We’re Headed to Buck Brannaman!
Are you interested in seeing a few of our riding horses in action?! How about seeing their skills (and our horsemanship skills) expand under the tutelage of the legendary Buck Brannaman?! Well now is your chance, this weekend October 21–23rd in Spanaway at the Tacoma…
September Joel Conner Clinic Report: Bijou
Kirsten L. worked with Bijou in the September Joel clinic, and had the following to say about her experience: “With a fitting name of French origins, Bijou means a rare gem and that is certainly the case for this 20 year old mare indeed. She shines both in…
September Joel Conner Clinic Report: Valentine
Lise A. worked with Valentine in the September Joel clinic, and had the following to say about her experience: “I had a great time doing ground work for three mornings with Valentine at the most recent clinic with Joel. Valentine has a lot of try and makes an effort…
Cow Horse (in training) — Jacob
In addition to gaining miles under saddle, Jacob is learning some other fun things — like how relaxing it can be to be roped off of. Kaya and Jacob like to end their rides by throwing the rope a few times, which is a great exercise for Jacob to learn to be okay with…
September Joel Conner Clinic Report: Cramer
A letter to Cramer, following our time spent together at the September Joel Conner clinic: Dearest boy, how far you’ve come! Earlier this week, I came across your intake photos, and whoever was peering over my shoulder gasped – “That’s Cramer?” We met in the…
Pomme is adopted!
Congratulations to Pomme and her new family! This adoption may be the quickest turn around in the history of SAFE horses, but when it’s right, it’s right! Debbie and Peter recently had lost their Quarter Horse mare due to colic which left their sweet 28 year old,…
Loadin’ & Tyin’
In preparation for an off-site clinic (and just in general for adoption), Edward spent some time practicing trailer loading and standing tied recently. These are important skills for any horse to learn, ones that set them up for success in their future home (a home…
Barb, Out of the Woods
Have you seen Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Rear Window?’ Poor Jimmy Stewart, laid up in his apartment with a broken leg, unraveling a murder via a pair of binoculars. In the horse-remake, Barb might play Mr. Stewart (the jury is still out on Grace Kelley’s stand-in) given that…
Gabby Picks Up Her Hind Feet
Gabby, SAFE’s first mule intake, has been in foster at Trisha’s home since March. Although she has never been to SAFE’s property, she is in excellent hands, and we so enjoy Trisha’s updates on her progress and training. She is doing an excellent job with her! Here is…
Camille, walking into our hearts
For some time now, our herd at SAFE has been comprised of horses on the smaller side. Horses, and technically ponies. But it’s undeniable that there’s something about a big horse that really appeals to people. So when Camille showed up at SAFE, we were undeniably…
Jill is Adopted!
We are excited to announce our little Jill is adopted!! Last month, she headed home with Anna, after spending a couple days riding with Joel at SAFE. Once at her new home, Anna sent us a picture of Jill enjoying a giant bite of grass and it’s those moments that make…
Sebastian Making Gains
Sebastian arrived at SAFE a little over a month ago, and already looks like a different horse. He has put on a substantial amount of weight, and while he still has a bit to gain to obtain optimal rotundness, he is certainly looking more like a horse should. His early…
Asha’s New Career
Asha has settled in very nicely to her new career as a therapist at Raven Rock Ranch. After life started throwing her wonderful adopter many curve balls, a door opened for Asha, now called Ria, to join the amazing work being done at Raven Rock. We are appreciate their…
Open House this Weekend!
Join us this Saturday, September 24th, from noon-3PM for an afternoon of touring our beautiful property while hearing true tales of our horses’ journeys. Learn about our volunteer program and the many other ways you can support rescue horses. Shop our Tack Sale and…
Giddy Up, Esme!
Following in the footsteps of her two “older brothers,” Edward and Jacob, the horses she came in with, Esme has been started under saddle. This sweet little mare made it clear early on that she was going to take a bit more time, but that has never been an issue. After…
Horsemanship Clinic with Joel Conner
Interested in expanding your horsemanship knowledge? Do you wonder what goes into preparing our horses for adoption? Join us this weekend, September 16–18th for our quarterly horsemanship clinic with Joel Connor. Schedule: — Groundwork 8AM-11AM — Riding 11:30–2:30PM -…
Pepper in the Arena
More arena work with Pepper, this time showing some soft feel work and backing circles.
