Happy Sweet 16, Sunny D!
Penned by: Best Buddy to Shasta & Sunny After the bomb cyclone hit Western Washington and before the official start of Thanksgiving week, Sunny D turned Sweet 16 on November 23! Where has the time gone? The little guy was only 3 when he and his Mama, Shasta,…
Ranger’s Friend
Ranger comes with a built in friend, and no, we don’t mean Mabel. Between his eyes, the points of two ears begin, tapering down to a mule-esque face that ends at the mid-point of his nostrils. It even boasts a cross-shaped star. Luckily, these two share a mouth,…
Week in Review: December 8 — 14
Midway through December, which means lots of rain, lots of grey skies, and lots going on. Last week was a big week for our farriers, and the majority of our herd saw the vet for their bi-annual vaccines. In amongst all that was the usual: riding, groundwork, and a lot…
Alumni Update: Sophie
Julie and Sophie are a great pair! Julie adopted Sophie around Christmas in 2016 and they have worked on their teamwork and relationship ever since. Julie recently wrote that 2024 “represented a recommitment to prioritizing my horsemanship, my on-going education, and…
Alumni Update: Misty
Alumni volunteer Christine recently shared information after a visit with Misty and her adopter Sarah. Sarah has such a deep bond with Misty, and it’s truly heartwarming to see how dedicated she is to Misty’s well-being. It is clear that Misty is not only loved but…
Frosting is Adopted!
We can think of no sweeter end to the week than announcing Frosting has been adopted! Though she wasn’t born at SAFE, Frosting arrived as a yearling, and as such we got to watch her grow up, transforming from a gangly and matted filly into a beautiful young mare. At…
Alumni Update: Kayla
Kayla is doing well and has the company of six other horses. Kayla is not a riding horse, but she has a job helping her adopter, Laura, with her counseling/therapy clients.
Week in Review: December 1 — 7
The first week of December is over. It has been a busy end to fall (and can you believe it’s still fall? The winter temperatures say otherwise). Last week, our vet was here for quite a few imaging appointments. She also worked in conjunction with our farrier to help…
Alumni Update: Jupiter (Apollo)
From Jupiter’s adopter, Marissa: Adoption Day! So, so, so incredibly grateful for every single SAFE member who poured their time, energy and love into Jupiter, now known as Apollo. He is amazing, and that is because of you!! This journey has begun.
Jupiter is Adopted!
Jupiter has been adopted! Jupiter’s story is one of patience. After arriving at SAFE, being gelded and restarted under saddle, Jupiter had quite a bit of interest. A handsome cremello with a kind personality, what’s not to love? But some soundness issues cropped up,…
Marvelous Moshi
Casey A has been working and riding Moshi for the last several months, and has the following to say about bringing this cute pony along: “Moshi is turning into an incredibly fun partner. She is great to work around on the ground, stands tied, loads onto the trailer no…
Domino and Oreo are Adopted!
What’s black and white and read all over? Domino and Oreo – and their adoption announcement! Telling you that one of the SAFE horses has been adopted is always such a joy, and that joy is only compounded when we get to say that not just one, but two horses, have found…
Alumni Update: Addie
Addie was originally adopted so that Nicole’s daughter, Maddie, could participate with her in her Washington State High School Equestrian Team events. However, while Addie seemed to enjoy the cutting event she attended, she did not take to all the down time in a small…
Theo’s Thorough Vetting: A Unique Opportunity for Adopters
When it comes to pre-purchase exams, Theo’s journey has left no stone unturned! What began as a routine exam for a potential adopter quickly evolved into a comprehensive lameness evaluation. Dr. Lewis from Rainland, our trusted vet, stepped in with her expert eye and…
October Joel Conner Clinic Report: Cleopatra
Kirsten L has been working with Cleopatra on the ground, and partnered alongside her for Cleo’s first Joel Conner clinic back in October. Here’s her report on working alongside Cleo: “When you first meet Cleopatra, give yourself a few moments to ensure that you have…
Alumni Update: Razin (Logan)
Logan is besties with one of Heather’s dogs and he likes to play with assorted toys in the pasture. Heather has taken Logan to some Evan Bonner clinics and when she works her big horse, Liam, in the round pen, she follows with a session with Logan.
Lacey is Adopted!
