Veronica Under Saddle
Veronica is a riding horse! There is a spectrum here, of course. Veronica’s first rides would have been more suited to a rodeo setting – she would have made a fine saddle bronc, don’t let her size fool you. And while she’s still quite some time away from being…
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…
Zelly is Adopted!
Zelly was #13 in the organizational system we used for the Graham 27 when they first arrived at SAFE, but now, less than a year later, she is #1 in her adopter’s hearts. That’s right, this sweet appaloosa girl has been adopted! Zelly’s people came to SAFE looking for…
Alumni Update: Echo and Nyx
Echo’s adopter, Brittany, shared some photos and a report on an adventure she had with Nyx and his adopter, Lindsay. Nyx and Echo had fun with summer shenanigans!! Echo survived going through two bee swarms and didn’t dump my daughter Addison despite them galloping…
Halter Starting Lancelot
Maybe it had been different at one point, but the Lancelot that arrived at SAFE was not able to be haltered. He was curious, but unwilling to be approached, and very reluctant to be touched. The first step for horses like Lance, those who need to be halter-started (or…
Training Update: Frosting Moving the Hind
There are, according to Buck Brannaman whose style of horsemanship we follow most closely, multiple ways of moving the hind. 5, specifically. One of them, and in my opinion one of the most mystical, involves bending the horse using the rein only and simply… waiting…
Introducing Ciara
Before she came to SAFE, Ciara was living alongside her filly, Inula, in a mud pit of a paddock. She was yet another of the Gig Harbor horses to arrive here back in May, and yet another who was afflicted by the same poor coat, long hooves, and lack of clean living…
Introducing Harissa
Some stories, by their very nature, take a bit longer to tell than others. Harissa’s story will be one of these, especially when framed alongside the others she came in with, who are steadily trucking along in their training, checking off boxes and working towards…
