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: Dolly (Rose)
Rose (formerly Dolly) and her adopter Angela are doing great. They made a move to Oregan and enjoy rides in the woods on the weekends with friends. Angela has found that Rose enjoys trail riding a lot better than arena riding.
The Valentine Seizure
Two weeks ago, news broke that law enforcement agencies in Thurston County had seized hundreds of roosters bred for fighting from a property in Yelm. It was also reported that a number of other farm animals, including horses, cows, and goats, had been removed from the…
Trixie is Adopted!
Our favorite kind of failure is the foster kind. We could not be happier to announce that Trixie has been adopted from her foster home! She’s been spending the last half-year or so living her very best life alongside Alumna Rae, getting completely and utterly doted on…
March Volunteer of the Month: Whitney-Bear Bradsher
Congratulations to our March Volunteer of the Month, Whitney-Bear Bradsher! For the past two years, Whitney-Bear has dedicated her time, hard work, and compassion to SAFE, making a meaningful impact on our community. She is a vital member of our Saturday PM crew,…
Alumni Update: Ruger (Koa)
We recently checked in with Koa (formerly Ruger) and his adopter Barb. Koa is doing great! He goes for walks twice a week with Barb in Bridle Trails and spends time playing with his mini horse friends in the paddock. He also enjoys the benefits of monthly massages!…
Alumni Update: Gabby & Caramel (Carra)
Our beloved alumni Carra and Gabby are thriving under their adopter Trisha’s care. They enjoy their VIP life on her serene, peaceful farm in Monroe with their herd mates Tess and Hazel. Both have come so far with Trisha. Carra is now being trimmed by her farrier…
















