Uncle Artie
Artie Shaw is worth his weight in gold. Actually, given that he’s not very large, let’s double that — triple, even, and that still might not be enough. While he has come quite a long ways under saddle and is going well as a solid little riding horse, you could argue…
Alumni Update: Whisky and Shortbread
On a recent visit to see Whisky and Shortbread volunteers noted that they look like cute little puffballs with their winter coats. Shedding has begun and Sherry brushes out loads of hair every day. They share the property with several domestic rabbits that were left…
Ready to get to Work, Mateo
In true SAFE fashion, Mateo’s gelding turned into quite the adventure! This well-endowed boy had close to the largest testicles Dr. Lewis has ever removed for us. Because of their impressive size, Mateo experienced some swelling of the fascial scrotal tissue —…
A Maturing Theo
Shoes have literally made all the difference! As a young gelding, Theo was all kinds of awkward in 2024. When he came to SAFE, he was extremely high in his hindquarters and very turned out in his front legs. As he matured, his withers finally caught up to his hind,…
Spring Open House and Tack Sale
Come out to the barn this Saturday, April 26th, from 12 — 3 for our first Open House and Tack Sale of 2025! Meet the horses, enjoy complimentary refreshments, find that new saddle blanket you’ve always wanted — all while supporting the work we do here at SAFE. Hope to…
Alumni Update: Angel, Renee and Sebastian
Angel, Renee and Sebastian (now Sparky) are very retired and just hang out together playing “Herd”. They also enjoy the company of other horses, mules and a mini donkey. Sparky looks good and is a happily weird horse. Renee looks great and is boss mare of the herd of…
March Joel Conner Clinic Report: Cleopatra
Kirsten AL worked with Cleo in the March Joel Conner Clinic, and has the following to say about her experience: “Cleopatra continues to be one of the sweetest mares to work with! It is when she is at peace and focused on you when you know you have gotten somewhere.…
March Joel Conner Clinic Report: Harissa
Lexee N on working with Harissa: “Well this mare continues to impress me and many others. The first Joel Conner clinic we have made it to a huge stepping stone of saddling Harissa for the first time in her life. Not often do we know a horse’s history of their past…
Alumni Update: Arrow
Alumni volunteer Manuela L recently paid a visit to Arrow and his adopter, Penni. This is what she had to share with us. Arrow’s visit was a pleasure. The property is beautiful all around and very peaceful for people and, more importantly, for Arrow and his pony…
Groundwork with Eda
Eda is one smart cookie! This mare, while hesitant to be handled at first, has really settled into the routines and rhythms of life around SAFE. She picked up on the groundwork quickly, and while she did initially show some frustrations, it didn’t take her long to…
Thank You, Equity Residential!
We want to give a massive shout out to Equity Residential who came out for a work party at the end of May. These folks blew our minds with their enthusiasm, sense of community, thoroughness, and sheer joy at getting to work around the horses. They came ready to…
Listening Closely to Our Older Mares — Brandy & Bandit
Over the last six months, Brandy and Bandit have been giving us some signs that things are changing for them. Once a star of the grooming program, Brandy was always game for a good brushing session. From time to time she would clearly communicate that her quarter was…
Alumni Update: Rhythm
Here is a recent update from Hillary: These days, Rhythm spends most of his days enjoying retirement with his old pal Jimmy. We do however enjoy good grooming sessions and the occasional lunging session or bareback ride around the pasture. Back in our good ole days,…
Mahina’s First Saddling
In the year she has been with us, Mahina has experienced a lot of firsts: first bath, first dental, first farrier appointment. After many hours of groundwork, Mahina was ready for another first: wearing a saddle. The first time being cinched up was momentarily…















