
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.

Heart of the Horse
July 19 from 5–10pm
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Joel Conner Horsemanship Clinic
Aug 15–17
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Open House and Tack Sale
Sept 27 from 12–3pm
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Year in Review 2024
In the spirit of the recent week in review recaps, we decided to broaden our scope a bit and show you a taste of what happened each month of 2024. There is no true way to encapsulate all that the year held, but please accept this brief snapshot of a few of the things…

2024 Volunteer of the Year: Carrie Sjaarda
At SAFE, our mission is centered around helping horses heal, gain a solid foundation and education, and find their forever families. Each year, we take a moment to celebrate a volunteer whose extraordinary dedication, kindness, and passion embody our mission and…

Harissa and the Can Bag
Here is a showcase of Harissa vs. the Can Bag. Clearly, Harissa: 1, Can Bag: 0. Harissa sure has come a long way in her own self-confidence, and as a result, feels no fear about showing the can bag who is boss! This process of ‘sacking out’ is not just for fun — it…

Alumni Update: Boone (Mr. Fezziweg)
Boone (now Mr. Fezziweg) was adopted from SAFE in late November 2020. His adopted family had just seen the show A Christmas Carol, and Mr. Fezziweg was the name of Scrooge’s first boss at the counting house. Mr. Fezziweg was the jolly fellow that gave the wonderful…

Bijou is Adopted!
Many of us have dreamt of a horse beneath our Christmas tree, but this year it is Blair’s reality. We could not be happier to announce that our dearest Bijou is a failure — a foster failure! This sweet sugar plum has been having the time of her life over in…

Thanksgiving in December (or: A Turkey’s Wish)
Author’s Note: To read this year’s Christmas-adjacent story, you must understand two things: the first is that SAFE has a resident turkey, and the second is that, while humans do exist in this story, they somehow do not witness the goings on. All of the horses and…