Our Annual Auction, Saturday July 23rd!
The property is abuzz with staff and volunteers preparing for our annual auction, Heart of the Horse Barn Party, this Saturday, July 23rd. We are excited to host the event on SAFE’s property after holding it virtually the past two years. Even though it’s a sold out…
Sparky-ing Joy
The novelty of meeting new horses as they come through the gates of SAFE never gets old. The horse person in all of us lights up with every new arrival — each new equine could be the very first one we’ve ever met, considering the way we act. And not to say that the…
Valentine on Fox 13!
Our sweet Valentine was featured by the Limelight Pet Project this last Sunday on Fox 13! If you missed it, no worries, check out her full story by watching the video below. Thank you to our wonderful friends at The Limelight Pet Project who help shine the light on…
Catching Eddie
Edward has, as all horses do, an almost preternatural ability to read humans. When I think about a horse like Edward — really, when I give thought to horses in general — I am filled with amazement that they allow us to do even a quarter of the things that they do. So…
A Walk With Cameron
One of our long time volunteers, Monique, who walks Cameron once a week, wrote this about him and it melted our hearts. “Our sweet boy Cameron can see us a mile away, Is that a bucket?! Oh, time for my walk! He’s always eager against the gate, messy face nose dive in…
Nyx is Adopted!
Congratulations to our big boy Nyx! Lindsay first made the journey from Oregon to meet Nyx 3 months ago. The two hit it off and the plan was made to continue Nyx’s training for a couple of months before heading to his new home. The training would end with Lindsay…
Daisy is Adopted!
Foster fail alert!! When Daisy headed to foster at Shellie’s home back in February 2021, we didn’t know that she wouldn’t return, but we are happy to hear Shellie fell in love and refused to give her back. In fact, she said she couldn’t imagine life without her so she…
George, in focus
These beautiful photos of George, taken by Marika Moffitt, Owner of SoulDog Creative (formerly Dirtie Dog Photography), showcase two versions of George — the spunky, athletic gelding moving out in the roundpen, and the observant, brave fellow ready to adventure out…
George is a Carrot Man
Did you know dewormer is flavored? Apple, usually, though I’m not about to test that personally. Still, flavor or no, there are certain horses who prefer the tube not even enter their sight, thanks very much. George is one such fellow, who recoils at the merest brush…
June Joel Conner Clinic Update: Tilt
One of our horsemanship volunteers, Sue, had this to say about working Tilt in the most recent Groundwork Clinic with Tilt: “I was happy to have the opportunity to do groundwork with Tilt at the June 2022 Joel Conner Clinic. Tilt is a young mare, one of the Fall City…
Freya is Adopted!
It’s not everyday we get a horse like Freya, who is not only sweet, but also writes letters! When Manuela adopted Freya and picked up her up last month we had no idea Freya would be the one who would keep us up to date on how she was doing. I’m not sure why we were so…
Barb, the Houdini
If you know horses, you know their proclivity for finding themselves in less than ideal situations. Barb, a mare too smart for her own good, recently got herself into one such scrape when she decided to liberate herself from her paddock by tunneling beneath her fence.…
June Joel Conner Clinic Update: Pepper
One of our volunteer riders, Sue, had this to say about riding Pepper in the most recent Joel Connor Clinic: “I was so excited to get to participate in the riding portion of the June, 2022 Joel Conner Clinic at SAFE. It was my first chance at this, and I was very…
Chip and Dale Update
Some miles from SAFE, nestled on a little slice of paradise, Chip and Dale continue to thrive at their foster home. These two sweet boys spend their days cavorting around their dry lots, luxuriating (under careful supervision) on green grass, and being doted upon by…
Bliss is Adopted!
A year and a half is the average time a horse spends with SAFE before being adopted. Bliss, our sweet, blind mare, was in our care for 5 weeks before being adopted to the absolute perfect family! Emily and her family had previously adopted SAFE alum, Beauty, but had…
Alumni Update: Phoenix, King and Sinatra
SAFE friend and 3‑time adopter, Lauren, shared some recent photos of Phoenix, Sinatra and King. The picture around the round pen looks like they are planning their next prank to play on the cattle!
SweetHearts of the Rodeo is Underway!
