Save A Forgotten Equine

"Where the hay is always fresher and the horses steal your heart." This extraordinary place is basically horse heaven—with a little bit of dirt, a lot of love, and some impressively dramatic tail flips. I love volunteering here! It’s given me the perfect chance to live out my dream of caring for these majestic, grass-powered therapists. Every weekend is a mix of barn chores, bonding, and trying to convince a 1,000-pound animal that the wheelbarrow isn’t actually a monster.

As a new volunteer with experience from another nonprofit, I can attest to the special aura of SAFE. New volunteers are immediately accepted into the group, and new horses experience the same. Just as incoming horses are assessed for their needs and skills, incoming volunteers find a set of duties that are a good fit. While the majority of horses here come from trauma, the place exudes a quiet peace that is so healing. The horses find a truly safe (hopefully temporary) home, and volunteers can find a spiritual home working for The Good of the Horse.

SAFE is such a gem. Their care and expertise for equines is exquisite. Entering the property feels like taking a deep breath, sinking down into an oasis of trees, horses and stunningly committed people.

SAFE is the gold standard in so many ways. As a non-profit, their financial transparency ensures that you know where every dollar they raise is going, and where it's going is to save, enrich, and change the lives of the horses who pass through its doors. The transformative nature of the horse is something I have been lucky enough to witness time and time again since I began at SAFE in 2020, and it never fails to astound. These animals may arrive as rescues, but SAFE ensures that they leave empowered, no longer defined by their past. Their guarantee of a lifetime of safety for their alumni horses is not just a string of pretty words, but a core pillar of their mission, and ensures that every SAFE horse is safe, forever. Being able to track a horse from the moment they arrive at SAFE, through the training process, through their life there, to the adoption announcement, and beyond, is one of the many, many reasons why SAFE is so incredible. And don't even get me started on the community of people who come together day in and day out, rain or shine or snow or sleet, to help these horses be the very best they can be. Each and every part of this organization is filled with heart, and that heart beats strong.

SAFE has many bests. If rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming included awards the org would have a trophy case of blue ribbons, trophies, and buckles. But it’s all about the horse so what they do have is lots of hearts. Mine included. The one “best” dearest to me is that Save A Forgotten Equine never forgets and always keeps the horses safe. Their “contract” with the horses is health and safety for life. That’s hard work and sometimes very expensive, but always right for the horses. As a donor, volunteer and, quite frankly, a fan, I am proud of the small part I can play in the lives of the beautiful horses they support.

Sometimes when you get to know an organization really well, the shine wears off. Not with SAFE. As a long-ago past-President, I am still proud to be a donor. With consistent leadership, the organization has only improved over the years. Someone once asked me why I volunteered to help animals when I should really be helping people. While SAFE focuses on the horses' stories, it is absolutely helping people: hard working people in unexpected circumstances; families whose elderly members passed, leaving them with a burden they cannot handle; people in dysfunctional situations that need help letting go of their horses. Helping the horses invariably helps people heal as well. SAFE is ethical, sustainable, and transparent organization that makes informed decisions for every horse that comes through the gate.

I have been a volunteer with SAFE for 11 months now. I help out with two weekly chore shifts and fill in whenever and wherever my schedule allows. I am recently retired and have truly found a cause, a place and a group of people and horses that feed both my heart and my soul. This is a community of very dedicated, loving and supportive people who always put the horses first. Having the opportunity to contribute to this organization and the rehabilitation of these amazing animals is an absolute gift for which I am so grateful.

SAFE continues to set the bar for Equine Rescue with fiscal responsibility and financial transparency.

Their work always puts the needs of the individual horse first. One of the hardest aspects of rescue is knowing when the responsible choice is euthanasia. SAFE does not shy away from this difficult choice and is very forthcoming with their reasons when it becomes necessary.

Their training program is top notch, for both the riding AND the non-riding horses. All horses are given the opportunity to become good equine citizens before being placed in loving homes.

The Alumni program with lifetime follow-up to ensure the horse is forever safe is another aspect that sets SAFE apart from other equine rescues. They keep their commitments to those horses who are fortunate enough to find a soft landing spot at SAFE after whatever trauma they have been subjected to.

I continue to support SAFE as a donor and encourage others to support their important work.

This place is INCREDIBLE! The teamwork is so streamlined and the people love what they are doing so much and the horses can just feel it through the care they are getting! Amazing organization, I can’t wait to be in a position ti have the honor of adopting one of these horses one day ! Fantastic mission and effort !

SAFE has a great mission, great people, and … horses! It is extremely well run, with lots of specific training for the volunteers so that each team runs like a well-oiled machine 3 times a day to keep the facility very clean and the horses well-fed. They are also very well organized on the financial side, and have transparent financial reports on their website. I’m highly recommend it!

SAFE sets the gold standard for nonprofits!! Great Mission, Leadership, Staff and Volunteers!! As a volunteer, (going on two years) I choose to spend the majority of my weekly hours helping out, with a variety of duties. All of the horses greatly benefit from the love and care that they receive on a daily basis!! It's very rewarding to watch each and every horse get happier and healthier while at SAFE!! They really are the best and I am SO PROUD to be a part of this incredible organization!!

As a volunteer a few years ago, I saw firsthand how much this organization does to save horses. They provide top-notch medical care and love and nurture each individual horse. Truly an amazing team of dedicated staff and volunteers. Horses are provided everything they need to recover from whatever circumstances they came through, and adoptions are carefully vetted and monitored to ensure each horse is able to live their best life.

