie Jainga took part in her first Joel Conner clinic last weekend, working with Tasara in the groundwork sessions. Here are her observations about her experience: First, I want to begin by thanking Bonnie and Terry for hosting these wonderful clinics…

Lacey: Joel Conner Clinic Report

Lacey: Joel Conner Clinic Report

Clinic report from SAFE volunteer rider Erika: This clinic was not the first time I’ve worked with Lacey, but it was the first time I’ve spent so much time working with her. The first day, Friday, we really worked hard to get to a soft feel, and we got to where she…

Valencia and new mom Kelly at the Joel Conner clinic

Valencia and new mom Kelly at the Joel Conner clinic

Valencia’s adoption got off to a great start when her new owner, Karen K, took her in the Joel Conner clinic in order to better understand the language of horsemanship that Valencia is familiar with. The two did quite well together, and plan to continue this work once…

Ru: A Face Only a Mother Could Love

Ru: A Face Only a Mother Could Love

But if that is true, then Ruach has many moms (and dads) at SAFE because we love him a lot! He does have an interestingly shaped skull though… We hope that he was born that way, because it would break our hearts to image that someone could have hurt a horse like…

Amelia is not Pregnant

Amelia is not Pregnant

Dr Holohan, DVM from Pilchuck Vet Hospital did an examination of Amelia today and determined that she is not pregnant, but is suffering from mastitis, which is causing swelling and edema in her udder and abdomen. Amelia has been prescribed antibiotics to combat the…

Teddi and Roscoe Training Update

Teddi and Roscoe Training Update

A nice update from volunteer rider Lisa G about Teddi and Roscoe: Teddi is improving greatly in her groundwork. I slowed down and let go of my timeline expectations for her after the March clinic, and lifting that unconscious pressure has really helped our progress!…

Two New Horses to Introduce

Two New Horses to Introduce

SAFE has two new intakes to introduce to the community. Both of these horses have suffered some pretty serious neglect, and both have a long road of recovery ahead of them. Fortunately, that roads lead right through Save a Forgotten Equine and our rehabilitation team!…

Adoption Announcment: Rosie & Cali!

Adoption Announcment: Rosie & Cali!

This past spring, SAFE had been called to help on several large intake cases. This filled our stalls and while we have a great medical staff to get our horses healthy and training program to prepare them for new lives, finding the right home takes time. SAFE was in a…

Thank you, Jolene Duncan!

Thank you, Jolene Duncan!

We want to recognize and thank a very special member of both our Operations Council and our Volunteer Riders, Jolene Duncan. For the past 3 years, Jolene has given her time, energy, and talents to helping in a multitude of facets at SAFE. Starting out as a Volunteer…

Introducing Asha and Tabitha

Introducing Asha and Tabitha

SAFE took in two new horses today. Asha and Tabitha were seized from their owner by Animal Control officers who were called to the property by a report of a horse that was down and stuck in mud, but when they arrived, they discovered that the horse had been severely…

Our last update on Finn

Our last update on Finn

Finn was adopted by his foster Carrie G. in Woodinville in February 2018. His puppy-dog personality that made him a volunteer favorite at SAFE made it hard for Carrie to let him go, and her property was a great fit for his laminitis and navicular issues.…

What’s New, Rucky Bleu?

What’s New, Rucky Bleu?

