Wednesday “Miercoles” Viernes Caballo de Seguro
2021 Andalusian Mare
Suitability: TBD
Color: Grey
Markings:
Height:
Weight:
Adoption Fee: TBD
Named by Dr Clark, the veterinarian on the scene down at the Animal Control seizure where she came from, Wednesday was named for his daughter’s favorite character, Wednesday Addams. Wednesday is a beautiful 4‑year old Andalusian mare, and dam to Venturo. She is a kind mare who is currently tasked with the full time job of raising a youngster. She is doing a phenomenal job as a mother!
Once she weans Venturo, she will enter into our training program. She will become adoptable once she is started under saddle.
All SAFE horses are adopted with a no-breeding clause, no exceptions.
Overlooked No More
This Valentine’s Day, we’re highlighting three sweet, curious, lovable mares—Bridgit, Eda, and Wednesday—who have somehow been overlooked by our generous SAFEkeeper sponsors. Can you believe these mares have only two sponsors each?
What does Valentine’s Day mean to you?
If this is your #1 holiday, Bridgit’s your gal. This sweet mare is always on the lookout for love, and she’s won the hearts of many volunteers since her return to SAFE in 2025.
If Saturday sounds like the perfect excuse for girls’ night at the spa, call a babysitter and pick Wednesday. This friendly mare is always up for a good groom and gossip.
And if you think the only good part of Valentine’s Day is discounted chocolate on February 15, you’re in good company with Eda. Her biggest wish during our photoshoot was to eat the roses (sorry, Eda, they’re not on the menu).
The value of your sponsorship
Running a rescue is inherently unpredictable. But there are two things we can count on. First, it all costs money. Vet and farrier care, feed, professional training—none of it is cheap, and expenses add up fast. Second, this community steps up. Time and time again, we’ve witnessed tremendous outpourings of support for horses who have suffered horrific abuse and neglect.
But as Executive Director Bonnie Hammond says, “rescue” is only one day. SAFE is here for the day after, and the day after that.
SAFEkeeper monthly sponsors provide the dependable financing we need to fulfill our promise of a lifetime of safety to the horses in our care. By signing up as a monthly donor—even as little as $10 makes a difference—you’re building a bridge to the day after, when the rescue ends, the emergency becomes routine, and the hard work begins.
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.
Venturo and Alvaro, New Friends!
Do you remember the feeling of being a kid and getting to hang out with your older cousins around the holidays, or being allowed to tag along with your older sibling? How cool you felt, how much fun you had? We have to imagine that’s how Venturo is feeling this week meeting Alvaro — his very first friend.
Wednesday is getting a much deserved break from being her colt’s only playmate, but rest assured she’s never too far in case the two whippersnappers get out of hand. It’s been great for Alvaro too, who has been keeping things very much in check around his new young friend, and respecting Wednesday’s ground rules for their playdates.
Venturo is on his way to be weaned, and having a buddy to help with the transition will make the process easier. Just a few days into Venturo and Alvaro’s budding friendship and we can almost hear Vinnie saying “see ya later mom, I’m going to play with my friends!” Fine by her.
A Lovely Wednesday
Wednesday and Venturo at Foster
Wednesday is raising her colt out at foster, where the daily grind looks like this. Oh, to be a young horse with the zoomies!
KING‑5 TV: Horses Rescued During Cockfighting Bust Find New Hope
KING‑5 TV visited SAFE today for an update on the Valentine horses in our care:
Introducing SAFE’s Valentine Herd
What’s in a name? For the horses who come to SAFE, it signifies a new beginning. While their names may change as they find new homes and families, each one marks the start of their journey to safety, care, and a brighter future.
For the Valentine Herd horses we welcomed into our care, we wanted to give them names as special as they are—names that would symbolize their lasting safety and new beginnings. That’s why each of these horses has been given a beautiful Spanish-style name, including the family name Caballo de Seguro—which translates to “Horse of SAFE.”
Eight of the Valentine Herd equines are currently under SAFE’s care. They are:
Arionna Rosita Caballo de Seguro.
Named by our longtime volunteer Ginni—who recently celebrated her 85th birthday at SAFE—Arionna Rosita means “Silver Rose,” a fitting name for this stunning mare. Likely a Warlander (Friesian x Andalusian), this grey beauty is turning five this year. Though she is shy about being caught, her curiosity shines through, and when she’s feeling good, she can really kick up her heels!
Frida Isabella Caballo de Seguro
Named after Frida Kahlo by our longtime farrier and friend, Daphne, this nearly four-year-old mare is discerning, intelligent, and beautiful. Like her buddy (or sister?) Arionna, she is likely a Warlander and shares a similar wariness toward people. Recent bloodwork confirmed what we had already suspected based on her growing belly—Frida is expecting and will be welcoming her foal here in the next few weeks.
Mateo Fernando Caballo de Seguro
Named by our own Bonnie Hammond—who also recently celebrated a birthday—Mateo means “Gift of God.” This handsome four-year-old Andalusian is currently a stud in more ways than one, but once he is fully vaccinated, he will make an equally striking gelding.