As a Volunteer of SAFE-Save A Forgotten Equine for the past 4 years, I have been continuously amazed at the leadership, transparency, heart and soul of this exceptional non-profit organization. With so many intricacies and the emotional and financial toll that come with running an organization on such a high level, the fact that it is quite literally saving the lives of so many abused and neglected horses that otherwise would not have a chance, you often wonder how is it all possible? Well, as the saying goes, it takes a Village and in this case a Wonderful Community of passionate, hard working, loving and caring individuals coming together to save these horses. SAFE is the kind of place where you get back so much more than you give. A haven; where on a daily basis you experience what love, patience, hard work and understanding can do for the health and well being of horses as well as humans. You will learn so much about horses and if you really pay attention, these horses will teach you so much about yourself and the world we live in. I believe SAFE is not just a place for rescue horses. It is an Experience-A SAFE HAVEN that will forever change your life, horses and all those around you in the most magical way. I am so very thankful and proud that SAFE’s existence would not be possible if not for the tenacity and grit of its founders. Thank you for saving so many lives!

I have been volunteering at SAFE for over a year and my time there is truly a highlight of my week. I have loved horses for as long as I can remember and volunteering my time at a horse rescue is a dream come true. Horses are very sensitive and intelligent animals, willing to learn and work hard and connect with people. To see a horse arrive at SAFE that has been neglected, abused, and mistreated is a heartbreaking experience; but I know that fate has intervened and brought them to the right place. Through patience, compassion, and good practices, the staff and volunteers at SAFE rehabilitate and retrain horses, while showing love and care. There is no time limit. Horses stay at SAFE for as long as it takes, and as long as is needed, to rehabilitate and find them their perfect forever home.

It is often said at SAFE that volunteers come for the horses and stay for the people. This is very true. Love of horses connects us all, but volunteers keep coming back again and again, adding more hours to their schedules, because of the SAFE community and friendships formed. The people of SAFE - staff and volunteers alike - are some of the most wonderful people I have ever met - compassionate, fun, hard-working, creative, resourceful...the list goes on. I learn so much every time I am there and I feel a real sense of community with the people of SAFE.

If you are looking for a place to adopt a horse, or looking for a non-profit to donate your time or money, look no further than SAFE. This is a rescue non-profit that is absolutely changing lives.

Not only does SAFE rescue, they educate! I have a mini horse and I know whenever I have questions or needs about my little guy, my first phone call is to SAFE! Excellent People! Excellent non profit!

SAFE is an incredible organization. I have watched them build, over the course of many years, an accountable, transparent, kind and wonderfully effective system and network to identify, protect, and promote equine rescues. They are generous with their time and knowledge to other rescue groups, and exemplary in their care of the animals whom they help. They are excellent stewards of all donated resources, and pragmatic in their approach to their mission; their hearts are kind AND their heads are clear, which is so important for successfully sustaining an equine rescue. It has been over 10 years since I adopted a horse from SAFE, and they have kept up with me as an adopter to ensure my horse was always well cared for and thriving. The circumstances under which equines find themselves with this group are often harrowing and tragic, but once they do, they are truly SAFE for the rest of their days.

I cannot say enough good things about SAFE. This non-profit organization is top notch with their transparency, and mission. I have been honored to be a volunteer for this great organization since 2017. During this time, I have witnessed horses with broken spirits, that have been neglected, and mistreated come through the gates of SAFE, and have witnessed their amazing transformations. There is nothing like witnessing the spark and spirit come back into the life of a horse. This process does not, always come overnight however, the transformations come when the horses realize they are finally in a safe place, loved, and know they can count on quality feed and consistant care. More often, than not, this happens in a relatively short period of time. The most, heart breaking is when horses have been neglected and mistreated for so long that there is no coming back. SAFE always takes the horse’s best interest into consideration even though that decision is the most difficult to make. That decision is never taken lightly, and care and evaluation, is always of utmost importance. The love and consideration that goes into every horse is what makes being a SAFE volunteer so special.

The best non profit organization around greater Seattle area. I volunteered there for about two years and I do know how they care and love horses until they find forever home.

I would recommend it and best place to adopt and volunteer

I have been volunteering at SAFE for two years. I started with a 3 hour shift once per week and quickly found myself thinking about the people and the horses all week long. Now I spend about 15 hours per week there and it feels like home to me. SAFE truly understands how to create community and make people feel appreciated. This all creates the foundational support for helping the staff assess, care for, and rehabilitate/train the horses to set them up for loving and successful forever homes. I love SAFE and will be with them as long as I can.

I have been volunteering with S.A.F.E for four months now, and I have seen and experienced first-hand the tremendous amount of love and care the horses receive. Horses are treated with kindness, respect, and love and they stay as long as needed. In addition, the organization is inclusive of all people, and provides complete transparency regarding funding. The volunteer system at S.A.F.E. is run efficiently, and provides training and educational opportunities for volunteers. I am so happy that I have been welcomed into the S.A.F.E. community, and I would encourage both donors and volunteers to give their time and/or monetary donations to this nonprofit.

I began volunteering in Sept. 2020 and my life has fundamentally changed for the better. I have never been involved in an organization that strives to do its best for not only the horses but for the volunteers. Each horse who arrives is assessed as an individual in order to serve them in the best way possible in their rehabilitation and training before being placed for adoption. And no horse is ever forgotten and can always return to SAFE if needed.
My heart has grown as I have witnessed the ongoing and massive compassion the few paid staff and trainers exhibit (as well as other volunteers) for the horses in order to make each interaction the best it can be for the good of the horse, pony or donkey.
I will be forever grateful for SAFE and cannot imagine my life without this organization being a part of my life.

I have volunteered at SAFE for nearly 5 years, and every day that I spend there is a learning experience, both meaningful and rewarding. The organization is powered by a small staff and many amazingly talented and dedicated volunteers who pull together to do whatever needs to be done for the horses. Every horse is given the time, treatment, education, and resources needed to be successful, as a saddle horse, or a companion. Sometimes SAFE is a hospice, giving a horse a secure, respectful, and humane ending when their time comes. You will not find a better run non-profit that respects its volunteers, and of course the horses.

