Moshi Riding Video
Moshi is coming along well under saddle, and is ready for her forever home. She is a forward ride, and still needs a good amount of support, so needs a rider with some experience with green horses. She sure is a cute pony!
Alumni Update: Echo
Brittany and Echo are doing great! Brittany owns a boarding/training facility where Echo resides. Echo is not only the pleasure riding horse for her daughter, Addison, she is now being used as a lesson horse for the business. Echo has come a long way in her training…
Alumni Update: Daisy, Cookie & Harper
Daisy, Cookie and Harper recently received a visit from one of SAFE’s alumni volunteers. It was reported they were all relaxed and very interested in scratches and snuggles. Daisy is very bonded to Cookie and Harper, so they generally stay in the same area where they…
Week in Review: October 1 — 4
Another week is in the books. Last week we shepherded in October with a jam-packed schedule. Some of the highlights from last week’s 40-odd hours: New horses Oreo, Ranger, and Mabel had their second visit with the vet, this time for dentals and some more thorough…
Nova’s Hoof Trim
One of the first warning signs that something was different about Nova back before her spay was her sudden inability to have her hooves trimmed. She had been seeing the farrier every 6 weeks for years, but one day she could not handle the touch of a familiar hand on…
Alumni Update: Opal (Bella)
At 18 years old, Bella (formerly Opal) is beginning to show her age with a few health issues, but overall, she is healthy and well cared for by Lys. The two like to go on trail rides and Bella enjoys hanging out with her paddock mate, a Friesian mare.
Week in Review: September 23 — 27
A lot goes on at SAFE each week, and not all of it is reported on in depth. But in an effort to give you a glimpse into what a typical week looks like, we are compiling just a few of the moments into a weekly summary video. Check out last week’s below: …
Welcoming Oreo, Ranger, and Mabel!
SAFE welcomed three new faces this week, and what cute faces they are! Hailing from Pierce County, these escape artists came under Animal Control’s notice because they kept breaking out and getting loose. After multiple instances of this with no preventative measures…
Mahina Making Progress
As the days grow shorter, so does the list of Mahina’s ‘firsts’ here at SAFE. First time walking through the barn aisle, check. First time having her teeth floated, check. First (and second!) trims by the farrier, check and check. She has really shown herself to be a…
Barbie Dream Horse
Barbie’s Dream Horse was named Prancer, and technically she was cremello. But it’s hard not to look at these beautiful pictures of Winter and not conjure up images of the toy you’d bring to show and tell. If one thing is true about Winter, it’s that she is calorically…
Alumni Update: Mesquite
Mesquite shares a fence line, as well as turnout, with an Arab/QH cross. Mesquite gets four carefully measured feedings around the clock to maintain good gut health. He’s experienced a number of colic issues and this procedure is keeping colic at bay. Both Cory and…
Adopt Edward!
Edward is more than ready to meet people who are ready to meet him. Could that be you?
WASART Presentation
As part of on-going educational opportunities for our SAFE volunteers and community, we have been offering presentations by various individuals and organizations throughout the year. Recently, we were pleased to have the Washington State Animal Response Team (WASART)…
August Joel Conner Clinic Report: Bijou
Carrie S worked alongside Bijou in the August Joel Conner Clinic, and said the following about the nine hours they spent together over the course of the weekend: “I had the privilege of working with Bijou for the first half of the August Joel Conner clinic. It was my…
Ain’t No Bugs on Me
Yesterday may have been Friday the 13th, but the creepy crawlies are still out. That’s right, it’s botfly season. These pests have it really figured out — they lay their eggs on the legs and sides of horses, places where they are likely to be ingested by the pass of…
Zuri’s Before and After
Transformations are par for the course here at SAFE, but as they often happen so incrementally, it can be challenging to remember the ‘before.’ When Zuri was first seized by Animal Control back in March of this year, she was about as low on the body condition score…
August Joel Conner Clinic Report: Sienna
Carrie S worked alongside Sienna in the August Joel Conner Clinic, and had the following reflections about her experience with this beautiful mare: “I had the privilege of working with Sienna in the August Joel Conner clinic. This kind and sensitive mare has made…
Frosting Soft Feel Work
Frosting has come a long, long way from her days as a scraggly little filly, and has blossomed into quite a nice riding horse here at SAFE. Check out a video from one of her more recent rides, where she has begun work in the soft feel.