The Heart of the Horse “SweetHearts of the Rodeo” campaign is underway! We’re going to raise $40,000 for the horses at SAFE in the most fun way possible! Twenty one SAFE horses are competing to be named “Rodeo Queen”, “Rodeo King”, and “Rodeo Clown” for Heart of the…
Gabby Picks Up Her Feet!
Foster parent, Trisha, has made huge strides with SAFE’s first mule, Gabby! Here’s what she had to say: “Here are some Gabby videos of her learning to pick up her feet. Figuring out the right way to balance has been tricky for her, but she’s catching on. She is doing…
Alumni Update: Tasara
Tasara and wonderful adopter Sherri are both glad to see that the weather is getting warmer and less wet! Training and exercise are definitely on the calendar to start getting Tasara back into her slim and trim. From the pictures, you can see that both Sherri and…
Alumni Update: Rhythm
Here are some photos of Rhythm sent to us by Jimmy, taken in May. Very handsome horse who is doing well and by the look on his face is very happy and curious!
Jacob and Edward, BFF
Although they took their names from the rival love interest’s in Stephanie Meyer’s ‘Twilight,’ our equine Jacob and Edward could not be any closer to the definition of two peas in a pod. If they are together, they appear as one creature, joined at the hip (or cheek)!…
Cosmo is in search of a new home
Theo (Cosmo) is a SAFE alumni riding horse, in search of a new home! He is a super gentle, kind boy, who loves trail rides & has a lot of experience with children. He is a 19-year-old, 15.1hh Bay QH. Theo has quite the background! He was shown in 4H & did well…
Jewel’s Last Ride at SAFE
Since Julie adopted Jewel in November 2017, the two have participated in every Joel Connor Clinic. That’s most likely about 20 clinics! But now it is time for Julie and Jewel’s next adventure in life as they move out of state. It was a bittersweet ending to the clinic…
Tanis’ First Joel Conner Clinic
Tanis participated in her first clinic last weekend and made some huge changes! She has an ingrained reaction to pull back, so our focus was moving forward freely. The extra challenges presented by the clinic (other people waving flags, big open space with lots of…
Alumni Update: Luna
Beautiful Luna is now living in Northern California with her new person, Reegan. They both are settling in together very well with one another and working hard, preparing for an upcoming dressage clinic. Reegan and her mom, Doreen absolutely love her so much! She is…
Joel Conner Clinic: Echo
Echo has gotten right back into the swing of things! After a couple initial restarting rides, Echo is now riding just like she was before she left. She participated in both the groundwork and the riding class in the recent Joel Conner clinic and did phenomenally! We…
The SAFE 2021 Annual Report is now available!
The 2021 SAFE Annual Report has finally been completed! In each of the last 10 years, SAFE has released an annual report to recognize our donors, share success stories, review our financials, and provide an overview of some of the year’s accomplishments and…
Alumni Update: Bubbles
Bubbles, now named Bella, is doing awesome! She absolutely loves trail riding and really enjoys hanging out and horsing around with her brother rescues, Thunder and Jax. Bella recently got a gold star on her annual vet exam! [gallery columns=“2” size=“large”…
Training Update: Otto on the Fence
As part of a well-rounded education, our horses are put through paces that include more than just learning to wear a saddle. A class they must take and pass is learning to bump up to the rail. This serves several purposes, including but not limited to: learning to…
Alumni Update: Teddi, Coco and Minnie
Pure cuteness of “Aunt” Teddi, Coco and Minnie! Such a wonderful success story! “All is well in Lakebay!! The weather is warming up and I imagine that feels good for them after all the rain!! They sure love being out in the pasture on the weekends!! The Littles are…
Artie’s Second Chapter
When a horse leaves SAFE for its new home, we hope that there is a ‘forever’ tacked in front, but this is not always the case. But our commitment to a SAFE horse is lifelong, and when Artie needed to return to us, we welcomed him back with open arms. Artie had…
Ezra Gone Too Soon
I am very, very sorry to have to tell you that we lost Ezra last Saturday. All seemed fine earlier when the breakfast mule came around, but about 30–40 minutes later, he was rolling on the ground, in major distress. A volunteer alerted our Barn Staff, Trudy, who…
Alumni Update: Topper
Such an amazing friendship! Topper loves his home and family, especially his best friend in the picture.