The year is 2016. Hamilton is making waves on Broadway. The summer Olympics are happening in Rio. The cubs win the World Series. Lacey arrives at SAFE. Over the next eight years, a lot would change, both out in the world and here at the barn. SAFE would move…
Har Har’s Heart
Lexee N has been working with Harissa for the last several months on the ground, getting her ready for her first saddling. Here’s what she has to say about their time together recently: “Working with Harissa has been great. She is one classy gal. By classy, I mean she…
Alumni Update: Millie
Millie is very sweet and loves her adopter Hollie and her pasture buddy, Maddy. Millie is not a riding horse and when Maddy is taken out on trails, Millie stays in a small paddock area. Millie loves to scratch and enjoys her scratching post in the paddock area. Also,…
Movin’ and Groovin’ with Poppy
Casey A has been working and riding Poppy for some time now, and has the following to say about little Pop: “It’s funny how with troubled horses it can sometimes feel worse before it feels better. When I started Poppy, she was pretty “stuck” and wasn’t keen on really…
Alumni Update: Piper
Piper’s adopter Talia had this news to share: Piper and I had our first weekly riding lesson together yesterday and she was such a good girl! It’s been a busy year (years?) and I’ve struggled to fit in as much horsing around as I’d like. It helps to have something on…
Meet Mabel: A Sweet Mare Starting Her Journey at SAFE
This little mare is absolutely adorable! Mabel is sure to win the hearts of SAFE volunteers in no time. In these early days of training, we’re taking things slow to give her time to adjust to her new surroundings. Moving to SAFE, along with adapting to new routines…
Rediscovering Nova: A Journey Beyond Hormones
It’s time for a long-overdue update on our mare, Nova! This summer, Nova has enjoyed a growing friendship with Harissa. They make a great pair, with Harissa helping to keep Nova grounded when she gets a little too bold. Overall, Nova has shown significant improvements…
October Joel Conner Clinic Report: Edward
Kaya M has been riding Edward for the last year, and has the following reflection regarding their last clinic together of 2024: “Edward had a wonderful last clinic of the year! He really showed how much he’s learned and was starting to “play with the big dogs” working…
Alumni Update: Rae
Christina provided a couple of new photos of Rae. She wrote: Hard to pic a favorite… but I can always share more later. Looking back at photos from the March 2024 to August 2024 clinics at SAFE it’s no wonder some folks had to ask if it was really Rae! She’s…
Esme’s Clinic Adventures: A Summer of Growth
This little pony has so much heart! Summer has been eventful for Esme, filled with new experiences and learning opportunities. She earned her position as my riding partner at both the Spanaway and Ellensburg Buck Brannaman clinics, and she rose to each challenge…
Alumni Update: Nyx
Lindsay shared this update and photos from September. Had an amazing weekend at Quinn Meadows in central Oregon with Nyx. He’s just the best trail buddy I could have ever dreamed of…still some work to do with mountain bikers, but we can’t be perfect at everything.…
October Joel Conner Clinic Report: Winter
Paige N has been spending some time working with Winter, and has the following to say about their time spent together over the last two Joel Conner clinics: “Over the past two Joel Conner Clinics Winter has made phenomenal progress both mentally and physically. …
Week in Review: November 10 — 16
Another week has passed at SAFE, and with it we are already halfway through November! The weather is changing (re: darker, colder) but as always, the varied personalities of the horses and the busy, busy days around the barn keep us warm. Check out what we got up to…
Alumni Update: Tasara
Tasara is a very healthy and happy horse. She is very affectionate and loves to turn her back end to you and get scritches. Tasara has a favorite rooster companion and they stay close to each other in and out of the barn. Sherri does not ride anymore but does take…
A Gentle Start: Cooper’s Path to Trust and Comfort
We’re just getting to know Cooper and working to assess his personality as we prepare him for halter training. Upon arrival at SAFE, he showed signs of soreness, and unfortunately, he seems to have a soundness issue. Because he isn’t halter-trained yet, we haven’t…
October Joel Conner Clinic Report: Tiva
November 2022. It’s day 2 of clinic, and halfway through class Joel has me switch horses. I had been working with Cramer, gentle giant, and he’s responsive and floaty on the end of my line. “Terry,” Joel calls, “go get her Tiva.” I had brought Tiva into the…
Alumni Update: Sophie
An update from Sophie’s adopter, Julie: I don’t know that I’ve ever posted an update here about Sophie but as we come off an incredible year of learning, effort, and new commitment to our journey, it seems fitting. Grateful doesn’t begin to describe it. Some of you…
