Chip

registered name: Chips of Rik O Shay (HAHR*1A315146 )
description: 1994 Arab/Appy cross
type of rescue: owner surrender
intake date: 2/10/2011
adoption date: 9/1/2011
length of time with SAFE: 6 months

ADOPTED!!!

Chip’s Story: Chip wa one of 39 horses seized by Pierce County Animal Control after they were discovered living in filthy, deplorable conditions, trapped in stalls and paddocks piled high with their own waste, in barns with no light and no ventilation. The horses were in large part unhandled and they suffered from a lack of vet and farrier care. Chip, an Arab/Appy cross, was a breeding stallion, an extremely striking looking and handsome horse. Upon becoming a SAFE horse, he was immediately gelded. Sadly we determined that conformational flaws in Chip’s hind end would make it difficult for him to comfortably carry a rider, so we offered him for adoption as a companion horse. But what a wonderful companion he was! Chip loved people and was very kind, curious, and friendly. He got on great with other horses, but he was always particularly fond of mares, and they of him! But he was a complete gentleman, well behaved, not at all studdish. Chip suffered isolation and neglect in his previous life, and he definitely deserved a happy ending where he would be safe, well fed, and surrounded by friends. He found that with his adoptive family, and he lived the good life on a beautiful farm in Kitsap County, until his passing in 2019 from cancer. Chip’s  family never asked more from him than he could offer and they loved him even with his limitations. He was a gentle soul with a kind heart, who is remembered and missed to this day.

Godspeed, Chips of Rik O Shay 

We received the sad news last week that SAFE alumni Chip passed away from cancer. He was a sweet boy and had a very loving family to look after him at the end of his life. Chip was one of 39 horses seized by Pierce County Animal Control in late 2012, and he lived a…

Chip finds his forever home! 

Chip has been a SAFE horse for a while…three years in fact…and we’ve had the opportunity to watch his transformation from a breeding stallion to the best and happiest gelding in the herd. And today we can happily announce that he has finally found his forever…

Chip’s First Day in Foster Care 

Chip was moved from Safe Harbor to a foster home in the Maple Valley area, where he now shares a huge field with an older horse named Jesse. Here’s a video of his arrival and meeting Jesse for the first time:

Big man Chip! 

We are working to clear up some accesses and fungus in this sweet boy’s feet. He has been very good for the cleanings, poultice applications, and for wearing boots. His feet are looking and smelling much better! We also turned Chip and Finn out in the arena together.…

A change of plans for Chip 

Chip returned from foster care to Safe Harbor about a month ago and we had high hopes about getting him started in our training program. But with the chance to observe him in motion, we’ve seen some signs that a career as a riding horse might not be the best thing for…

Hello, Mr Chip! 

Chip has been enjoying a lovely stay in foster, but this weekend, he returned to Safe Harbor to start training with Terry. We don’t think Chip’s been ridden much, if at all, so we’ll be starting with ground work training and go from there. It’s our hope that we can…

Chip makes new friends 

Here’s Chip, making some new friends and behaving like a perfect gentleman around the young 10yr old that was grooming him. He would make a great companion horse for another gelding. Low man in the order so he doesn’t try to dominate other horses. Since he was a…

A visit with Strider and Chip! 

I had the pleasure of visiting Strider and Chip at their foster home yesterday. Both boys are looking fabulous and enjoying the onset of sunny weather now that spring is here. Their foster mom, Heather, says that the two of them are best buds, and will stand as close…

Happiest holidays from Strider & Chip! 

Strider had to leave his Monroe foster home with Sheridan and Austin with the onset of winter weather, since Sheridan’s barn has still not been rebuilt. We are so fortunate that our good friend Heather, who’s already fostering Chip, offered a place in her lovely barn…