March Joel Conner Clinic Report: Brownie
“Man, Brownie is gonna be a cool horse for someone. In a short time, Brownie has been making strides from an anxious and pushy horse to a more confident and balanced horse. He’s learning how to get his feet under him and understand what people are asking of him. It…
One Week of Eda
Eda was the last of the Valentine Herd to arrive at SAFE from her foster location. Some of her first week has been documented here, and gives a bit of insight into what most horses’ initial homecomings to SAFE look like. Welcome to the herd, Eda!
March Joel Conner Clinic Report: Sienna
Cameron B participated in his first Joel Conner clinic this past March alongside Sienna, and reflects on the experience here: “Working with Sienna during my first Joel Conner Clinic was an incredible experience and one I’m truly grateful for. Throughout the three-day…
New Gelding Mateo
It has been a big week for Mateo, who we are happy to introduce as SAFE’s newest gelding! This new status means that in the next few weeks once he’s healed up, we will see about getting him some buddies (oh Artie, ambassador of the New Gelding Club, looking at you..)…
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…
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…