This horse rescue is amazing and incredible for the hard work and dedication they have to each and every horse that passes through the gates and joins the herd!
They give the horses, who would have ended up in bad situations, a second chance! Lovely horse rescue and would highly recommend supporting!

Through my years volunteering, I've watched SAFE grow from a smallish three acres in Woodinville to an 11-acre property in Redmond, a property that looks like a park today because of the amazing care and attention the Facilities Team provides the grounds. Paddocks on the property are dotted with shelters, all built by volunteers. The barn, given its age, is surprisingly spotless after every chore shift. I'm continually impressed with volunteers' and management's dedication to SAFE's mission. I've re-read all the comments on this page and agree wholeheartedly with all of them. The superlatives about SAFE's practices with the horses, the volunteers, the staff - I could not agree more. I cannot imagine my life without SAFE.

I started as an entry volunteer in July 2019. I fell so in love with this Org. which helps so many neglected horses who have little hope, that I kept showing up as often as I could. I joined the staff part time in Sept., but still choose to volunteer just as many hours of love for such an amazing place and astounding group of people!

Volunteering at SAFE and being a part of the great work that they do has been one of my most rewarding experiences ever. SAFE has a talented and dedicated group of staff and volunteers that are all in, overwhelmingly committed to making a difference for every horse we have the opportunity to work with. Each horse gets the time, resources, and training that they need to live a successful life. They are released only to adopters whose talents match their requirements for success. SAFE does it right.

I just completed my second year as a volunteer at SAFE. The staff and volunteers care so much about adhering to the mission statement, and a mindset of constant improvement is evident. The leadership has years of experience and it shows! As a volunteer, I’ve learned so much about what it takes to properly rehabilitate and train a horse. SAFE goes the extra mile to be sure that each horse is ready for an adoptive home, and after adoption does follow up with adopters to ensure the rescued horses are in good hands. I like how SAFE is an open book when it comes to how the financial side of the operation is handled.

I joined Save A Forgotten Equine in December 2013 and even though I am no longer in the same state as this wonderful organization, I follow their Facebook news daily. I watched SAFE grow from a location in Woodinville, WA to the current and much larger property that can accommodate twice as many horses. The volunteers continued to grow with this place and support it physically and financially. The work that is done with these horses is truly amazing to me. Watching the horses learn to trust and become healthy again was a rewarding experience for me. Having only ridden well behaved and privileged horses, I soon realized how much work needed to be accomplished with these horses that came to SAFE, as many had been neglected, abandoned, injured, and some abused. Watching the training techniques of how to handle these horses over the days and weeks and months and even years to gain their trust opened my eyes to what a “real” relationship could be developed between the horse and human. Each and everyone was a beautiful transformation indeed. I am proud to say I have been a part of this organization and only regret that I cannot physically be on sight to learn and participate in the miracles that happen daily.

S.A.F.E. is a special place for special horses - and for people. The horses here come from very challenging situations and often need very individualized care. Some are malnourished. Some have health conditions. Some don’t know what to think of humans. Meeting all these needs requires an ongoing and committed effort – by a lot of people. Horses are big. They eat lot. They poop a lot. They need space. They can have big personalities. The number of variables and needs is immense - and all have to be coordinated and addressed, everyday. At S.A.F.E., what needs to be done, gets done - and done well.

As a former non-profit director, I’ve been deeply impressed with how well S.A.F.E. is run, and by how welcoming it is to both new horses and new volunteers. The facility is consistently well maintained and the horses are clearly loved and very well cared for. It's also quite apparent that both staff (the few) and volunteers (the many) all want to be there. The general atmosphere is one of cooperation, camaraderie and appreciation. Something about S.A.F.E. makes it easy to have a sense of 'ownership' or personal responsibility, for the horses, the physical space and for one another.

From my own past experience coordinating volunteers, working within limited budgets and all the other challenges that are part of the non-profit world, I see S.A.F.E. doing a tremendous job and making the world a better place - for horses and for people. It's a great example of what a great non-profit can be.

I am really proud to be part of such a great organization. Everyone there deeply cares for the horses. It is inspiring to see overtime how much they improve. There is constant daily stable management, horse care routine, emotional and physical horse training… and so much more!! Safe A Forgotten Equine is just a really amazing place!!

SAFE equine is an amazing organization! Their ability to assist horses that have been abandoned, neglected, or whose humans have hit hard times is unparalleled. Not only do they take on horses in desperate need of care, they also have a hay bank and blanket bank for owners needing just a bit of assistance to make ends meet. The training their horses undergo creates horses that are unlikely to ever need 'rehoming' due to behavioral issues. They do follow up with horses that have been adopted to assure their continued success and proper treatment don't fall by the wayside. They provide hands on programs for their lucky volunteers, so the people who volunteer through SAFE can fall in love with the horses and remain involved long term. All in all, this place is amazing!

I am a volunteer at SAFE and I know first hand what incredible individualized care every horse is given when they come to live at SAFE. Horses get the care and training they need to get another chance at life.

This is a great facility with people who really care about the horses well being. They do everything they can to ensure the horses are happy and healthy. This often means long rehabilitation and special attention. As a horse owner I love that they are there to help horses in need find great homes.

Save A Forgotten Equine (SAFE) is a trusted horse rescue in Redmond, WA which provides loving care and rehabilitation to abandoned, abused, and neglected horses. If you are searching for a credible, impactful non-profit organization to donate to with confidence, SAFE should be a top choice. The founder has a heart of gold and the volunteers are angels for these magical creatures. SAFE is an extraordinary organization with high standards, and it's an honor to volunteer here and interact with these precious horses.

SAFE's dedication to the horses that they take in is absolutely astounding! They promise every horse that comes through their program a lifetime of safety and security. When you adopt a horse from SAFE, you do so knowing that they will ALWAYS have a soft place to land and an entire tribe looking out for them.

