March Joel Conner Clinic Report: Tiva
The first clinic of the year blows in like the rest of spring: a sudden burst of energy and excitement and new growth. We have been working through the winter months on what we learned back at the end of fall, chipping away at old issues while discovering new ones in…
April Volunteer of the Month: Ken Kohanes
Congratulations to Ken Kohanes, our April Volunteer of the Month! For over a year, Ken has been an invaluable member of our Facilities Team, showing up at least twice a week and dedicating more than 250 (clocked) volunteer hours to making a big difference here at…
Guess the Birthday and Name the Foal!
Our Valentine gal Frida is very pregnant and starting to show signs that her foal will be here soon. “Soon” in pregnant mare terms means later this afternoon or five weeks from now. We don’t know when she was bred, so we can’t really guess the impeding arrival date.…
Mabel’s Mishap
The day before she was set to be saddled at SAFE for the first time, we went out to get Mabel at her usual turn-in time and found that she had gashed her leg open. Thoroughly searching the paddock revealed no cause. We guess she decided that stall rest sounded better…
Blissful Mirana
We love it when things work out even better than planned! Mirana is thriving in foster with SAFE alumni Bliss, and we couldn’t be happier! When Bliss suddenly lost her gelding, Buddy, to colic, SAFE jumped into action to ensure she wouldn’t be left without a…
Alumni Update: Emma
We recently checked in with Jan and his adopted horse, Emma. Jan boards another mare on his property and her owner trail rides with Jan and Emma. Both horses also enjoy the company of two friendly goats.
Clarissa Passes
We are so sorry to tell you that last week, we made the sad decision to lay Clarissa to rest. When cleaning her stall in early February, we discovered blood coming from her vulva, a small drip that cleared up in less than 24 hours. Dr Lewis examined her and found no…
Alumni Update: Violet
We recently checked in with Lexee and Violet. Here is what Lexee had to share: Violet has been such a great addition to my herd. She and Duke (my other horse) get along so great. Best friends at first sight. She also loves to run around with him and our minis, Bubba…
A Lifetime of Safety Means Being There for Our Alumni—Always
Miss Pepper recently returned to SAFE after a routine alumni check revealed she was no longer being ridden regularly. She was living in a paddock with two other mares, receiving good care, consistent feeding, and companionship from both horses and humans. Overall, she…
Alumni Update: Kelly
We recently received an update on Kelly from Dr. Heather and Laura: Kelly came to Steven’s animal sanctuary in 2023, when she needed a retirement home. She was a SAFE favorite for her gentle spirit, but she was older and struggled with lameness and some hoof and skin…
May Joel Conner Clinic Report: Deja Vu
Meghan N worked alongside Deja Vu in the May Joel Conner groundwork Clinic, and has the following to say about her experience: “Over the past three days, Deja and I had the opportunity to learn and grow together during the Joel Conner Clinic. This mare is incredibly…
Is Alvaro the Next Lionel Messi?
Alvaro has been brushing up on his soccer skills since he learned the World Cup is coming to Seattle next year. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQujeYRByuE&feature=youtu.be
Nadia: “More than just a horse…”
Nadia’s backstory as a rescue horse is harrowing, and it’s pretty fair to say that it’s lucky she made it to SAFE alive. She was part of a huge Animal Control seizure back in 2010 involving 18 equines and 55 canines, who were discovered living in filthy conditions. At…
Poppy in May
Casey A has been working and riding Poppy since her earliest days under saddle, and has helped her grow into a confident and level-headed partner. At the most recent Joe Conner clinic, Casey took her out for a little spin in the outdoor arena amongst the groundwork…




















