Animal Control picked up Mabel and her buddies Ranger and Oreo after one too many successful escapes from their place of residence. But when she found her way to SAFE in September of 2024, she remained exactly where we left her, no more Houdini behaviors.
Despite her lack of vision on her left side, Mabel was getting through life just fine. At SAFE, we spent time getting to know her on the ground, got her saddled, and put miles on her as a riding horse. Mabel’s sweet personality and rather uncomplicated nature made her easy to get along with, and we knew that someone would come along who would love this little pony as much as we did.
When Kim came to SAFE to meet horses, she approached the process with intentionality and a deep focus on finding the correct fit. Mabel’s kindness drew her, and they spent time learning one another over the course of several visits, including one with her trainer. We like to think of adopting a horse from SAFE as a kind of dating game — sometimes when you know you know, but sometimes you gotta play the field, and that’s A‑OK.
After much thoughtful consideration, Kim picked Mabel (which if we’re being honest, was the match we had hoped for).
Shortly after arriving at her new home, Mabel experienced a rather serious medical situation, but Kim’s dedication to her new partner was unwavering, and the pair got through it, together.
They’ve since come through that, and have moved onto continuing to grow their relationship together on the ground and under saddle. Kim sent us this lovely message, so we can share how Mabel is doing directly from the horse’s mouth:
“I am so appreciative of the care the SAFE team gives to the horses, but also to those of us who find SAFE and find a horse to care for and celebrate as our own. The big card that came in the mail was such a surprise and such a delight. Thank you. Thank you all.
Here are a few photos that I took recently. JemaMae—Mae, as we mostly call her—has really found her place in the herd at the farm where I board her. The four other horses (three mares and a gelding) have accepted her. Her buddy, Quest, escorts us daily between Mae’s paddock and the arena as we walk through the turnout pasture. He keeps a respectable distance and murmurs to her once she settles back into her own paddock.
Our routine varies day to day, and she seems happy in the time we spend together. I feel I have risen from being “just another volunteer caretaker” to being Mae’s personal valet, assistant, companion, and best friend—her very own person.
I am also grateful that we have the guidance of Ken Siefer every week. We are learning a lot together. Ken is often the teacher, though sometimes it’s me, and Mae is always helping and teaching us to understand “horse.”
Best regards,
nicker nicker,
Kim and Mae”
