Michael Sparling and Ben
When Michael Sparling came to town for his most recent clinic at SHS, we asked him to work with Ben for a short session to help us assess him for training. Michael worked with Ben on the ground before getting into the saddle. Ben demonstrated both the anxiety under saddle reported by his previous trainer, and his tendency to try to bolt away when asked to trot on a long rein. Fortunately Michael…
Update on Cameo
We are increasing Cameo’s hand walking to 15 minutes 2 times a day this week and so far so good. She is off all medication and is stable. She remains in good spirits and is relaxed for her hand walks and light massages. She loves her fan we set up outside her stall and she spends time with her mane flowing in the wind which is very cute to watch. It is truly amazing that this mare who had little…
A perfect HOME for Kai
It takes a village to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome a horse and we all celebrate and share the success when one of the SAFE horses finds their forever home. We are excited to announce that our handsome boy Kai has found a loving home with Barbara F. He has just completed his trial period and while the relationship is still new they are all ready building a strong bond. Kai is a beautiful boy…
Khianna, Groundwork Photos
photos by Jessica Farren
Ben, Groundwork Session Photos
photos by Jessica Farren
Oscar under saddle at Safe Harbor
Stall Rest for Cameo
Two weeks ago, Cameo had a training mishap during a ground work session. She was being worked on a long lead rope, and she flipped her tail up and over the rope, clamped her tail down, and pulled the rope out of the hands of the person who was working her. In an effort to get away from the scary rope, she started spinning in circles, and kept spinning for about a minute. She finally unclamped…
A Visit with April
Do you recognize this former SAFE horse? It’s April, who left SAFE over a year ago to live at Equamore Horse Sanctuary in Ashland OR. Jessica F visited her last week, and took some gorgeous photos of this lovely mare. April was brought into the barn to be groomed and photographed, and Jessica says that when she was taken back to her field, her companions were waiting for her and came to greet…
Dental Day at Safe Harbor
Yesterday was a marathon day of dental care for the horses at Safe Harbor Stables. Dr McCracken of Rainland Equine did seven floats and some lameness consultations along with them. Here’s a rundown of how each of the horses did: Annabelle was not terrific about getting injections for her sedation, but considering it’s probably been several years since she’s seen a dentist, her teeth were in…
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness with Dottie Belle
Dottie Belle has been living in foster care at Pacific Moon in Arlington for about six months now. Under Karen Moore and her team, Dottie has settled into a happy life outdoors among horse friends. Since her arrival, Heather Evans-Keliher and Eve Tai have visited with Dottie regularly. Now that Dottie feels at home, it was a good time to consider liberty work for her. This type of work takes…
It’s been a long time, Khianna!
Khianna has spent the past three years or so living the good life at her foster home in Enumclaw. There she shared a five acre field with three other horses and enjoyed the great care provided by Denise M and her family. Khianna came to SAFE as an 13 year old, and we were told that she’d been ridden in her previous home, but it had been quite some time since anyone had been on her back. So she…
Welcoming Back an Old Friend
There’s a new face at Safe Harbor Stables, but it belongs to a horse that first came to SAFE way back in 2010. She was a 1997 registered Quarter Horse mare named Peppy Skippa Jewel, but we just called her Scarlett. She was originally signed over to SAFE by Animal Control, and we were able to quickly rehabilitate her and find her an adoptive home. Fast forward three and half years. SAFE is…
California here he comes!
Leo is living the good life in sunny California! Like many of us from the PNW, the more arid climate is probably great for his breathing problems. Doesn’t he look happy?
Ben returns to the fold
For the past 60 days or so, Ben has been on an extended trial with a Hunter/Jumper trainer who was interested in finding out if he had a future as a sporthorse. This was a wonderful opportunity for Ben, and a tremendous help to us because it meant that he would receive two months of professional training with Leah at Cypress Farm at no cost to our donors. Leah took things very slow with Ben, and…
Our brave Sophie!
Apparently nobody told Sophie that horses are usually afraid of tarps! Our brave little girl walked over the tarp before Terry could even finish spreading it out on the ground! And it only took about 30 seconds to convince her it was haute couture. She’s amazing.