Alumni Update: Violet
Violet’s adopter, Lexee shared this update with us: On a beautiful August Sunday I took Violet on her first longer trail ride and man was she awesome! Lots of hills, walkers, dogs and bikes and she took them all in great stride. She even let some young kids pet her -…
Trixie at Foster
It isn’t very often that we send horses out to foster, but every so often a circumstance will arise where it makes sense. When Rae’s adopter reached out about needing a companion for Rae, we were happy to find a match. At sleepaway camp (aka foster), alumna Rae is…
August Joel Conner Clinic Report: Barb
“Working On The Volume Dial” by Candi K “The August Joel Conner Clinic brought another opportunity for Barb and I to work on our connection and skills in the world of horsemanship. We enjoyed being in the outdoor arena where there were a lot of horses and plenty of…
Mahina’s Hoof Progress
Mahina means moon in Hawaiian and much like a moon, this bright mare continues to wax. Unlike a moon, there is no sign of her waning. Mahina’s curriculum grows by the day as she learns more about what it means to be a good equine citizen. Now that she is able to be…
Lacey & Lise
Lise A has been grooming Lacey for the past little while, and has the following to say about this special mare: “One of the baby name meanings of “Lacey” is cheerful. And a descriptor used in a dictionary definition of “Lacey” is a web. I was offered the opportunity…
Alumni Update: Tilt (Korra)
Julie recently shared this update: Because of my busy schedule, Korra (Tilt) and I haven’t had much time to work together so things have been moving slow. Today, however, was our first ride outside of the round pen! Korra was curious but calm. She’s going to make an…
Winter and Wren, Sitting in a Tree
Winter, who was without horse friends for a number of years, was recently introduced to some herdmates here at SAFE. As you can see, Wren took to her immediately, and the two quickly became thick as thieves. In the herd hierarchy, Winter has shown herself to be a…
Jupiter Out on the Trails
Jupiter, brave Jupiter, recently hit the trails to showcase how all his hard work in the arena has paid off. This guy didn’t miss a stride on his recent trail walk, taking up the lead with the calm cool collected attitude of a seasoned pro. True, it wasn’t exactly his…
August Joel Conner Clinic Report: Deja Vu
Having the chance to work with Deja Vu — a horse who has not had much in the way of experience with this style of horsemanship — during the recent Joel Conner clinic was a challenging and tremendous learning experience for the both of us. At first, working Deja…
Inula’s New Friend
It’s a common expression that horse’s are a girl’s best friend, but some horses are certainly more inherently suited to the role than others. Inula is one such horse, whose natural sweetness propels her into instant BFF status. This cutie has been hanging out at…
Alumni Update: Pearl
Pearl is a happy and healthy gal. She and her adopters, Diana and Adam, go for walks, do obstacles, groom and just like to hang out together. Pearl loves all the horses in her heard at the stables she lives at.
Haltering Progress with Mahina
On her long legs, with a long neck upon which perches a delicate inquisitive head, Mahina in some lights resembles an exotic bird more than an equine. And much like a bird, Mahina arrived at SAFE quite flighty, and with a reluctance to being caught. She was curious…
Theo’s Jolly Good Time
Theo is by far the most playful guy on the property right now, the perfect storm of a growing, goofy gelding. When he’s not napping (which is frequently) he is trying to engage one of his herdmates in a bit of roughhousing or a game of chase. Otherwise, he is finding…
Alumni Update: Flynn
Adopter Kirsten shared an update on Flynn: A few pictures of Flynn. We recently had a “Painting with the Ponies” event at the barn and he was a popular pony. I think Flynn was very impressed. .
Upcoming WASART Presentation
Saturday, September 7th from 12–3 at SAFE Harbor Stables As part of our educational opportunities for volunteers, we are excited to host The Washington State Animal Response Team (WASART) at SAFE next month for an afternoon of learning how they help animals in need.…
Alumni Update: Freya
Freya is enjoying her retirement and living out her days as a companion to herd mate Mocha. Manuela loves Freya very much.
