Esme’s Clinic Adventures: A Summer of Growth
This little pony has so much heart! Summer has been eventful for Esme, filled with new experiences and learning opportunities. She earned her position as my riding partner at both the Spanaway and Ellensburg Buck Brannaman clinics, and she rose to each challenge…
Alumni Update: Nyx
Lindsay shared this update and photos from September. Had an amazing weekend at Quinn Meadows in central Oregon with Nyx. He’s just the best trail buddy I could have ever dreamed of…still some work to do with mountain bikers, but we can’t be perfect at everything.…
October Joel Conner Clinic Report: Winter
Paige N has been spending some time working with Winter, and has the following to say about their time spent together over the last two Joel Conner clinics: “Over the past two Joel Conner Clinics Winter has made phenomenal progress both mentally and physically. …
Week in Review: November 10 — 16
Another week has passed at SAFE, and with it we are already halfway through November! The weather is changing (re: darker, colder) but as always, the varied personalities of the horses and the busy, busy days around the barn keep us warm. Check out what we got up to…
Alumni Update: Tasara
Tasara is a very healthy and happy horse. She is very affectionate and loves to turn her back end to you and get scritches. Tasara has a favorite rooster companion and they stay close to each other in and out of the barn. Sherri does not ride anymore but does take…
A Gentle Start: Cooper’s Path to Trust and Comfort
We’re just getting to know Cooper and working to assess his personality as we prepare him for halter training. Upon arrival at SAFE, he showed signs of soreness, and unfortunately, he seems to have a soundness issue. Because he isn’t halter-trained yet, we haven’t…
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…
Alumni Update: Amira
We checked in with Amira’s adopter, Laura, earlier this month and this is what she had to share with us. Amira and I are doing wonderful. I think Amira is doing absolutely amazing as always. She is a steady, reliable partner. She lives with her best friend Jasmine, my…
Four New Faces
Last week, we welcomed four new members into our herd. All four come to us from Pierce County Animal Control, two pair out from two separate seizures. The first twosome were originally part of a trio, but sadly the third horse on the property had to be humanely…
Alumni Update: Bubbles (Bella)
Mary and Bella are doing great! Bella has been in a training refresher for the month of January. The lessons have been going well, and she is learning to be more confident on the trails, where she holds her head lower and more relaxed. Bella has been doing great with…
February Volunteer of the Month: Val Thorkildsen
Congratulations to Val Thorkildsen, our February Volunteer of the Month! Val’s kindness, dedication, and unwavering positivity make her an invaluable part of our SAFE community. From the moment she joined us two years ago—with no prior horse experience—she has shown…
Liz’s Favorite: Sienna
Liz really likes Sienna, and here she talks about a few of the reasons why:
Alumni Update: Declan
Declan is doing great at the top of a “mountain” in Granite Falls. It is about 1100 feet elevation, cold and beautiful. He is hanging out with Sue’s (his adopter) other horse Cal and having a great time. Lovely 20 plus acre farm with plenty of action going on and…
