Meet Mabel: A Sweet Mare Starting Her Journey at SAFE
This little mare is absolutely adorable! Mabel is sure to win the hearts of SAFE volunteers in no time. In these early days of training, we’re taking things slow to give her time to adjust to her new surroundings. Moving to SAFE, along with adapting to new routines…
Rediscovering Nova: A Journey Beyond Hormones
It’s time for a long-overdue update on our mare, Nova! This summer, Nova has enjoyed a growing friendship with Harissa. They make a great pair, with Harissa helping to keep Nova grounded when she gets a little too bold. Overall, Nova has shown significant improvements…
October Joel Conner Clinic Report: Edward
Kaya M has been riding Edward for the last year, and has the following reflection regarding their last clinic together of 2024: “Edward had a wonderful last clinic of the year! He really showed how much he’s learned and was starting to “play with the big dogs” working…
Alumni Update: Rae
Christina provided a couple of new photos of Rae. She wrote: Hard to pic a favorite… but I can always share more later. Looking back at photos from the March 2024 to August 2024 clinics at SAFE it’s no wonder some folks had to ask if it was really Rae! She’s…
Esme’s Clinic Adventures: A Summer of Growth
This little pony has so much heart! Summer has been eventful for Esme, filled with new experiences and learning opportunities. She earned her position as my riding partner at both the Spanaway and Ellensburg Buck Brannaman clinics, and she rose to each challenge…
Alumni Update: Nyx
Lindsay shared this update and photos from September. Had an amazing weekend at Quinn Meadows in central Oregon with Nyx. He’s just the best trail buddy I could have ever dreamed of…still some work to do with mountain bikers, but we can’t be perfect at everything.…
October Joel Conner Clinic Report: Winter
Paige N has been spending some time working with Winter, and has the following to say about their time spent together over the last two Joel Conner clinics: “Over the past two Joel Conner Clinics Winter has made phenomenal progress both mentally and physically. …
Week in Review: November 10 — 16
Another week has passed at SAFE, and with it we are already halfway through November! The weather is changing (re: darker, colder) but as always, the varied personalities of the horses and the busy, busy days around the barn keep us warm. Check out what we got up to…
Quirky Deja
Deja is what you might call, in layman’s terms, a silly goose. When she is in her space with her friend-sister-mother Cleopatra, aka, comfortable, she is a mellow sight — a mare who can nap for hours in the sunshine and who enjoys mutual grooming. But once removed…
Mara’s Favorite: Zuri
Mara has recently started grooming Zuri, and here she talks about a few of the reasons why this mare is so special:
Alumni Update: Amira
We checked in with Amira’s adopter, Laura, earlier this month and this is what she had to share with us. Amira and I are doing wonderful. I think Amira is doing absolutely amazing as always. She is a steady, reliable partner. She lives with her best friend Jasmine, my…
Four New Faces
Last week, we welcomed four new members into our herd. All four come to us from Pierce County Animal Control, two pair out from two separate seizures. The first twosome were originally part of a trio, but sadly the third horse on the property had to be humanely…
Alumni Update: Bubbles (Bella)
Mary and Bella are doing great! Bella has been in a training refresher for the month of January. The lessons have been going well, and she is learning to be more confident on the trails, where she holds her head lower and more relaxed. Bella has been doing great with…
February Volunteer of the Month: Val Thorkildsen
Congratulations to Val Thorkildsen, our February Volunteer of the Month! Val’s kindness, dedication, and unwavering positivity make her an invaluable part of our SAFE community. From the moment she joined us two years ago—with no prior horse experience—she has shown…


