Brandy’s Manure Mystery
Trying to troubleshoot a horse’s gut, when it’s in disarray, can feel sometimes like assembling a puzzle acquired from Goodwill. With missing pieces and dog-eared corners, trying to figure out how to put it all together can be daunting. Recently, seemingly out…
Alumni Update: Doolin (Finn)
Finn, formerly known as Doolin, lives with three full size horses, one being Inula, a SAFE foster. They are all healthy and happy and get along well together. Shannon enjoys working Finn in the round pen regularly and sometimes ponies him along when she rides the…
Buck Brannaman Clinic Report: Artie
Kirsten AL has been working with and riding Artie for the last several months, and back in June took him to the Buck Brannaman clinic in Ellensburg. Here’s what she has to say about the experience: “This guy! Artie recently participated in the Buck Brannaman…
Alumni Update: Roscoe
Adopter Kasey recently shared her feelings and some photos of Roscoe: Roscoe!!! He’s worth his weight three times over in gold!!! My boys love him, my hubby loves him, I love him so much.
Heart of the Horse 2024
Take a peek inside the fun and excitement that was this year’s Heart of the Horse. It took six months of preparation to turn this five hour event into a spectacular celebrations of rescued horses. All of our expectations were exceeded, and when the dust settled, we’d…
Autumn Running Free
For the last several months, Autumn has been settling into her life at Freedom Reigns. After passing her intake quarantine, she was introduced to a small herd, and began her new life — free to be as wild a horse as her spirit wanted. To see her roaming the hills with…
Hoof Handling Progression with Winter
The journey of 1,000 instances of picking your hooves up for the farrier begins with a single lift. There was a time in Winter’s life when she had seen the farrier for hoof care, but it had been a number of years, so high on the priority list for her was getting those…
Alumni Update: Addie
Adopter Nicole reports they have been having a great time with Addie. Addie really enjoys trails, little girls and obstacles.
Sparky and Rojo in our Heart
Our mini donkeys, Sparky and Rojo, live the good life fostering at our friend and volunteer Jackie’s place alongside her menagerie, but they are still on the payroll here at SAFE as our ambassadors (alongside Sunny and Shasta, of course). As honored guests at our…
Alumni Update: Pippi
Casey Holcomb, Pippi’s adopter, recently sent this update and photos: Here are some pics of Pippi with my daughter Taryn, along with Keeva, who will be retiring soon! Pippi and Keeva love each other and Taryn is excited to keep training with Pippi.
Alumni Update: Kat
We received a sad update from Shar on July 31st: Catherine‘s beautiful post about Butters (on the Facebook SAFE Alumni page) gave me the nudge I needed to share with all of you that I lost Kat last month to colic. She was 27. Losing her crushed my heart. I miss her…
Alumni Update: Butters
We received an update from Catherine on July 31st: We said goodbye to Butters this morning. Though her spirits were as bright as ever, her hind end was weakening and unsteady. She was so very happy to get to amble and munch allllll the dewy, green grass today.…
Alumni Update: Piper
Talia and Ben just moved, with Piper and her pasture mate, Nova, to a new property this spring. There is a nice trail that leaves from their new place, crosses a creek and meanders the area. They each walk the trail leading the horses. No riding at the moment — Talia…
Cleo and Deja on Grass
There are many aspects of horse rescue that are rewarding, but one of the best feelings has to be seeing a horse, who you know was previously underfed, now turned out on grass looking happy (and perhaps even a bit on the fat side!) Cleopatra and Deja Vu are two such…
Alumni Update: Jasper
Alumni volunteer Lisa G recently visited with Jasper and his adopter. Jasper is absolutely thriving in the Olympic Peninsula farm life. This happy and healthy fellow gets to spend his days turned out with a TRULY mixed herd; his 2 mare pals, Poppy and Sodee, 4…
Haltering Progression with Winter
Winter had lived for a number of years out on pasture without being caught. She remained curious of humans, but wary of their intentions, especially when it came to anyone handling her in a way that wasn’t on her terms. We were able to get a breakaway halter on Winter…
