Opal
breed: 2008 black & white pinto Saddlebred mare
type of rescue: owner surrender
intake date: 7/1/2012
adoption date: 6/13/2013
length of time with SAFE: 11 months
ADOPTED!! by Lys H of Kent WA
Opal is a lovely Saddlebred mare who was surrendered to SAFE by her young owner on July 1, 2012. Opal came to us about 150 pounds underweight and very much in need of groceries and handling. She made a nice recovery, and was sent to training with Andrea Lucianna to be started under saddle. Opal did marvelously during her training, learning to walk, trot, and canter in the big arena by her self. Her trainer reported that she was a quick learner with a fun personality that was easy to work with and a lot of fun to ride. Opal continued her training under the guidance of Melonie Rainey of White Birch Farms who kept her in work while she waited to be adopted. It was not too long before Opal’s person came along…and she was happily adopted by Lys H. We saw the pair at the 2014 SAFE Benefit Show, and both looked very happy together!
Alumni Update: Opal (Bella)
At 18 years old, Bella (formerly Opal) is beginning to show her age with a few health issues, but overall, she is healthy and well cared for by Lys. The two like to go on trail rides and Bella enjoys hanging out with her paddock mate, a Friesian mare.
SAFE Alumni Update: Opal
Opal (now known as Bella) enjoyed a trip to the ocean with a friend!
For updates on many of your favorite adopted SAFE horses, visit our SAFE Alumni Facebook group! It’s where SAFE adopters can post updates, photos, and videos of their SAFE horses, to share their progress with the SAFE community!
SAFE Alumni at the SAFE Show!
It was so delightful to have six former SAFE horses come out to compete at this year’s SAFE show. We love nothing more than seeing our old friends again, and nothing beats seeing them shine in the show ring! Thanks to these lovely photos by Karen Wegehenkel, you can share some of their stellar moments:
Strawberry Shortcake, also known as Maggie
Stella and Maggie were sailing high in the hunter arena! The pair took home 4th and 5th place ribbons in some very large classes, and were quite impressive together!
… 
Miss Hot Too Belle of the Ball, also known as Bella or Opal
Bella and Lys competed in the English arena, winning ribbons in Halter, Walk Only, Walk Trot, and Walk Trot Canter! This pair has come a long way in the last year!
Lucy
It was simply delightful to see Lucy again! She was an all-around horse at the show, competing in English, Western, and Trails with her adopter Diane. As you can see, Lucy is just as cute as ever!
River
When we heard that Jenny Lucianna would be bringing River to the show to perform their Musical Freestyle routine, we were not prepared for what a treat we were in store for. Their performance was magnificent to say the least, and it was awesome to see our boy shine on the dressage court in partnership with his new owner. We can’t wait to see more!
Delilah
We were also treated to two incredible performances from Andrea Lucianna and Delilah, who demonstrated their prowess at First and Second Level. Then Delilah’s adopter Eileen took over the reins and rode her Intro Level test wearing a SAFE Show t‑shirt! Spectators could not believe that this magnificent mare was a formerly neglected rescue horse, and we’re so pleased that we got the chance to share her story!
Annie
We don’t have any photos to share yet, but Nicole and Annie dropped in at the show on Sunday to compete in the Western ring. The pair won 2nd and 3rd place ribbons in the Walk/Jog classes, and looked lovely together!!
Opal — Adopted!!
Exciting news to share!! Opal has been adopted!! Congratulations to Lys H and thank you for offering this lovely mare (now named Bella) a wonderful new home! We hope to see you and Bella at the SAFE show in August!!
Update (August 3, 2013) Bella & Lys did indeed join us at the SAFE show this year, competing in some of the English green horse classes and mounted trails!
Opal Intake Photos
Here are some photos taken of Opal the day we picked her up.