In addition, SAFE's commitment to building, maintaining, and constantly improving their community of - AND FOR! - their donors, adopters, and volunteers makes it an exceptional organization to be part of.

I started volunteering here in September and am so impressed with how kind, welcoming and compassionate everyone is. The mission of this organization is truly caring and centered on the horses. This place is well organized, clean and well run. The horses are well cared for and are being thoughtfully and expertly trained.

I started volunteering at SAFE in January 2021. I was so impressed with the organization of the volunteers, the level of communication, and incredible appreciation of both volunteers and staff. I felt welcomed and supported from the first day. After six months, I've fallen even more in love with this special non-profit. They truly understand how to rehabilitate horses and make sure they are well-homed for their lifetime. Alumni horses and ponies are still part of the larger family and celebrated. They understand how important training is in order for these precious animals to be ready for adoption. I think I'm a lifer here. Thank you SAFE!!!

This Equine rescue is truly the best. They do it all. Take in abused, neglected, and forgotten equine. Give them the vet care and nutrition they need and when the horse is ready both mentally and physically they spend as much time needed to train or retrain each Individual horse before finding them the perfect home. I searched high and low to give to an equine rescue that met all the criteria needed to rehab horses and SAFE exceeds my expectations. They are an amazing group that gives their all for equine in need. Their facility is clean and tidy and the horses live in a safe environment while in their care.

What a well-run organization. I drove up to an hour to volunteer here, and I was never disappointed. They have a special magic in assembling diverse volunteers who work together quite seamlessly to create a SAFE place for horses who need a little help. There is order, compassion, laughter, vision, and cohesiveness. Whether you are thinking of volunteering (please do) or donating (please do), the experience will change you. You might even find that the best parts of yourself get better and that it changes you. That is my experience with SAFE!

I'd actually followed SAFE for years via social media, long before I became a volunteer. Once SAFE moved their headquarters to my area. Fresh out of the psychiatric hospital, I was eager to try and pick up the pieces of my life that I'd left behind--particularly horses.
Luckily, SAFE is probably the closest knit and most devoted community I've ever encountered. I tried other ways to make a difference in the lives of horses, but never until SAFE had I felt so completely supported, heeded and understood. I'm not overstating when I say that my work at SAFE helped me recover from a truly grueling 5 years worth of a mental breakdown. Our work rescuing, rehabbing, retraining and adopting out our horses has been a greatly fulfilling part of my life. I've seen horses go from skeletal, somber wraiths blossom into shining, proud, sensitive steeds under SAFE's care and the personal hand of our staff and volunteers. We also have a hospice program, to offer any terminally ill horses a remaining life in a proverbial field of clover. For the others, our adoption process ensures that the adoptee knows the responsibility that comes with taking on one of our (often special needs) horses. This is our ultimate hope and happy ending for one of our rescues. But for those who must return to us, we do so gladly should we be alerted.

To close, SAFE is the most reputable, organized, gentle rescue I've ever dealt with in my experiences in the rescue community and as a volunteer. For it is not only equine lives we save and change, but the lives of humans as well.

I have volunteered a few short months at Save A Forgotten Equine and enjoy every moment I am there. The care, devotion, and love that staff give to these horses is absolutely amazing and very heartfelt. Two new horses have come in since I began volunteering there and it has been so wonderful to watch their progress both physically and mentally. Staff definitely knows what they are doing and are doing everything for the right reasons. I feel blessed to be able to volunteer there because of their good works and commitment to saving and rehabbing these beautiful animals.

I’ve volunteered with non-profits for most of my adult life, and I’m 66. When I assess a non-profit, I look at its mission, management, fiscal transparency, community outreach, and how it engages and maintains its volunteers. Save a Forgotten Equine (SAFE) rates highly in all of these categories. Of special note is the professionalism of staff, demonstrating at once their commitment and compassion for the abused and neglected horses that come to SAFE. It reflects well on an organization when volunteers remark at the sense of family that develops quickly when volunteering at SAFE. Already with 15 years history, I hope SAFE continues for decades to come. I truly love volunteering with SAFE.

SAFE is an amazing place to volunteer! The organization operates with unbounded integrity in all areas. It is truly a joy to be involved with them and I feel valued as a contributor to the first-class care system that SAFE has established.

SAFE is a place that not only rescues horses in need, but helped me in being a place where I felt at home again.

I’ve only been volunteering with SAFE since January of 2019, but I’ve worked with other equine charities over the past 25 + years, and I can say without a doubt that SAFE is the most organized, well-run, safety-conscious, and horse-centered among them. Lots of rescue organizations have passion, but combining that with smart leadership, organization, and constant improvement is what sets SAFE apart. Volunteers are thoroughly and continually trained in horse care and handling, regular clinics with equine professionals provide the chance for volunteers, horses, and members of the public to learn good horsemanship, and strict protocols are enforced to promote volunteer safety and horse health.

Beyond merely turning abused and neglected horses into healthy and well-fed ones, SAFE puts a foundation of training into the horses such that their behavior, quality of life, and value to adopters ensures they will have a long and happy life (whether they are able to be adopted as riding horses or “pasture pets”). This organization stands by their work and horses, taking back into care those that were previously adopted but fell on hard times, making tough but humane decisions to ease the suffering of horses when necessary, and setting strict operational boundaries so that they do not overextend themselves into the unsustainable behavior that can easily be the downfall of animal rescue organizations.

In the time that I’ve been a volunteer, I’ve been embraced into an amazing community of passionate and like-minded people who care deeply about the horses in our care. Highly recommend this organization.

I started as a foster home for the horses in 2012. The more SAFE people I met the more I wanted to help. The more I helped, the more I learned about the organization, their mission, their integrity, their passion and their process. They respect and appreciate the volunteers and are devoted to the horses. I am proud to be a part of SAFE.