Helping Horses With Gifts of Stock
Donating appreciated stock might just be one of the easiest ways to give to organizations like SAFE who are doing the work that you care about. And SAFE is already set up to easily accept your donation! According to Fidelity Charitable®, donating stock directly to a…
J’aime bien, Deja Vu
Deja Vu is ‘seen before’ in French, that sensation of having experienced an event, even if it is completely novel. But working with this mare is entirely unique each time, no sense of a ‘been there, done that.’ Well, some sense of having been there, since we do not…
Alumni Update: Stella
Stella is off to college! Her human has started her freshman year at Carroll College, with plans to major in Anthrozoology and Psychology, hoping to go into equine-assisted therapy. Stella has gone with her to their equine facility there and is absolutely in heaven.…
October Joel Conner Clinic Report: Sienna
Lise A worked alongside Sienna in the groundwork portion of the October Joel Conner clinic, and has the following to say about their time together: “I had the absolute pleasure of having Sienna as my ride or die for the weekend. I wasn’t riding her, but we did the…
Alumni Update: Otto
Otto’s adopter, Gabby, had this update and photos to share. Otto is loving the crisp fall air He has grown and filled out SO much in the last year and a half, now standing 14.1 and just shy of 1000lbs. He loves to work his mind and body and is the most playful horse…
Alumni Update: Jewel
This little girl turned 13 on November 4th!! Also our gotcha day, Jewel has been with me for 7 years now. As you can see, Jewel has an affinity for mud and somehow manages to get her supplement mash all over her face. Not flattering in a photo with snow.
Week in Review: November 3 — 9
It’s November, and though the days have grown shorter in terms of light, they are as jam-packed as ever! Joel Conner was here last week for our last two-day workshop of the year, helping us identify our growth edges to work on this winter. The farrier was out for some…
Alumni Update: Tilt
Tilt’s adopter Julie recently wrote: Much to my dismay, Korra (Tilt) loves to stand out in the snow for lengthy amounts of time.
Alumni Update: Pippi
Casey H. recently sent this update and a few photos: Pippi and (my daughter) Taryn have been putting in a lot of work! I’m just the horse show mom, credit goes to my awesome kiddo and her great trainer. Pippi is very loved.
Wren: Building Confidence, Balance, and Trust
Wren has a truly sweet disposition and a heart of gold. She has an incredible amount of try and doesn’t seem to have a mean bone in her body. Gentle with every horse she meets, Wren has proven to be a kind and dependable presence both on the ground and under saddle.…
Mahina’s Progress: A Gentle Soul Learning to Shine
Mahina acts like she’s been haltered her entire life. From our very first touch, Joel Conner noted that while she initially seemed wary, she quickly grew fond of being petted. Since that day, she’s sought out connection and attention from humans. Mahina is a smart…
Week in Review: October 28 — November 2
October has come and gone, with very little going on. Just kidding! The last week we’ve been doing a little rest and relaxation after our busy clinic weekend, but that by no means means there wasn’t a lot happening. Check it out below:
October Joel Conner Clinic Report: Barb
Candi K has been working alongside Barb for the last year, and recently participated in the groundwork portion of Joel’s final SAFE clinic of 2024. Here’s what she has to say about working alongside this special mare: “It seems like just yesterday that Barb and I…
Dedicated to Transformation
To truly understand Veronica, one must look at the entirety of her journey. Today, someone walking into SAFE might see a lovely, intelligent mare working calmly during a horsemanship clinic. They might notice her willingness to respond to her rider’s cues and her…
A Decade of Transformation: Joel Conner’s Impact on SAFE Horse Rescue
This year marks 10 years since Joel Conner first joined SAFE Horse Rescue, and in that time, his support has truly transformed our organization. For a decade, Joel has been a guiding force, empowering our horses, volunteers, and staff to reach new heights. He has…
Hockey Helping Horses
Have you heard of the Ladies of the Kraken? They’re an all-female fan group of over 7,000 members supporting the Seattle Kraken, and in addition to fostering community amongst hockey lovers online and at Kraken games, they do amazing things for the community. This…
October Joel Conner Clinic Report: Artie
The October Clinic with Joel was Artie’s 3rd Riding Clinic for us and Artie has settled into the routine. He has not only learned the ropes of the clinic but has also relaxed greatly while waiting for others during the 3 hour session. From saddling to warm up to…