Meet Camille!
Welcome Camille to the SAFE family! Camille is a 20 yr old 18 hand, 1600 lb Percheron mare. Like many of our new intakes she comes to us with a very sad history. Her previous owner was literally working her to death as a carriage horse when Pierce County Animal…
Unsticking Sienna
To work with a horse is to embark on an archaeological mission of sorts, uncovering within both the horse (and yourself!) hidden spots of trouble. Sometimes such spots are obvious — a horse who is worried about the flag flapping, or rope around their feet, or a…
Training Update: Pepper
Pepper was saddled for the first time last June, and has come a tremendously long way since then. These days, she’s riding in the big arena more often than not, and is learning how to carry herself with more balance and straightness. It’s hard to imagine this little…
Curious About George?
George is more than ready to find his forever home! He is a 4‑year-old Yakima Reservation gelding with a personality that much exceeds his 13.3 hands. Started at the end of 2020, George is going phenomenally under saddle – walk trot lope – with the potential to go…
All Grown Up
There is one certainty in this life — time will pass. Sometimes like molasses (often when we are in less than pleasant situations, reclined in the dentist’s chair, or when waiting on an important phone call — the seconds slug along) but more often than not it seems…
Alumni Update: Shortbread and Whisky
We recently got an update on these two cute buttons! Whisky and Shortbread are lucky to enjoy grass time and Sherry says they sometimes get the zoomies and it’s fun to watch them run and roll around. She said “They are both so sweet and a joy of her life.” [gallery…
Alumni Update: Billy
Billy’s family sent a few photos from the past year. Marin had this to say about our Billy: “Billy is doing great! He somehow gets sweeter and more curious every day. I can now give him kisses on his face, braid his forelock, touch his ears freely and without flinches…
Jacob’s Progress
Jacob has been under saddle now since the beginning of this year. He was the easiest of his compatriots to saddle, but that does not mean that he was the safest. Jacob is perfectly easy to get along with if you both have the same ideas about what to do, but as soon as…
Alumni Update: Orion and Roxanne at the Derby
Check out these photos of Roxanne and Orion at the French Creek Pony Club derby a few weeks ago! They are beautiful! Roxanne said “We had just the *best* day at the French Creek Derby, and came home with a blue ribbon! We did a BN combined test, so dressage and cross…
Tiva is Making Friends
Go Tiva!! Last week, she met quite a few new two legged friends and just a couple days ago she let Candi walk up and halter her! We captured it on video so you have to believe us! She’s still a bit shy and can get upset if pushed and doesn’t feel free to move her…
Bijou in the Round Pen
It’s been a busy first few weeks here at SAFE since Bijou arrived. Now off of Quarantine, she had her first set of vaccines, dental float and microchipped. She also got a lovely pair of front shoes from our farrier and was a super star for it! Here is a short little…
Training Update: Nova
Long-legged Nova will celebrate her 4th birthday this November. In the meantime, she has been working on her physique with some trot pole work. We think that Nova has it in her to really take on some fences one day, but for now, we will stick with cavalettis.
Alumni Update: Flynn
Kirsten had this to say about Flynn: “Flynn loves being adored by all the kiddos who come to our farm. I’ve noticed as his confidence has improved as a 1 eyed horse he has helped build the confidence of the more timid kiddo riders! He truly is a special pony with the…
Otto Enjoying Summer
Sunshine, soft, fluffy dirt and playing with friends are the best reasons to lay down for a nap…everyday…several times a day. It’s usually the position Otto is in when our volunteer photographer visits the property. (Thanks Kristina!) He can’t be bothered to get…
Training Update: Rae
Rae, who was born at SAFE in November of 2018, has blossomed into quite the nice mare! This summer she has been in regular work in preparation to meet adopters — when she’s not out grazing with her buddies Nova and Valentine, she’s in the round pen going over trot…
Ruckus is Adopted!