Lola Off Work due to Lameness
2015 has not been a great year for Lola so far. She’s been lame on and off in front since the beginning of January, and although we’ve tried several shoeing changes and she’s been examined by our veterinarians multiple times, we still haven’t been able to pinpoint the cause of her lameness. Lola was seen by Dr Divine this week. She was examined a few weeks prior to this visit and the predominant…
2015 Q2 Impact Statement
New Horses Intake Date: April 3, 2015 Einstein (Snohomish County Animal Control) Intake Date: May 5–7, 2015 Annabelle (owner surrender) Anderson (owner surrender) Intake Date: June 18, 2015 Sophie (owner surrender) Placed Horses Ruby Maggie Misty Kai
June Volunteer of the Month: Susa Oram
Please come together to help us recognize an outstanding young woman and all her hard work and dedicate to SAFE. We are honored to introduce you to Susa Oram, SAFE Volunteer of the Month for June. Susa came to us last summer to fulfill volunteers hours needed for school. She had a large task to do: 90 hours by the end of the year. Volunteer Coordinator Heather was a little nervous that she…
Sophie at the Open House
Sophie was at her charming best this weekend, meeting and greeting at the SAFE Open House.
Emerald Downs “Where Are They Now?” — Doty Belle
Dottie was the star of this week’s Where Are They Now? feature at Emerald Downs. This video contains a great message about the value of horses who cannot be ridden, and we’re super proud of SAFE Board Member Eve Tai for this terrific interview!
Let’s hear it for Anderson!
Our gregarious gelding was released from the hospital last weekend and made an uneventful journey down to Vader WA where he will be starting kindergarden with trainer Darik Anderson. Testosterone is still ebbing away, but we have high hopes for this handsome fella. We also want to send an enormous THANK YOU to Dr Hannah Mueller and NWESC for doing a spectacular job working with Anderson during…
New intake: Sophie
We have a new horse to introduce. This is Sophie. She’s a 2 year old TB/QH filly that was surrendered to SAFE this morning. She sustained a bad injury to her neck about 3–4 days ago when she was impaled on an uncapped t‑post. The wound was not treated, leaving a gaping hole. Once we got her to Safe Harbor, she was seen by Dr McCracken, who was utterly amazed at how lucky this filly is to be…
Another Chance for Maggie
It always makes us sad to hear that one of the SAFE alumni is looking for a new home. While it’s our intention that every adoption will last forever, we understand that situations change and sometimes horses have to be rehomed. We do ask that our adopters take responsibility for finding an acceptable new home with someone willing to sign and honor SAFE’s adoption contract, and most adopters are…
A Yellow Ribbon for our Golden Boy!
Phoenix, along with his barn mates Karma and Bridgit, competed this weekend at the English/Western show at the Hollywood Hills Saddle Club! Phoenix brought home a yellow third place ribbon, and these lovely photos by Jessica Farren! Enjoy!
Video: Cameo Under Saddle
May Volunteer of the Month: Caren McMillen!
Caren has been volunteering at SAFE since February of 2014 and we are truly lucky to have her. Caren volunteers every Monday morning to feed the horses and do chores. She is always smiling during her shift and often stays around to help when needed. Beyond just feeding and chores, Caren also helps with turnout in the morning and getting the arena ready for the day’s training. In fact, just the…
Foster Update- Rocky
We just got a nice update on Rocky from his foster mom Kellie: “Rocky has been out a couple more times in turnout. I am only putting him out when I can watch him for now. Unfortunately, we had to put down his “neighbor” on Monday, so, Rocky has now moved to the other side of the main barn with 2 new girlfriends. He is moving around quite a bit which is good. He has a bit more room to walk. Every…
Training Update: Oscar
Here’s Oscar looking like a million bucks with Melonie Rainey in the saddle. We got an update recently from Melonie, who reports, “Oscar is doing excellent! But.…it’s up and down. He can be a real booger. He started bucking WAY too frequently with Zack [Melonie’s student], so I have been riding him. He does just fine with me and is fun to ride! Needs an experienced hand or will sniff it out.…
Get well, Anderson!
Anderson is experiencing some complications related to his gelding surgery. He has increased swelling and general discomfort along with slightly depressed attitude. He was started on antibiotics today, and this will delay his discharge from Cedarbrook Vet Care. We’d like to have his teeth floated and his vaccinations done before he leaves, but since a float requires anesthesia, it will not…
Nala the Wonder Horse
What a difference a pair of shoes can make! Nala is doing much better in her new shoes donated by our farrier Jake Cowden. She is much more balanced and comfortable with a rider over the last two weeks since the shoes were put on. We took her on 3 trail rides this last month and she has constantly been the best-behaved horse of the group. She leads at any point during the ride, she is not…
