Lucy
breed: 2003 Haflinger mare
type of rescue: owner surrender
intake date: 6/25/201
adoption date: 10/22/2011
length of time with SAFE: 4 months
ADOPTED by Diane G of Yelm WA
Lucy, along with another Haflinger named Leo, was surrendered by her owner, who could no longer care for her and was going to put both horses down. She is a typical Haflinger, sturdy in stature, sweet in nature, with a thick blond mane and tail. SAFE provided Lucy with one month of refresher training and she was ridden walk/trot/canter in lessons on a regular basis at SAFE. She was also taken on a beach trip by a SAFE volunteer and cantered happily on the sand and in the water. Her primary rider described her as “beyond fun, and beyond sweet, and will make an absolutely amazing partner for someone.” Lucy was adopted by Diane and lives happily in Yelm WA.
Alumni Update: Lucy
Alumni volunteer Lisa G recently contacted Diane and has this update on Lucy.
Diane and Lucy made the move to Colorado in early 2023 and, after some adjustment to the new environment, soil, etc, they are both thriving! Diane has found an amazing community there, from her incredible vet and farrier team who helped Lucy transition into shoes while she adjusts to the new locale, to a boarding barn where this lovely 20-year-old Halflinger is absolutely adored — she even had two trainers vying to be the one to work with her!
Diane and Lucy are working with a wonderful trainer at her new barn whose practices and philosophies align directly with Diane’s, and who specializes in training and teaching for safe trail riding on the nearby trails — Diane and Lucy’s riding passion! Diane said Lucy never really liked to canter, and people always told her, ‘Well, she’s a Halflinger, she’ll never want to canter’, but with her trainer, she just floats from the trot to the canter and LOVES it! Diane really feels that the move has deepened her and Lucy’s connection — making such a big change, but still being there together at the end point has been a big source of confidence and comfort for Lucy.
In the summer of 2024, Diane is looking forward to hauling Lucy to some of the local trail systems to explore their new home more, but for now they are riding the trails around their barn and nurturing their (nearly 13 year!) partnership in every way.
Alumni Update: Lucy
Check out these photos of Lucy! She has been finding her way in the herd and apparently found a new friend that she is mothering a bit.
SAFE Alumni Update: Lucy
from Diane: Thought you might like to see a recent photo of my little cutie Lucy while we wait for the virus to ease when you can see her in person.She is such a spunky and loving little lady! Thanks for the work you do! Diane and Lucy
SAFE Alumni at the SAFE Show!
It was so delightful to have six former SAFE horses come out to compete at this year’s SAFE show. We love nothing more than seeing our old friends again, and nothing beats seeing them shine in the show ring! Thanks to these lovely photos by Karen Wegehenkel, you can share some of their stellar moments:
Strawberry Shortcake, also known as Maggie
Stella and Maggie were sailing high in the hunter arena! The pair took home 4th and 5th place ribbons in some very large classes, and were quite impressive together!
… 
Miss Hot Too Belle of the Ball, also known as Bella or Opal
Bella and Lys competed in the English arena, winning ribbons in Halter, Walk Only, Walk Trot, and Walk Trot Canter! This pair has come a long way in the last year!
Lucy
It was simply delightful to see Lucy again! She was an all-around horse at the show, competing in English, Western, and Trails with her adopter Diane. As you can see, Lucy is just as cute as ever!
River
When we heard that Jenny Lucianna would be bringing River to the show to perform their Musical Freestyle routine, we were not prepared for what a treat we were in store for. Their performance was magnificent to say the least, and it was awesome to see our boy shine on the dressage court in partnership with his new owner. We can’t wait to see more!
Delilah
We were also treated to two incredible performances from Andrea Lucianna and Delilah, who demonstrated their prowess at First and Second Level. Then Delilah’s adopter Eileen took over the reins and rode her Intro Level test wearing a SAFE Show t‑shirt! Spectators could not believe that this magnificent mare was a formerly neglected rescue horse, and we’re so pleased that we got the chance to share her story!
Annie
We don’t have any photos to share yet, but Nicole and Annie dropped in at the show on Sunday to compete in the Western ring. The pair won 2nd and 3rd place ribbons in the Walk/Jog classes, and looked lovely together!!
Lucy
Congratulations to Diane G. of Yelm, Wa on her adoption of Lucy!
Lucy under Saddle!
Lucy has been at our trainer’s for the past month. They were hoping that she might work out for them as a personal trail horse and to be used in beginner riding lessons. She’s a little too hot/nervous under saddle to make a good beginner horse, however, so she has returned to SAFE and is available for adoption. Our trainer speculated that she has been ridden pretty roughly in the past as she is a bit defensive about the bit and leg aids, but she is not naughty or evasive at all. Sara rode her in a lesson the night she returned to SAFE, and she was great…she rode her walk/trot/canter without a problem, but she is a very sensitive, forward mare so not for a beginner.
A few photos:
More photos of Lucy
