The Importance of Circles — Joel Conner
Joel Conner is back at SAFE this weekend for another three day clinic. Joel Conner is a remarkable horseman and teacher whose dedication to classic vaquero horsemanship is unparalleled. Following the traditions of Ray Hunt, Tom and Bill Dorrance, and Buck Brannaman,…
Alumni Update: Bliss and Evie
Bliss and Evie continue doing well, although they are no longer turned out together because Evie tried to kick Bliss. Bliss now has a one-year-old pony as a pasture mate who gets along well with her. Evie is great with kids and enjoys trail riding.
Brownie’s Glow Up
What a difference 6 months makes! Brownie came to SAFE in decent enough shape — not particularly underweight (unlike his herdmate Clarissa, who was incredibly thin), but when you look at the horse who arrived and the horse who is here today, you would not be wrong to…
Sparky and Rojo, Heart at Work
Sparky and Rojo, our two miniature donkey ambassadors, recently returned to SAFE to be able to greet guests at our 2025 Heart of the Horse. These two sweethearts have been dipping their (tiny, adorable) hooves in the water of attending more events, and what better…
Alumni Update: Coco, Minnie and Teddi
Coco, Minnie and Teddi continue to do very well together. While at SAFE, Teddi served as a wonderful aunt, watching over and teaching first Minnie and then Coco herd dynamics. Teddi has extended her motherly instincts to the bovine species. Marti told us Teddi was…
August Volunteer of the Month: Leigh Ann Martin
Congratulations to our August Volunteer of the Month, Leigh Ann Martin! Leigh Ann joined the SAFE community in January 2025 bringing with her a kind and gentle approach to our humans and our horses alike! From day one, she has shown incredible dedication and attention…
Venturo is Five Months Old!
Venturo turned five months old last week, and he sure is turning into one handsome little colt! He is a sweet and curious little fellow, one who very much appreciates scratches and a good romp on grass with mom, to whom he is baring a striking resemblance these days.…
Trinket Under Saddle
With only a handful of rides, Trinket is coming along great. We are keeping things short and sweet (just like Trinket herself) but this smart little mare is a fast learner! She is quickly getting the hang of coming up and down through the gaits on a feel, and recently…
Alumni Update: Henry (James)
One of our SAFE Alumni Team volunteers recently checked in on Henry (James) and his adopter, Marion: James is so lucky to have Marion as his owner. She absolutely loves him and dotes on him. She boards him at a hunter/jumper barn and the trainers seem to be very good…
August Joel Conner Clinic Report: Ranger
Carrie S has been working alongside Ranger on the ground, and recently brought him into the groundwork portion of the August Joel Conner horsemanship clinic. Here’s what she has to say about this special, spotted guy: “Ranger participated in his third Joel Conner…
Growing Paloma
To make a Paloma cocktail, you combine tequila, grapefruit, and lime. Our little Paloma’s ingredients would look a bit different: a good deal of curiosity mixed with a generous pour of joy de vivre, topped with a strong sense of self, and garnished with a dash of…
Brownie — Getting a Change
A well-timed release. A horse’s natural capacity and ability for change. These are some ingredients in the formula for some pretty amazing — and sometimes quite speedy — transformations. Brownie provides us with a very clear example of this. His first…
Honoring Officer Brian Boman: 2025 Heart of the Horse Award Recipient
At SAFE, we are fortunate to work alongside individuals whose compassion, dedication, and bravery truly change lives—both human and animal. Among these remarkable individuals is Officer Brian Boman, one of our most cherished partners and the recipient of this year’s…
Alumni Update: Nyx
Nyx is enjoying life with his adopter Lindsay and his Haflinger buddy named Squish. He and Squish get along very well.