Maisy Maria Caballo de Seguro
Named by volunteer Paige, who was boots on the ground for the seizure, Maisy means Pearl. She is a big boned red roan yearling filly, who is currently out at foster so she can grow up a bit more before she joins our training program here at SAFE.
Alvaro Casimiro Caballo de Seguro
Named by volunteer Candi—who played a key role on the day of the seizure and captured these beautiful photos—Alvaro means “guardian,” while his middle name means “peaceful.” This young colt, under a year old, certainly lives up to his name when he’s napping, which he does often. Otherwise, he is as playful as any youngster his age. Once gelded, he will head to foster care to continue growing up.
Wednesday “Miercoles” Viernes Caballo de Seguro
Named by the veterinarian on scene during the seizure, Wednesday was named for his daughter’s favorite character, Wednesday Addams. Wednesday is a beautiful 4‑year-old Andalusian mare, who recently became a new mother to Venturo.
Venturo Milagro Caballo de Seguro
The newest member of the herd, “Vinnie” was named by new board member and volunteer Elaine. His name means ‘good luck miracle,’ and portends a happy future ahead of him. It is not always we are lucky enough to know a horse’s birthday, but little Vinnie was born on February 25th and is enjoying his first few months alongside mom at a foster location.
and last but not least…
Eda Margarita Caballo de Seguro
Named by new board member and volunteer Amy, Eda carries a personal connection. The original Eda was a 4′9″ firecracker of a woman—a bread and wine maker who famously said things like, “IF I ever die.” Her equine namesake, a three-year-old bay mare, was the last of the Valentine herd to arrive at SAFE. As we get to know her, we’ll see what traits she shares with her spirited namesake.
Large rescues like this require a tremendous amount of effort and resources. If you’d like to support the horses at SAFE, as well as the many other animals involved in this seizure, you can make a difference by donating at https://www.safehorses.org/valentineherd/.
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 property at the same time. Although we couldn’t make it public when it happened, SAFE was one of the rescue organizations that held a number of these horses for Thurston County while the courts sorted out the legal side of the case. On Saturday, we learned that the matter had been resolved, and that the owners of the animals did not post bond or petition the court for their return. This means that we have some new friends to introduce to you in the next few days. Here’s a couple of photos to get you started.
But FIRST let’s talk about the rescue organizations that came together to help these farm animals. On point for the operation was Hooved Animal Rescue of Thurston County (HAROTC) who worked directly with the county to coordinate the removal of the horses, cows, and goats. These animals were all signed over to HAROTC this past weekend. There were 15 horses alive on the property. SAFE housed five of them during the holding period, while the rest were moved to foster homes out of the area by HAROTC. In addition to the horses, there were six cows taken in by HAROTC, and 18 goats – many pregnant – nine of which have been placed with New Moon Farm Sanctuary and rest remaining with HAROTC.
Once the animals were signed over to HAROTC by Thurston County, decisions could be made about their futures and switcheroos were made. Three of the horses were not able to be saved due to untreated injuries and other physical issues. SAFE has taken ownership of seven of the original horses, plus the little black colt born during the hold period. HAROTC will be keeping two pregnant mares, with plans for SAFE to take the foals after they’re weaned. And two non-pregnant females were taken by Sound Equine Options (SEO). Two of the mares at SAFE may be pregnant so along with the two that will be born at HAROTC, we may be taking on as many as four foals in the future. There are also several baby goats on the way too. This means the cost of caring for these animals will be shouldered by these four rescue organizations for months if not years to come.
SAFE estimates that the average monthly cost to care for one rescued horse is about $750 per month. Of course, this amount varies based on age, condition, and specific needs. All of the horses that SAFE has taken on will need training at some point before they can be adopted, so that adds more cost. The average monthly cost to care for one pregnant goat is about $150. That’s about $12,500 per month to care for all of these animals, and it’s coming straight out of the pockets of the rescues involved. And this amount will increase as babies are born.
So we are asking for your support for the horses, goats, and cows that make up what we’ve dubbed the Valentine Herd (since they were seized right before Valentine’s Day). These incredible souls survived hell on earth at their former home, and they have bright, happy futures ahead of them. But they have a long road to travel that will include vet and farrier care, training, and hay and grain to restore them to good health. To make these easier on those who would like to chip in to help, we’ve set up a single fund for tax deductible donations that will be divided between the four rescues – HAROTC, SAFE, SEO, and New Moon – based on the number of animals they’ve taken on. Rescuing these animals was and will continue to be a huge undertaking, so if you want to be part of these efforts, your donations will be hugely appreciated!
Wednesday’s Friends:
1. Sarah Q.
2. Kim P.
3. Abbi R.
4. ____________________
5. ____________________
6. ____________________
7. ____________________
8. ____________________
9. ____________________
10._____________________
Every horse deserves at least ten friends! Even a small monthly donation can make a difference.
Click here to sponsor Wednesday!