Blazing New Trails
One of our Volunteer Riders had this to say about Veronica: You could say Ms. Veronica is “Walking on Sunshine” as a whole new world has opened up to her beyond the main gate of SAFE Harbor Stables. Just a few weeks ago Veronica and I prepared to make a trek to the…
Alumni Update: Khianna (AKA Kiki)
Khianna (AKA Kiki) has been spending her time hanging with her horse friends and new companions, miniature goats! They are quite amused by the goats bouncing off the barn walls! Kiki’s adopter, Stanalee, reports that Kiki has had a lot of sarcoids (non-cancerous…
A Great Horse is Gone
It’s with a lot of sadness that we share that one of the great SAFE horses is gone. Earlier this week, after a severe colic, Bucky B Lucky was humanely euthanized. To his wonderful adopter Ruth, our deepest sympathy to you, and our most sincere thanks for the life…
Frosting: Duckling Turned Swan
Take a look at our little “ugly duckling’s” transformation into a swan this spring! What a difference good food and care has made! She is turning into a gorgeous young mare — it’s almost hard to believe she’s the same horse as she was when she arrived! [gallery…
Working with Cramer
Lexee N, who has been spending time working with Cramer, had the following to say about her time with him: Cramer is such a Handsome Man & is Making Progress! How can you not fall in love with that face? Cramer is a very sweet gentle giant and working with him…
Welcome Ezra and Sparky!
Two new equines arrived at SAFE last week, both from Animal Control seizures. Welcome Ezra and Sparky! Ezra is a very handsome grey 20 year old Arabian gelding. He can be haltered and led but has never been ridden. Ezra is a sweet guy who enjoys the finer things in…
Rest In Peace: SAFE Alum Banner
It is with sad hearts that we report the passing of SAFE Alumni, Banner. Banner was a 24-year-old gelding who came to SAFE with another sweet boy, Buddy, who passed in September 2020, with Banner by his side. On April 30th, his loving and caring adopter Casey, found…
Artie and Ruckus Return
Due to sudden life changes, Artie and Ruckus’ owner needed SAFE’s assistance in rehoming them. We commit a lifetime of safety to each and every horse who passes through our care and we picked them up this week. Artie had many fans before leaving SAFE last summer, so…
Otto Under Saddle
This month was the first time Otto saw a saddle (or rather, the first time he wore one – technically he’d probably seen one before then). First saddlings are always interesting. We do our best to prepare the horse before we cinch them up for the first time. Touching…
Rest in Peace: SAFE Alumni Farley
The SAFE family is saddened to report that SAFE alumni Farley, passed away yesterday. He had been struggling to get to his feet after napping in the sunshine and when assisted, wasn’t able to stand. Dr. Schroeder from Northwest Equine was able to come out and with…
Three’s Company Forever
Teddi, Minnie and Coco are adopted together! When the volunteers and staff heard the murmurings of a possibility that Auntie Teddi and her two littles might get adopted together, smiles and glee spread through the barn. The three friends have been adopted together to…
Alumni Update: Razin (Now Logan)
Razin, now Logan, recently had a dental check-up which revealed that he is actually younger than we thought! Wouldn’t we all want that kind of news?! It was determined that he appears to be closer to 2 years old than 5. He has been doing regular ground work with his…
Riding Horse Edward
This past week, Eddie had his first few rides — uneventful, just the way we like them. It took him a bit of time to give to the bend Joel was asking him for, but with the patience and great releases of a well-practiced teacher, he got there. He was also uncertain…
GiveBIG is May 3–4th!
Today kicks off GiveBIG!! This year, SAFE invites you to help your favorite Western Washington horse rescue raise needed funds to help unforgettable horses. Donate here. Our theme for GiveBIG 2022 is “Let’s Not Forget.” Horses don’t end up at rescues because they’re…
Esme Loves to be Groomed
One of our horsemanship volunteers, Sue, had this to say about Esme. “Esme has come a long way from the wary mare who was hard to catch, and careful who came close. She spent some time in the rehab paddock next to Pepper, and was always very curious when I groomed…
Otto’s Origins
Otto arrived at SAFE the very definition of a ragamuffin, with a scruffy, mud-caked winter coat draped atop his thin frame. We looked forward to seeing what health would do for Otto. It brought out his personality, for starters. Even when on the mend from his tooth…
Alumni Update: Atticus
Atticus’s adopter Bernice says that he is doing very well at the age of 32. Despite his age and mild arthritis in his hind, he still acts like a young 22-year-old. He is currently shedding out as seen on his face, getting ready for some summer fun!
