Cameo

description: 2009 bay Arabian mare
type of rescue: seizure
intake date: 12/20/2012
adoption date: 3/1/2020
length of time with SAFE: 7 years, 2 months

Adopted by Janelle!

Cameo’s Story

Cameo is one of 39 horses seized by Pierce County Animal Control after they were discovered living in filthy, deplorable conditions, trapped in stalls and paddocks piled high with their own waste, in barns with no light and no ventilation. The horses were in large part unhandled and they suffered from a lack of vet and farrier care. Because she did not receive proper handling and training, Cameo was quite wild and difficult to handle when she arrived at SAFE. But with kind and patient handling, she learned to trust us. She made slow but steady progress working with trainer Brittney Stewart and learned to be safely caught, haltered, led, and groomed. Brittney introduced her to the bridle and bit, and in early September, she left for training with Andrea Lucianna. Going to training was initially a difficult experience for Cameo, but Andrea worked with her very slowly and carefully, and gained her trust and acceptance. Thanks to a grant from the ASPCA Equine Fund, we were able to keep Cameo in training for more than 6 months, giving her the time that she needed. When she graduated from training in April 2014, she was going nicely at all three gaits.

Cameo was adopted in 2017 and headed off to become a dressage horse with her new owner. Unfortunately, she became lame. Her adopter was unable to find a new placement for Cameo, and she was returned to SAFE.

Upon returning, we evaluated Cameo’s soundness and started her back in our groundwork and under saddle program. 

Cameo Today

Cameo is a pleasure to work with but she isn’t easy; she is very sensitive and can teach her handler a lot about correct pressure and release. That’s why we were so excited to find her perfect trail riding partner in Janelle in March 2020. We wish them the best!