Ruckus was one of five horses surrendered to SAFE in 2016 after their owner passed away unexpectedly. He and his friends came to SAFE in good health, but with very uncertain futures. Ruckus quickly became a volunteer favorite, and we delighted in the way this tiny…
Training Update: Rope work with Esme
Esme has had a busy summer, spending much of her time learning to wear a saddle (some days, it’s easier than others) and drilling the groundwork basics on the regular. One big hurdle for Esme has been getting comfortable with the rope touching her — her back, her…
Gabby Meets the Halter
Trisha has made such amazing progress with Gabby, that we got behind on sharing her last milestone! Here you see Gabby realizing a halter is no big deal.
Tilt is Adopted!
Tilt was adopted in March 2021 along with another horse friend, Valentine, a 16 year old sweet chestnut mare, but due to unfortunate circumstances, both made their way back to SAFE. Tilt was only back at SAFE for a few short months before catching the eye of one of…
Montana’s Mountains and Valleys
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the same applies to the education (or re-education) of some horses. Montana’s arrival at SAFE coincided with the end of summer last year, where we were spending lots of time picking up fallen apples from our trees and starting to think…
Alumni Update: Aiden
Maeve and Copper (formerly named Aiden) in a July 4H gaming show. What a photo!! Next stop for these two is the Pierce County and State fairs!
Training Update: Edward
In addition to his work under saddle, we have been spending some time sending Edward over trot poles to aid with strength and conditioning. It is always a treat to watch the floaty way horses move over poles, and this handsome boy is certainly no exception! Check it…
Cramer Making Strides
Cramer has made some huge strides (but with legs his length, maybe it’s just a normal stride for him) the last several months here at SAFE. It wasn’t all that long ago that he was first learning to walk from paddock to round pen, a relatively short distance that once…
Hooves of Glass
Remember when Darla blew an abscess, way back in January? The shockwaves of that are still being felt all the way now in August. There was a sweet spot a few months back where she was sound, and we thought that we were in the clear. But it was not to be. Shortly after…
Rodeo Fundraising Results
Written by our volunteer, Debbie Meyer. As you may have heard by now, this year’s Heart of the Horse fundraiser was a huge success, raising an all-time high of $320,000! Most of that money was raised at the Heart of the Horse Barn Party. However, contributing to the…
Handsome Horse Modeling School
Horse, or hat model? These days when he’s not wearing a saddle, Artie Shaw entertains with displays of handsome stoicism to rival any fashion week editorial. I jest, of course – a hat perched atop his head is not a common look for Artie. And while I’ll be the…
Welcome, Pomme and Dolly!
Sometimes, the rescuing begins before horses even arrive at SAFE. When the horses now known as Pomme and Dolly were first seized by animal control, they were in rough shape. Pomme, a 25-year old sorrel grade mare, had the concavity between rib cage and spine that is…
New Horses, Sebastian and Bijou!
Sebastian and Bijou were found abandoned at the Tree Farm in Arlington. Snohomish County Animal Control posted publicly searching for their home, but after no one came forward, they were released to SAFE. Bijou is a 10 year old Quarter Horse mare who is very sweet and…
George: One of the Guys
George is one goofball of a gelding. His curious nature got him his name, and he lives up to it every day. But this tendency to dive head first into the world can get him into a bit of trouble, especially by his horse-peers. George isn’t always the most receptive to…
Dental Day for Montana
It took a while to get here, but Montana had his first dental this week. Getting a sensitive horse like Montana OK with being haltered and caught is one thing, getting him to the point where he is OK with the rigamarole of a dental float is quite another. It means a…
Echo is Adopted!
After catching the eye of Brittany at the June Joel Connor clinic, she went home and told her family about this sweet pony. They gave SAFE a call and we talked about where Echo was in her training and the work needed to help her. We all agreed they were capable to…
Mac is Adopted!
Mac headed to his new forever home in mid June. This confident gelding followed our staff right up onto Jerre’s beautiful trailer. He was great on the ride home and was slowly integrated with his new four legged girlfriends. Which was a perfectly drama free…
Tiva is Haltered!
Our Operations Director, Terry, was able to halter Tiva for the first time here at SAFE, just last week. What is not shown in this video is the preparation in getting to this moment — the hours that were spent with Tiva in the round pen getting her to hook on, roping…
