Marigold Sunset Caballo de Seguro
2026 Filly
Suitability: TBD
Color: Bay
Markings: Half Pastern (RH)
Height:
Weight:
Not Currently Available for Adoption
Marigold Sunset was the last of the Valentine Herd to arrive at SAFE. Due to the declining condition of her dam, and the excess nutrition she was getting, Marigold needed to be weaned early. But despite only being four months old, Marigold handled her weaning with remarkable resilience. She will grow up under SAFE’s care with an assortment of ‘aunties’ to teach her the ways of the horse.
New Friends: Wednesday and Marigold
As Marigold settled into her new digs at SAFE, we kept a single line of panels up between her and Wednesday to let them get to know one another over a fenceline. There is always a bit of risk involved when introducing horses, and with Marigold’s small stature and recent weaning being factors, we wanted to play it safe. We had picked Wednesday to be her buddy knowing how she had acted around Alvaro – playing the role of stern, but fair, auntie with an adeptness that was beyond her four years.
When the time came to introduce (a rare, dry day, when they would be less prone to slipping and sliding around in the paddock if things got heated) we kept Wednesday on a line in the event we needed to correct any rough behavior.
We needn’t have worried a single moment.
When we first opened the panels between them, little Marigold was more interested in exploring the side of the paddock that had been closed off to her than socializing. Wednesday was intrigued, but mostly just content to hang out with her human handler. When Marigold did approach, it was with a bout of respectful clacking, acknowledging Wednesday as Large and Having Seniority. Neither attempted any funny business, and both quickly moved on from one another.
When we released them, there was more of the same. They both spent time exploring their expanded space, and then settled into a hay bag. At one point, Wednesday decided that she wanted to eat where Marigold was, and with the quiet, firm grace we had come to expect from her, politely told Marigold to ‘get lost.’ These corrections are essential for young horses like Marigold to learn proper social skills, and ensure her success in future herd settings. Not every horse is as kind and patient as Wednesday, and she’d do best to learn her cues now or risk some real faux pas later.
Since that day, the two have made an amicable pair, enjoying spending time in their backyard and palling around together. We’re grateful for mares like Wednesday who help us raise cool little fillies like Marigold.
Welcoming Marigold Sunset
Earlier this year, SAFE became involved in one of the largest animal welfare cases of 2025. From this case, SAFE took in 11 horses, including two foals. One pregnant mare and her filly remained under close care elsewhere due to the mare’s fragile condition.
From the beginning, the older mare struggled. Despite increased feed, veterinary care, and attentive support, she was unable to gain or maintain weight. Her condition continued to decline, and her pasterns dropped so severely they were nearly touching the ground.
Meanwhile, her filly developed epiphysitis (also known as physitis), a painful inflammatory condition affecting the growth plates of young horses. This causes swollen, warm joints and lameness and is often linked to rapid growth and nutritional imbalance. The condition requires careful dietary management and close veterinary oversight.
Because the filly was receiving excessive nutrition through nursing while the mare remained dangerously thin, the veterinarian recommended immediate weaning so the filly’s diet could be strictly balanced. Despite all efforts, the mare’s condition continued to deteriorate. With a high risk that she could go down and be unable to stand again, the veterinary recommendation—and the kindest option—was humane euthanasia. These are decisions we know all too well, and we understand how quickly such situations can become catastrophic.
At just four months old, the filly was already quite independent. The veterinarian described her weaning as “the most uneventful” they had ever seen. The mare was peacefully euthanized, sparing her further suffering.
On Saturday, amid widespread flooding and road closures across Washington State, a group of SAFE volunteers braved difficult conditions to transport the filly safely to SAFE. She traveled alongside Wednesday, another mare from the original herd, in hopes that she will bond with her new “auntie” and find comfort as she begins this next chapter of her life.
She is the very last of the Valentine’s Day herd.
Our new filly arrives with a name that feels deeply fitting: Marigold Sunset.
In the Victorian language of flowers, marigolds symbolize grief and sorrow. They were often given during times of mourning, their bright colors believed to help ease pain and bring comfort.
It feels right that Marigold joins us now, in the midst of our deepest sadness losing our Paloma. She is a light during a dark time—a small but powerful reminder of hope, healing, and the quiet joy that carries us forward as we mend our broken hearts.
Marigold’s Friends:
1. Sarah Q.
2. Jane M.
3. Patricia A.
4. Gwen M.
5. ______________
6. ______________
7. ______________
8. ______________
9. ______________
10. ______________
Every horse deserves at least ten friends! Even a small monthly donation can make a difference.
