Alumni Update: Mac
Here is an update from Mac’s adopter Jerre from late this summer: Our biggest success has been a deep dive into positive reinforcement and collaborative care. I give Mac the option to refuse any contact, haltering, fly mask, etc., while encouraging participation with…
October Joel Conner Clinic Report: Barb
Annika rode Barb in the October Joel clinic, and has the following to say about their experience together: “Participating in the October Joel Conner clinic with Barb was a lesson in presence, patience, and partnership. Barb is a small horse with a big…
Brandit Forever
We have been struggling with Brandy and Bandit’s quality of life for some time now. Over the past two years, both mares have faced challenges that have required us to closely monitor their comfort and happiness. At the beginning of November, Brandy’s condition…
Alumni Update: Opal (Bella)
Opal’s adopter Lyn recently provided a quick update and photos of Opal (Bella). Right now we are working through a Cushings diagnosis and trying to get dosage right. But we still have fun walking around the property and getting a little grazing time in.
October Joel Conner Clinic Report: Brownie
Lexee N, who has been working and riding Brownie, brought him into the October Joel Conner clinic for his first riding clinic. Here’s her report on how it went: “Oh Mr. Brownie! This guy has come so far in such a short time and impresses me every day. This…
Alumni Update: Pippi
Pippi and her 14-year-old human, Taryn, are doing well and take riding and jumping lessons together. They did their first horse trials in August and competed in their first novice schooling event in October.
Mahina’s First Rides
With her long neck and big doe eyes, we have lovingly nicknamed Mahina ‘Littlefoot,’ and at the end of October, our dearest Littlefoot achieved a great big milestone: her first rides. It has been a real pleasure helping this mare develop — first in her trust of…
Halter Starting Venturo
The covered round pen has been witness to a tremendous amount of halter startings. This process varies in ease, but as a default always poses some degree of challenge. The Tivas and the Arties and the Esmes — uncertain and nervous and braced. It takes time, hours upon…
Bridgit is the Best!
Bridgit is doing very well! She’s no longer on the nebulizer, and her respiration is within a healthy range. That said, when she plays hard or is pushed, her breathing rate does increase — but it settles back to normal with time. We’re not riding her yet. The next…
Alumni Update: Violet
Violet officially hit the jackpot when Lexee adopted her! With a big roomy paddock, awesome herd mates, and an indoor arena for turnout and riding and room service she’s got the ultimate life. Add in weekly adventures and tons of love from Lexee and her mom Kathleen…
Alumni Update: Sophie
Sophie and her adopter, Julie, have been doing well. They have been participating in Joel Conner and Buck Brannaman clinics and have signed up to do more in 2026.
Alumni Update: Emma
Emma is doing well and enjoys hanging out with her barn mate and two large goats. Jan and Emma usually trail ride three days per week year-round on the endless trails directly accessible from his property.
Overlooked No More
This Valentine’s Day, we’re highlighting three sweet, curious, lovable mares—Bridgit, Eda, and Wednesday—who have somehow been overlooked by our generous SAFEkeeper sponsors. Can you believe these mares have only two sponsors each? What does Valentine’s Day mean to…
Four Minis Arrive at SAFE
Part 1: Arrival Right around the first of January, we got a call from a woman with a small boarding facility who had been contacted by a member of her community urgently looking for a place to keep four miniature horses. This good Samaritan had agreed to help,…
