Joel Conner Clinic Report: Cameo
SAFE volunteer Casey worked with Cameo during the groundwork portion of the clinic: I worked Cameo in the Joel Conner clinic for the first time since she returned to SAFE. The first day her feet were quite stuck and she had changing eyes issues, which resulted in some concerning behaviors, including striking out with her front feet. With Joel’s guidance, I was able to help her work through that trouble and got her feet a bit more free. This was…
New Video: Orion
Orion is finishing 90 days of training with Nick Donohue. He has come a long way from his intake and has turned out to be a wonderful riding partner. He is ready to start his new life!
Checking in with Sage
Horsemanship Volunteer Phoebe had this to say about her work with Sage and helping her get more comfortable and giving when asked to pick her hooves: Sage- a strong personality who has had things her way for quite a while. Roped her hinds again. Doesn’t take her as long to give. She doesn’t get as upset as she did the first time. My opinion — she needs a dominant leader, at least until she decides to be a follower.
Teddi and the Importance of Groundwork
Teddi has been working on relaxing and gentling with Horsemanship Volunteer Phoebe. We have seen wonderful changes in Teddi over the last few months as she develops more of a bond with Phoebe. We want to take a quick moment to acknowledge and thank Phoebe for her dedication and help with this sensitive mare. This work is truly at the heart of SAFE’s mission. Even after Teddi’s diagnosis of ring bone, Phoebe has been devoted to helping her learn…
Amelia Makes Progress!
Glowing reports on Amelia’s progress from our Horsemanship Volunteer Phoebe! We will be talking with Joel Conner during this week’s clinic about his thoughts on offering her as a very light riding horse or a kids lead line. She is a sweet girl and in the right home she will be a great family member. Here is what Phoebe had to report: Amelia — sweet, easy going but always checking to make sure she has a safe person to follow. (testing — swinging…
Foster Update: Piper
Little miss Piper has grown this summer into such a nice little lady. She spends nearly all of her time living like a wild horse with our herd in the large pasture, but she shows off her manners every time we handle her. Some of her milestones include: standing politely for trims with only the mildest baby shenanigans (it’s pretty boring after all), yielding out of the human’s space during feeding, giving to basic pressure on a halter and…
SAFE Alum Scooter is Available for Adoption
Breed: Arabian Color: Chestnut Age: 23 Sex: Gelding Height: 14.2hh Registered Name: Padron’s Secret If are looking for an easy going, loving, docile companion/light riding horse, check this guy out! Pistol (known as Scooter at SAFE) was adopted from SAFE in 2012 but his current owner feels that there is a better situation out there for him. He is low man in every social situation and really would prefer to be turned out by himself or with…
Guess the Foaling Date for Luna and Mina!
Do you think you can guess when Luna and Mina will have their foals? We’re going to have a fun contest to see who can guess the closest to the actual birth! We’ll give a you a clue to get you started. The two mares were both palpated and ultrasounded by equine repro specialist Dr Brandi Hollihan from Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital on April 26, 2018. Here’s what we learned at that exam: Luna was estimated to be at 175 days into gestation. Mina was…
Luna’s Getting Closer!
Right on the heels of Pippi’s arrival, Luna is showing signs of getting closer to foaling. She’s right on track for the predicted foaling date of sometime in October. She has recently started having some mammary development, and she is producing some “milk.” It’s still in the early stages, but it’s a sign that we need to start preparing for another baby. Now that Pippi and Asha have vacated the foaling stall, we’ll be setting it up to welcome…
Pippi Update
It’s hard to believe how quickly time flies when we look at our little Pippi! It seems like just yesterday she was a wobbly little bundle of legs, gangling awkwardly around the foaling stall. She appears to be growing before our eyes and is exploring her world like a big girl, imitating mom by trying to nibble hay and drink from the water trough. Pippi has blossomed into an outgoing little girl and has quite the inquisitive nature. She isn’t…
Happy Birthday Pippi!
Last night at 10:35pm, we welcomed a new life into the world. Asha gave birth to a lovely and long-legged chestnut Tobiano filly. The delivery was straight forward and uncomplicated, and mom and baby are both doing very well. Here are some photos taken today by Jessica…
Pet Connection: A Harbor in the Storm
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August Volunteer of the Month: Samantha McMaster
Arlington resident and high school student Samantha (Sam) McMaster has been named as Save a Forgotten Equine’s August Volunteer of the Month. Sam was selected for this honor because this summer, she’s been volunteering almost every day at our farm. She’s done everything from moving horses, to grooming and bathing horses, to feeding them, to cleaning stalls and pastures, to polishing silver on donated pieces of tack. She does it…
Seven Hours with Mason
The following is an article written by Elsa Sinclair, the San Juan Island native who pioneered Freedom Based Training™ in her movie Taming Wild. Elsa visited Safe Harbor last week to spend some time with Mason. Elsa has been working with several horses to explore the foundations of FBT, to discover how far Equestrian Art can be developed solely using body language. She writes about a few other recent sessions she’s done on her blog, but this…
Raven Gets to Eat Grass!
To our delight, Raven is getting ever closer to being a “normal” horse. We have been getting her out on fresh grass little by little to see how her digestive system handles it, and she’s doing well on it. She’s off all medication and now the only additive we give her for digestive needs is a probiotic supplement. We continue to watch her closely for colic signs, but so far so good. She also really seems to enjoy her iFeed automatic feeder and…
Be a Friend of Pippi and win!
Pippi’s Friends: 1. Siri S. 2. Jane M. 3. Tiara N. 4. Caren M. 5. Skye G. 6. Barb L. 7. Leslie D. 8. Lori M. 9. Laura E. Every horse deserves at least ten friends! Even a small monthly donation can make a difference. Plus, SAFE horse sponsors receive discounts at local businesses through the SAFEkeepers program! Sign up as a “Friend of Pippi” with an automatic monthly gift of $10 or more, and we’ll enter your name into a drawing to win a 24 x…
Pippi’s First Day Outdoors
Pippi and Asha ventured outside for the first time today. Pippi seemed to love this new adventure, running circles around her mom and exploring the pasture. She’s such a little cutie pie, and so full of life! Photos by Jessica…
First Photos of Pippi
photos by Jessica Farren…
Asha is getting close!
Last night we were 67.2% sure that Asha would have her foal. Turns out she did not, but now we are 92% sure that tonight is the night! Here’s what Foal Watch 2018 looks like at Safe Harbor Stables, as we prepare for our first foal in TEN YEARS (click slides to advance):…
Getting to know Pyrrha
Pyrrha a bit of a mystery. We have had a few conversations around the barn as to what breed she might be but nothing really fits. But no matter what type of horse she is, this mare is strong as a brick house! She’s most likely been around the block and seen many people and horses come and go in her many years. We still are uncertain her age but given her swayed back and body condition, she’s probably getting up there in age, so it does not make…