This place has helped me learn as a person and a horse person. To be able to help give these horses a new life, is incredibly rewording thing to me. The horses always come first. They are able to learn to forgive and overcome their past. We know that if the horses want to fight for the life that they deserve, we will fight right along side them.

I have volunteered at SAFE for over three years now. From the beginning, I have been extremely impressed by how well the horses are treated and rehabbed. Not only that, SAFE is an excellent organization from a business standpoint, run by amazing people. What’s even better is that I was able to adopt one of their horses. SAFE has truly changed my life and my horse’s for the better.

I began volunteering @ SAFE almost 4 years ago. I knew I wanted to do something physical and at the same time help animals in need. I hit the jackpot when I found SAFE. This organization is run with the utmost care and responsibility for all involved, horses and volunteers alike. They have an excellent staff that exhibits a breadth of experience and compassion for our horses. Making the tough decisions when they have to, always with the horse’s best interest at heart. It’s such a joy to watch these horses and their transformations, both physically and emotionally. To know that they know, they are now safe and able to live their best lives is a gift I will always be grateful for. I am so proud and honored to be working with such an outstanding organization and group of people. They have changed my life in the best way possible.

I’ve been volunteering for this organization for over 5 years. The leadership and volunteers are continually striving to be a strong, transparent and respected organization. That’s why I stay! SAFE has a strong outreach program that helps horse owners KEEP their horses and reduce the number of horses needing to be rescued. That’s forward thinking!

Completely impressed with the genuine dedication of the staff to making a difference in the lives of horses and one of the strongest volunteer communities I've ever seen.

I've been involved with SAFE for 5 years, mainly as a sponsor, but also with some of the work parties. Every volunteer and staffer has one goal, to provide a safe and loving home to horses that often have not known such a thing. Top notch organization full of caring people.

I volunteer for SAFE ,have previously owned thoroughbreds trained in dressage and would like to state the horses at SAFE receive the best of care. Starving horses are rehabilitated to beautiful horses and then adopted as riding or companion horses. Before and after photos on the SAFE website show the accurate story.

Safe is made up of such a wonderful, dedicated team of people who are truly passionate about horses and making a difference to the lives of these horses. The care taken throughout all stages of rescuing horses, rehabilitation, training and finding forever homes is incredible. I am privileged to be part of such special nonprofit. I am also an active donor and try to do as much as I can to make a difference to the horses we work with. Anyone can help and horse experience is not required.

As a retired non horse person, I chose to volunteer at SAFE because it provided the opportunity to learn new skills(Equine) and get physical exercise while enjoying the outdoor life. I stay at SAFE because of the integrity of the leadership and stewardship of all donations. I keep volunteering because of the strong bonds of friendship...both human and horses.

I have been volunteering at SAFE for nearly 6 years now. I am so proud of this organization, not only because of its amazing mission and its unwavering dedication to our equine friends but because the organization stays true to its values, no matter what. SAFE's commitment to transparency, sustainability, and quality are clearly apparent, and the volunteers and staff are a such a dedicated group of caring folks with huge hearts. It is simply an amazing organization!

I have been involved with SAFE in various capacities for several years. Having worked with many non-profit organizations, I speak from experience when I say that it is one of the most ethical, sane, and well-run groups out there. I have known many animal rescue groups that had good intentions but ended up being none of those things...SAFE just shines in it's unwavering commitment to the animals and also to it's people.
It is awfully hard to run such a large organization on a shoestring budget and volunteer labor - SAFE makes every dollar and every hour stretch to it's maximum benefit.
I am proud to contribute both money and time to SAFE, and wish I could do more. If you want to find a great community and help horses, this is as good a choice as you can make.
No organization is perfect, and a difficult mission always includes some struggles - but I have seen SAFE take on every one of them with candor, empathy, patience, heart, and integrity - the same way they treat their horses. I admire SAFE's past and look forward to it's future!

SAFE is an amazing rescue to volunteer for, it is a great community of people with the same purpose. To be a witness to the transformation of these horses is so beautiful and inspiring to see, it is done with so much love, care and dedication.

I've been involved with SAFE for years now and am still constantly impressed with the dedication this team has for their mission, the unendless creativity for solving problems, and how they turn heartbreak onto hope for so many (not just horses) but people needing a community and families seeking a four legged friend. This group runs a top notch non-profit more professionally than many businesses!

I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have adopted my own horse from SAFE last year. A filly whose owner surrendered her because they could not afford the vet bills, from a five day old severe T-post impalement to her neck, no one knew if she would survive the night when she arrived at SAFE. Fast forward to a horse SAFE fully rehabilitated and besides a scar that reminds us all, what could have been, she has a forever home and future.

I have been a volunteer, donor, a past board member, and general fan of SAFE for many years now. SAFE is an amazing organization for so many reasons! Top-notch care of all animals is just the beginning. Each individual in their care receives an in-depth evaluation and personalized care and training so they will have the best chance at a successful adoption. Adopters are given a complete, and realistic, history of the horse (or as much info as SAFE has) so they know exactly what they are getting themselves in to. Beyond that, SAFE is committed to constant improvement in building a sustainable organization where people can joyfully give, or participate in meaningful work, at whatever their current level of engagement is. SAFE truly embodies great animal care, transparency, and organizational stewardship.

The people take amazing care of these neglected and abused horses finding them forever homes after getting them back to health

Save A Forgotten Equine (SAFE) is a TOP NOTCH organization that I was so lucky to have found in a google search for animal volunteer opportunities. I began in June of 2017 with an orientation day for volunteers (led by an amazing volunteer Jane). I knew right away that this was the place I wanted to volunteer my time at. That next week I started on a PM Chore shift, and shortly there after was trained for Night Check by another amazing volunteer/staffer Melinda. The happiness and caring of the volunteers at SAFE is infectious. It is apparent that it is everyone's "Happy Place" that spends anytime there, and it's shown by the love and care that goes to each and every horse. The facilities is beautiful and is so well maintained by the facilities crew with so much caring love shown in every little detail. This wonderful organization is so very transparent in how they are run. It is run by only a handful of paid staff with a volunteer list of approximately 200 volunteers all wanting the very best for each and every horse. The volunteers have a family bond in the caring for one come goal... The horses. There is such a wealth of knowledge and all are willing to share that knowledge. I am soaking up everything I can learn and am so grateful for the experiences and opportunities that I have had in this past year.

