SAFE Horses
SAFE News and Updates
November Volunteer of the Month: Joan Yankis
Joan started volunteering last September on the Saturday PM team. It wasn’t long before she reached out to me and asked if it would be helpful if instead of being on a regular schedule, she could just fill in on shorthanded shifts. What?! How could this be? It is every Volunteer Manager’s dream come true!! And so my dreams were answered and now Joan fills in at least 1–2 times a week. It is such…
Finding Peace Under Saddle for Nyx
As expected, we’ve discovered some trouble in Nyx as we’ve started transitioning him back into a riding horse. It appears he may have had some “liberty” type training in his past that has left him with some resentment toward humans. This is evident in working with him and the poor expressions that appear when asked to move freely. Our goals are to help him make a change and find immediate…
Edward, Esme, and Jacob Updates
We are moving at a fairly good pace with Edward despite his continued breathing issues. He is still very wary about people approaching him to be caught but each time he is quickly haltered and doesn’t have the opportunity to get away, he finds the event less and less stressful. Part of the problem with horses that have had some halter work in the past is that they have learned where the “outs”…
Good Girl Darla
Darla is a pleasure to get to know and very rewarding to work with so far. She has a huge heart and a ton of try. She was very shy and afraid coming into SAFE. Now after just a few weeks, she is more comfortable with haltering and has been walking nicely into the arena for her groundwork sessions. As her feet are getting freed up and her weight distributed onto her hinds, her expression softens…
Riding Rae
Rae is coming up on her 3‑year-old birthday next week, November 1. How fast does time fly! She is just transitioning from being ridden by Joel to Terry as we come into the winter months. Over the past year, she has been worked each month in which Joel visited and ridden a max of 2–5 times each visit. Coming into winter, we will work her lightly her 2–3 days a week with some time off during the…
George on the DL
George is a young and rambunctious gelding. From time to time, he thinks he should show off his smooth moves. Unfortunately, a few weeks ago, his less-than-stellar aerobatic performance ended with him slipping and totally biffing it into the dirt. He got up shook it off and looked no worse for the wear. But the next day it was clear he had really hurt himself. There was a small amount of heat…
Kayla is Adopted!
Kayla wasn’t at SAFE long before she had interested adopters coming to meet her. After only a few months in our training program, we were looking for a skilled rider who could support her and continue a lifelong journey. Kayla came to SAFE as a trade with Hooved Animal Rescue of Thurston County. She had been in foster with a trainer when sadly they suddenly passed away. The rescue didn’t have…
Watching Miss Daisy
Daisy’s continued elevated heart rate has us all pretty concerned. All her other vitals remain normal and she is acting happy and content. We’ve been monitoring how much water she drinks since this is something her previous owner said was always high. We will continue to work closely with our vets in caring for Daisy and are thankful for their support. She is a sweet gal who really enjoys…
Doolin is Adopted!
We are so happy to announce Doolin, now named Finn, has been adopted by Shannon! After arriving to his new home Shannon texted “I think we are in love!!” That is what we love to hear! Once turned out in his new home, he strutted and zoomed around his coral all afternoon, but also impressed everyone with his sweet lovely manners. Including their mare who may have a crush on him, while the gelding…
Alumni Update: Sampson
Check out these photos of Sampson! He’s looking good!
Scooter’s Story
Scooter came to SAFE early in 2012 as part of a group of Arabian horses seized by Animal Control after terrible neglect. Scooter was one of two stallions in the group (the other being Oscar) and the information SAFE was given about these two in particular was horrifying. They were both 15 years old, and had been used in a breeding program. They were found locked in tiny pens, standing on…
Coco is Six Months Old!
Can you believe Coco is already 6 months old? It seems like it was just yesterday when we found out our little 25 year old mare, Sundae, wasn’t just a little round, she was pregnant! That little squirt, Coco has been an independent lady from day one, kicking up her heels at her mom and running anywhere her long pony legs could take her. She spent the summer enjoying lush green pastures and…
Alumni Update: Tabitha (Willa)
We recently received an update from Tabitha’s (now known as Willa) adopter, who tells us that Willa is doing great! She recently lost her old companion, and in the interim while her adopter looks for a new friend for her, has been handling being an only horse very well — it perhaps doesn’t hurt that she has been receiving a lot of attention and care from the neighbors, not to mention treats! We…
Minnie: Smart AND cute
Minnie is growing up to be a fantastic, smart little pony! Stunning, too! Minnie and SAFE volunteer, Lexee, participated in the Groundwork session of the most recent Joel Conner clinic and Minnie was a rock star! She was soft and easy going in a large class of other horses. She stayed attentive to Lexee and made great progress in working with the flag and learning to be treated with fly spray.…
Sienna, the Conundrum
Sienna is one of the safest horses we have for groundwork, but right now, she’s one of the most dangerous to ride. In groundwork, she is soft and willing, and pretty enjoyable to work with. But when being ridden—especially if she gets tight or scared—she can start bucking. Sienna is bothered by things touching her sides, like the stirrups or the cinch. She gets scared, and then tries to evade…
Alumni Update: Banner
We recently received an update from Banner’s adopter, who tells us that Banner has been doing great! Back in fall of 2020, Banner was diagnosed with a mild case of equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH), but his adopter tells us that there has been no apparent progression of this condition. She also says that he has put on some weight, and is looking good! The attached…
Alumni Update: Roscoe
We recently received an update from Roscoe’s adopter, who tells us that Roscoe is doing wonderfully! She says that he improves with every ride, and that she couldn’t ask for a better horse. The pair recently took a trip to Bolender Horse Park, where they conquered such obstacles as multi-level platforms and other unique trail challenges. We also asked his adopter a handful of questions about…
Coco’s First Hoof Trim (Photos)
Coco’s First Hoof Trim
Coco had her first farrier visit today, and as you’ll see from the photos below, she was a perfect angel. Her mom, Sundae, was very proud of her!