Alumni Update on Ruckus from adopter Jacquie: April marks one year since we were matched with our spicy Farm mascot Rucky Bleu. It feels like we’ve been together forever in a good way! Getting to know his personality, Ruckus is smart, spicy and sweet all wrapped into…

Godspeed, Chips of Rik O Shay

We received the sad news last week that SAFE alumni Chip passed away from cancer. He was a sweet boy and had a very loving family to look after him at the end of his life. Chip was one of 39 horses seized by Pierce County Animal Control in late 2012, and he lived a…

Welcoming Justin, Glory, and Fancy to SAFE

Welcoming Justin, Glory, and Fancy to SAFE

Justin, Glory, and Fancy were seized from their owner by Animal Control due to starvation and neglect. A few months earlier, Animal Control seized Roscoe and Teddi from the same person. The three are regaining the weight they lost, and are being treated for rain rot…

Aurora and Belle: an Unexpected Happy Ending

Aurora and Belle: an Unexpected Happy Ending

In journalism school, they say “don’t bury the lead,” so I’ll come right out with it: Aurora and Belle are being adopted together to a Thoroughbred sanctuary in northern California. They will live the rest of their lives, together, with nothing expected of them but to…

He Is Indeed, Rest in Peace

He Is Indeed, Rest in Peace

A beloved SAFE alum departed this world yesterday. Deeds, adopted by the Stewart family in 2012, was humanely euthanized due to colic last night. Deeds lived a happy life as a companion to many of the Stewart’s horses, and he was a good friend to all. He was a quirky…

Rest in Peace, Annabelle

Rest in Peace, Annabelle

We lost a dear friend last week. Annabelle, who lived with Aubrey in one of our very best foster homes, collapsed suddenly on Tuesday morning and passed away shortly thereafter. She may have had a heart attack or an aneurysm, we’ll probably never know. Whatever it…

Jessel has been adopted!

Jessel has been adopted!

We are happy to share that Jessel has found a home with Alexandra in Spokane, Washington! Alexandra, an accomplished rider, had just lost her 17 year old mare to colic. Alexandra’s experience is a perfect match for Jessel and her continuing education under saddle.…

Photos of Lori and Prince

Photos of Lori and Prince

Tomorrow Prince leaves for his new home. Today, photographer Jessica Farren captured a glimpse of his bond with Lori. Prince is moving on to the next part of his life, but he will not be forgotten.

Roscoe and Teddi Updates

Roscoe and Teddi Updates

Volunteer rider Lisa G has been working with Roscoe and Teddi on the ground, preparing them for Joel Conner’s visit on March 15. Lisa is using the flag and the coiled rope to help them get more comfortable being touched and moved about. Here are her reports on their…

Annabelle enjoying the spring sunshine

Annabelle enjoying the spring sunshine

Annabelle celebrated yesterday’s unseasonably warm and sunny weather with a new hairdo and a bit of sunbathing! Thanks to foster mom Jackie for sharing this cute picture!

Raven Goes on a Field Trip!

Raven Goes on a Field Trip!

Our sweet Raven got to go on her first overnight sleepover last week. We have been trying to figure out her digestive issues and the next step was to have a gastroscopy performed to rule out stomach ulcers as a source of her intermittent colics. We had not had a colic…

Ru: Young at Heart

Ru: Young at Heart

Ruach is quite the character! He has had a number of years off and came to SAFE in October 2017 when his aging owner was no longer able to care for him. SAFE has recently restarted him and is conditioning him for light riding. He has a big lofty trot and canter. He is…

Fall in Love with Tasara

Fall in Love with Tasara

Tasara is a sweetheart! Her sensitive nature and forward energy make her an ideal horse for a rider with a light touch and calm personality. She was recently started at SAFE and is in full training. She has smooth gaits, she’s well behaved and she just loves people!…

Valencia, a Ray of Sunshine

Valencia, a Ray of Sunshine

Valencia is one of the most kind and gentle horses we currently have at SAFE. She loves getting groomed and spending time with people and other horses. She was recently restarted at SAFE after having quite a few years off due to an aging owner. She was a quiet…

Aurora and Belle: an Unexpected Happy Ending

Belle Gives Us a Scare

Last Monday, after she had gotten settled into her stall for the evening, Belle gave the PM volunteers a scare. She suddenly became lethargic and had a large amount of discharge coming from her mouth and nostrils. It appeared as though she was experiencing an episode…

Training Update: Renee

Training Update: Renee

Renee is a stunning Quarter Horse mare. She is very wise and has a huge amount of try for her rider. She is sensitive and requires a skilled rider who is relaxed and can be a calming influence. Don’t let her age fool you, she has no idea she is 19 and has tons of life…

Don’t be Fooled by Stella!