Absolutely 5+ Stars for SAFE - Save a Forgotten Equine.
SAFE is a marvelously well run non-profit - a great role model for transparency, super volunteer program - most everything is done by a volunteer crew of over 100 committed folks. Horse care and safety of horses and humans are the top priorities. SAFE trains dozens of volunteers in horse care and feeding, horse health, handling skills - it's a great way for a wanna-be horse person to get involved with horses. SAFE treats horses well. You will be learning with the best. Another benefit - I've made great friendships with fellow volunteers.

As a current volunteer, I’ve been impressed with the dedication, sincere concern, and unselfishness shown by SAFE. This organization is boundless in it’s efforts to rescue, retrain and rehome abused ponies. Each horse gets individual attention from the time it enters the barn to its “graduation” and permanent adoption. Medical challenges are addressed quickly and completely. Physical concerns are identified and cured. I’m sure these animals feel the love and protection they receive from SAFE staff and volunteers. I’m privileged to be associated with SAFE!

I am currently a volunteer at SAFE. I have been involved with other non-profits in the past but this one is a standard above the rest! I've never seen such a dedicated group of people that put in so much work to keep this place running and saving neglected horses. SAFE is a very organized well oiled machine and I am proud to be part of it. If someone was going to donate money or time anywhere, this is the place!❤

Four years ago this week, I started volunteering at SAFE. Though my role has changed over those years, my respect and appreciation for what they do has not. I've watched the dedication of each person working towards a common goal of making life better for each horse rescued. This includes those who do the chore shifts, the maintenance crew, the fostering families, the riders and trainers, those who monitor their health, those who work to bring in donations and the ones who fill in the gaps and make it all run relatively smoothly. All but a small handful of these folks are volunteers and it is their love and appreciation for the horses and SAFE that keeps them there. I'm proud be even a tiny part of this organization!

I’m a volunteer of 3 years and in those 3 years I’ve seen horses go through unbelievable changes and improvements! Each horse is loved as though it was the only horse in the world and it shows. Working at SAFE is a privilege and an honor

I have been volunteering at SAFE once a week for six months. I LOVE how well they take care of their horses! The program is very organized, the barn and outside areas are so clean. The horses are treated as though they are worth millions. (which, of course in our view they are!) Going and working alongside fabulous volunteers and watching these horses transform is a joy!

It wouldn't be possible for me to cover all of the wonderful things about SAFE in this review. I helped my mother-in-law adopt a companion horse from SAFE. Everyone who works and volunteers for SAFE truly, genuinely cares about the well-being of these horses and puts their heart and soul into what they do, as well as countless hours of their time. The horses are extremely well cared for, the facilities are clean and beautiful, and the horses are all so happy. It was my mother-in-law's first horse (a lifelong dream of hers) and she had l limited horse experience, and instead of being turned away, SAFE offered to help her learn by volunteering and providing one-on-one sessions with her to learn the basics of caring for and handling the horse she was interested in prior to adopting. We now are enjoying having Vida home--a very well-mannered, sweet, respectful mare who no doubt gained a lot of these traits during her time spent at SAFE with these wonderful people.

I didn't adpot horse through SAFE, but a family of supportive friends adopted me and my horse. I was at my rope's end and Bonnie befriended me and my horse at a clinic and changed my life. Without her and SAFE....well, it was life changing. THANK YOU!

I volunteered for a regular shift for 3 years. I loved the atmosphere, getting to know the horses and others who volunteer there, and those who run the orginixation.

I started volunteering at SAFE (Save A Forgotten Equine) in January 2014, after attending a very rainy holiday open house. As soon as I walked through the barn door, I felt like I was home, and that feeling only expanded as Operations Manager Terry took me on a tour of the facility. During my tenure, I have met many people who have the same great love for horses that I do, and we all work together to promote SAFE's mission of finding a forever home for all our rescues. I am blessed to be a part of such a fantastic organization, and whenever I have the chance to, I encourage others to join!

I started volunteering here in July 2017 and have found an amazing place. The volunteers and employees care so deeply for these wonderful horses. The care taken, the work dedicated, the careful use of every dollar donated is awe inspiring. I am proud to be a part of Save A Forgotten Equine.

I started volunteering with SAFE doing barn chores in 2015, something that was completely outside my comfort zone. I was welcomed, guided, coached and encouraged and I have immense respect for how well this rescue cares for and works with these animals with the goal of finding them a forever home where they will be loved and cared for as they deserve.

The staff, board and volunteers at SAFE are passionate about rescuing and protecting horses and finding them permanent and safe homes.

I've been volunteering with Save A Forgotten Equine for almost 3 years. Great organization with a large volunteer team that truly cares about what they do on behalf of injured and neglected horses. There are volunteer opportunities for any interest level and availability - from onsite chore shifts, maintenance and repairs, administrative tasks or events and fundraising...something for everyone.

I have been volunteering at SAFE for 4 years and still love it. I am very privileged to be part of the amazing dedication and very hard work this organization commits towards the well being of these wonderful animals. Thank you SAFE!!!

Save a Forgotten Equine does great work on behalf of horses. As a donor, I'm pleased with how they manage their donations in making sure that every dollar counts and they're spending funds in a way that does the most good.