Tilly’s Passing
We received this beautiful, heartbreaking letter from Tilly’s adopter, who said goodbye to her heart horse after 11 years together. We are so grateful for everything Anna and her family did for this beautiful mare, and we wish them comfort at this very sad time. Dear SAFE staff and volunteers, 11 years ago, my family and I adopted Emmy (Tilly) to be my 4H teammate and all around best friend. For…
A Sad Goodbye
We are so sad to tell you that we lost Merry to colic yesterday. Late Wednesday morning, Lily noticed that things were not right with Merry. She didn’t finish her breakfast, and was acting oddly, standing with her head down, pawing at the ground. Her vitals and gut sounds were normal, but her behavior pointed toward colic. She was given a dose of Banamine around noon per our vet’s instructions,…
Mr Mac
Mac’s leg wound is slowly healing, but still requires bandaging and medication. Groundwork is helping him not being so upset with little things. He’s a worrier, and tends to get a little nervous about things like being fly sprayed or gently hosed off. He is good for the farrier, but needs a slow approach for vaccinations. He still doesn’t like pressure on his poll so we’re working on that so…
Montana Will Need Time
Montana has a long path ahead of him before he will be available for adoption. We don’t know if he has been haltered before, but given his current reluctance at being approached, we suspect he either hasn’t been haltered or had a less than optimal introduction to haltering. Right now, we’re estimating his age at 5 years but until he is gentled enough for a dental examination, we won’t be able to…
Freya is Ready for Adoption!
Freya is a healthy mare with good teeth for her age. She has had a dental float, and behaved well for the farrier during her hoof trim. In August, she had her vaccinations and booster shots, and is now ready for adoption as a companion horse. Freya has been moved away from her old friend Nyx, and is now living in “mare row” during the day, near the paddocks of Lacey, Sienna, Pepper, and…
Joel Conner Clinic Report: Jill
Kaya has been putting in a lot of work with Jill, and as a result, she is going beautifully under saddle! Here’s what Kaya had to say: Jill is a joy to ride! She did so well in the clinic with all the other horses in the big arena and stayed calm and with me even during a downpour. Jill does take a little longer warm up time, but I realized that if I took more time to work with her on the…
Getting to Know Darla
Darla is shy, so it takes a few minutes for her to get used to being approached. She can be led, but has a pull back (resistance) issue when on the lead. We’re doing basic groundwork training with her to help her feel free to move her feet. Darla was first introduced to having an oral syringe inserted into her mouth and eventually accepted her worming medication through the syringe. At this…
Jacob Moves Forward!
Jacob is such a sweet horse! He seems very comfortable with people and is very easy to halter and groom. Jacob even got his front feet trimmed by Joel and is starting to allow his back feet to be picked up. Jacob is also starting to understand a flag and sort out the difference between meaningful pressure and non-meaningful stimulus. Hopefully we will be able to walk to the round pen soon so we…
Joel Conner Clinic Report: Pepper
During the September Joel Conner clinic, Pepper got a lot of work on her education! Lily L took Pepper in the groundwork class and had this to say about the experience: I had the honor of working alongside Pepper at the most recent Joel clinic, which was a tremendous experience. Pepper is a wonderful partner with a lot of try. She is also a very intelligent mare, and certainly challenged me in a…
Alumni Update: Hickory (Listo)
We recently received an update from Hickory’s (now known as Listo) adopter, who tells us that Listo is in good shape. He enjoyed some grass turnout this summer, but is now back on a dry lot for the fall and winter months. Sadly, Listo recently lost his two buddies, and while old friends can’t be replaced, new ones can be made. Listo’s adopter is currently searching for a new friend for him, but…
Echo is Learning!
Since her arrival at SAFE, Echo’s weight has dropped from 1,100 pounds to a much more height-appropriate 875 pounds. We soak her hay for 30 minutes to decrease sugars and are using hay that is suitable for easy keepers. The hay provides roughage and forage but is not as calorie packed as the orchard grass or alfalfa that other SAFE horses receive. Echo has had several hoof trims by the farrier,…