Don’t be Fooled by Stella!

Stella is a forward and willing young mare with a lot of try and personality. She is currently in training and going well in her riding work. She stands nicely when tied, she’s good for the vet and farrier, and trailers with no problems. She’s is a good companion to…

Thoughts about Prince

SAFE Barn Manager Lori has developed a very close relationship with Prince and worked with him for quite a while to help him prepare for the day he would be adopted. She shared these thoughts with us: I woke up this morning thinking about Prince and how far he has…

A Rescue Partnership: Saving Sienna and Koko

A Rescue Partnership: Saving Sienna and Koko

SAFE does the majority of its work in the public eye, sharing our stories, photos, videos, and updates with our supporters via our website and social media. But there are some rescue efforts that are done in private through our Community Outreach Program. Through this…

Sienna at NWESC

Sienna at NWESC

Here are photos of Sienna taken at NWESC at the beginning of her stay there. You can really see how awful her feet were in these photos. It was incredibly difficult for her to walk with feet this long. [gallery link=“file” columns=“2” size=“medium”…

Valor is a Riding Horse!

Valor is a Riding Horse!

We are so pleased to announce that Valor is now officially a riding horse! Jolene did such a fantastic job preparing him for a rider that we decided we were comfortable doing the first rides here at Safe Harbor. She spent many hours “sacking him out” making sure there…

Trail and Training Update for Prince

Trail and Training Update for Prince

Lori has committed a great deal of time to loving and training Prince while he has been at SAFE. He is doing so well under her supervision and has blossomed into both a confident trail horse but also a calm arena partner. This boy can do it all! Here is what Lori had…

Rosie Walks the Trails

Sweet Rosie is getting some exercise out on the trails with our wonderful volunteers. Here is a quick video of her out on the trail with her buddy Prince and the minis Sunny & Shasta. Rosie did great on the trails and even “ponied” off Prince when the volunteers…

Ru Gets his Teeth Fixed

At the end of January, Dr. Fleck came out to sedate Ru and perform a dental procedure to take down excess tooth on his lower incisors. He has a mild underbite and, likely due to lack of dental care in his past, they had grown in a way in which they ended up being…

Raven is Growing Up!

SAFE volunteer rider Casey has been working with Raven in preparation for our Colt Starting Clinic with Joel Conner on March 15–18th. Our goal is to make her first ride as uneventful as possible and for Raven to be as relaxed about a rider up top as she is with her…

New Glamor Shots: Valor

This boy is a rock star in the making! He has the looks, style, and swagger that will make anyone fall madly in love. He is going to be an amazing riding partner too! 

Alumni Update: Ruby is Getting Started!

Ruby is so beautiful all grown up and wearing a saddle! Sophia and Matt have her in training near Portland, Oregon with a very skilled and kind trainer named Nick Donohue. Ruby is in great hands and Sophia is looking forward to working along side her to become a great…

Stormy Under Saddle

Our blind and beautiful mare Stormy never ceases to amaze. She approaches life with incredible bravery and capability. But it turns out that there is more to Stormy than just being a treasured pasture pet. Last week, Stormy allowed her trusted friend Melinda to place…

Duchess Under Saddle

Duchess is back under saddle again. She and Jolene had a quiet first ride in the round pen and a lovely 2nd ride in arena this evening. Duchess is coming back after some years off and settling in nicely to the work. Her gentle disposition will make is suitable to many…

Lacey Video

thank you to Kino McFarland for this video and to rider Alicia for helping find the softer side of Lacey!

Stella Video

thank you to Kino McFarland for this video and to rider Casey A for guiding Stella on this journey!