I am writing this review as both a volunteer and as a person who adopted a horse from SAFE. I began following SAFE back in 2008 when they took in Annie. The first photo I saw of her broke my heart but I felt an instant connection. I followed the blog updates they did on all their horses which really help you feel like you know the horses while their rehabilitation and training unfolds. For me that was the main thing that kept me going back and just following the horses in their care and watching them go from horribly emaciated to thriving members of the equine community. When you adopt a horse through SAFE, you know what you are getting. You can see the training updates and where the horses strengths and weaknesses are. They are upfront with everything. You get the vet records that they have. Believe me, their adoption fee nowhere near touches the amount of time and money that are put into the horses. And you get a trained horse if it has been evaluated and put into a training program. Their belief is that if you give the horses skills they will have a better chance at finding a good home that will keep them forever. And this is true. I was asked to be a volunteer and I had to interview like I was going in for a real job. As a volunteer I can say that this is a very well run organization. The financial information is on the FRONT PAGE of their website. They make sure the funds are there BEFORE taking in a horse to ensure that horse can be cared for properly. They don't take in too many horses and get overrun. And the majority of the horses that come into SAFE are animal control seizures or legitimate owner surrenders. Adopting a horse from SAFE frees up the room for them to truly help another horse.

SAFE takes the placement of their horses extremely seriously. They know that the proper match, not just a home is critical.

Safe is a wonderful non-profit to be a part of! They keep their volunteers, sponsors and anyone who wanders across their website connected to everything. I felt like I already knew the horses so well before even stepping into the stable. They are open with their thoughts and goals and make sure they let everyone who supports them know just how much they are a part of the organization. It is very obvious that they always keep what is best for the horses in the front of their minds. I regularly point people toward them and will continue to.

SAFE is a great place to volunteer with horse time and friendly folks to work with. They take excellent care of the horses. The horses get plenty of food, clean water, grazing time, training, vet care, and love from everyone. Safe practices are in place to keep horses and volunteers from getting hurt. Lines of communication are open with emails, signs on stalls, and information on a white board. Only wish I had more to to give.

I started at SAFE this summer and was welcomed with open arms right from the start. I was immediately impressed with their grapevine of communication and the way they are structured...leaving no room for confusion. They are really great at trying to help you find your own nitch-comfort zone. They are well organized and very clearly have the best interest of every single horse they take in...no matter what the story is...each horse is treated equally and respectfully. I appreciate how quickly they move to get the proper care for the new horses and how they seem to have things pretty well streamlined to get them back into a normal life as soon as possible. What is most surprising to me is the way they never give up on a horse no matter how bad things get...and even if a horse is in their last days they do everything possible to make sure their last days are dignified and as comfortable as possible...that means more to me than words can ever say. I hope to be involved and support SAFE for many years to come. What I like most is that even though I don't have the financial support available for them at this time, that I am still allowed to help in other ways... There seems to be a place for everyone, whether you donate money, supplies, time, love or muscle... it's all welcome and appreciated...and I swear it sometimes seems like the horses actually know we are all there just for them!! LOVE..LOVE..LOVE you guys!!

SAFE is a committed, engaged and thoughtful group that is very devoted to the well-being of abused and neglected horses. They are practical in approach, not overly sentimental and at the same time, loving and compassionate. I appreciate the regular updates on horses, neglect cases and adoptions on the website and Facebook. I began volunteering this summer with little experience around horses and limited availability and was welcome all the same. As a donor, my monthly gift was immediately acknowledged graciously and gratefully.

Although I've since learned more horse handling and care skills, I feel like any effort I contribute at the barn is meaningful. I've had the opportunity to meet and connect with some great horses in a small setting and love working with them. SAFE is a great community of people and horses!

SAFE is a stand-out horse rescue and I'm so glad I found it after moving to the area. I was welcomed and put to work immediately doing whatever needed to be done--exactly what I was looking for. The barn is well-run, the leadership is pragmatic and involved, the volunteers dedicated to keeping the horses healthy and happy, and all funds go towards the care of the horses and the upkeep of the facility. Thanks for everything you do, SAFE!

I moved from Michigan to Washington and was looking for an organization to volunteer with. The landscape of Northern Washington is very different from Metro Detroit! I knew this area could offer me new opportunity's . I decided to volunteer at a horse rescue but which one? I didn't know my way around very well, ok I didn't know my way around AT ALL. I honestly choose SAFE because it was in one of the few cities I knew. It was the BEST random decision. I'm coming up on 2 years of being a part of SAFE. I love the horses, the facility, the other volunteers. You can give as little or as much of your time, money, or heart; and they are grateful for it!

I only started volunteering at SAFE a couple weeks ago, but I already feel as if the barn is my home away from home. Every volunteer I have met has been so friendly and wonderfully helpful! Being at the barn is always the best part of every day I am there, and on the days I can't I am wishing I could be! Even the smallest volunteer tasks can make a huge impact in the lives of these horses and you can see the appreciation in their sweet faces. When I turn the horses out in the afternoon, it is so much fun to watch them frolic and run around in their paddock. Its like they really understand they've been given a second chance at life because of SAFE.

I wanted to "get to know a horse".

I tried other rescues but they were involved with human therapy and I was unable to get close to a horse.

SAFE allows you to make a difference in the life of a horse. I have met many, become friends with several, fallen in love with a number; none of whom I will forget! ! !

I have been able to make a difference in a horse's life and they have certainly made a difference in mine.

All thanks to SAFE

I'm one of those horse lovers who can't afford their own horse, but wants to get "barn time" under their belt. And I can't afford donating money or tack, but I have a lot of time and elbow grease.

I volunteer a couple of hours each week to two equine related non-profits in my area. At S.A.F.E., I do basic barn chores (mucking, feeding, watering, little odds and ends as requested) and find my time there to be rewarding, and informative. Due to the varying age, health and training backgrounds of rescued horses, I'm learning much more about all things equine that relate to horse behavior and healthcare, than I could ever learn just taking lessons at a conventional lesson barn, even though I'm not actively involved with the vetting and training of the rescues at S.A.F.E. Everyone is always really friendly, and happy to answer my sometimes dumb questions, which is much appreciated.

For prospective volunteers... Volunteers don't generally get to ride horses at rescues, and S.A.F.E. is not an exception. This has never been a problem for me, as that isn't what I do my volunteering for, but it's good to keep in mind, if you're considering volunteering in exchange for lessons.

The orientation was a little shallow and quick compared to what I'm used to at other places, be they work or volunteer orientations. People with any kind of "I rode horses as a kid"-type of experience will get the hang of it in no time, but if you don't have a lot of horse experience, just make sure to ask questions as you go along. Nobody will force you out of your comfort zone, but just make sure to ask for information, or help if you're unsure. Everyone is happy to help, which to me, is the draw and keeps me waking up early on my volunteer days, to go there again. :)

My favorite part in volunteering for a horse rescue is to find out a horse has been adopted. Sure, I'd love to bring them all home with me, but I know better, so whenever I hear or the happy endings and new homes, I get a sense of collective accomplishment.

I have been volunteering at SAFE for about four months, it is a magical place. To see a skinny little horse with limited people skills grow into a round horse with good ground manners is really something to see. All of the volunteers are people who really love horses and it shows through the daily chores and feeding. Whenever there is a call out for help there is always people there to give a helping hand. This is a great origination that has really touched my life and I hope in the future that I can do more to help.

I started volunteering at SAFE after I visited one of their open houses and wanted to get involved helping abused/neglected horses. What I have discovered through volunteering at SAFE is these folks are are totally committed to the welfare of these horses. All the decisions are made based on what is BEST for each individual horse. They are also very inclusive and friendly and really make you feel appreciated. I really can't say enough good things about this organization. I just wish I could do more to help them. I would recommend them as a place to volunteer or a place to adopt your next horse. One thing you can count on is that they are the "real deal" every day taking care of their horses!

As a volunteer at SAFE I have witnessed first hand the remarkable recovery of many neglected horses. This organization is run by a group of smart, dedicated horse lovers who tirelessly work to improve the lives of those they rescue. They have the connections and knowledge to do this efficiently and offer full disclosure of their finances and fund raising efforts. It has been a very inspiring learning experience helping out the herd.

What a great organization! My 10 year old daughter raised money for her birthday to donate to help a horse rescue. She emailed 6 of them, and this is the only one which responded. They were very kind and told my daughter that she was amazing to choose to donate instead of getting gifts. We ended up driving 3 hours to bring a horse blanket to one of the horses personally. The people at SAFE were really great and do great work for the horses..

I am a veterinarian and deal with a lot of animal "rescue" groups through my work. Often times I am appalled at the efforts of the "rescue organization" and don't feel they are doing the animals much of a service and sometimes questionable neglect. So when I encountered S.A.F.E; another rescue group, my expectations were not high. But the organization had the perfect horse that I so desired, so I pursued my interest. I drove up to Monroe, WA to visit "Willow" and was extremely impressed with the provisions for the horses, their condition, their cleanliness, and the love that was shown to the horses. Many of the horses were out in green pastures and not standing in mud, all had clean stalls at night to sleep in, and many had adjoining runs. The horses were clean, had blankets, and good quality feed. The fences were secure and safe for horses. The facility had a beautiful arena and was clean in general. Jamie who runs the Monroe site was extremely friendly, knowledgeable on each of the horses, and showed enormous amounts of love and compassion for the horses. I adopted Willow and in doing so acquired an amazing horse. Willow had a harrowing tale of abuse and neglect and through it all became an amazing and beautiful horse thanks to the rescue efforts of S.A.F.E. Willow's tale was open for all to see and one could follow her story and her physical appearances as she slowly turned from a walking skeleton who lost her foal, back into the gorgeous mare she was intended to be. I have since followed the S.A.F.E. organization on their website, and than on Facebook and am always impressed with the amount of care they put into each horse, the stories they share, the energy and inspiration they exude. I could not recommend this organization enough. Their horses are well taken care of when in their hands and they are looked after once they leave this facility and enter into their "forever" home because S.A.F.E. follows up annually with each of the horses to assure they stay safe in the years to come.

I have been a volunteer with SAFE (Save a Forgotten Equine) since April 2011. I very much enjoy my work (farm chores) and am impressed by a number of their "success stories". To see the transformations that take place in some of the worst neglect/abuse cases is truly remarkable. I am impressed with their placement procedures for rescued horses and the efforts they make to match the prospective horse with the adoptive family's needs to best insure that the new partnership is a success for both horse and human alike. Their continued involvement (i.le. site visits) to monitor the welfare of placed horses is also impressive. No horse ever seems to be forgotten once he/she leaves the rescue facility.

I started working with SAFE back in March 2011. I grew up with horses and missed being around them. I found SAFE and felt drawn to help this organization that gave these beautiful animals a second chance at life. Many of the horses there have come from rough backgrounds, and you can tell they are so happy when someone comes up to greet them and take interest in them. It's so rewarding to see all the horses personalities come out when they are happy and secure because they know that they have guardian angels at SAFE looking out for them.

I think that SAFE is an outstanding nonprophet orgonization that deserves more recognition and awareness. I have been with SAFE for a year and a half and they have done many amazing things since I have been there. I first heard about safe when a news paper article talked about how SAFE had gone to a slaughter house and found Buckey-B-Luckey, the grandson of Seattle Slew. They have gone far above the expectations that I had for them. Since I have been there they have rescued lots of forgotten equine, built stables so they can rescue more, and found homes for quite a few of the rescued horses. I enjoy going to SAFE because everyony there is friendly and helpful. When I go to SAFE I muck the stalls, groom and feed the horses, cleen the water troughs, and fall in love with the horses. I feal that the horses we rescueed lives have been changed for the better.

I have been volunteering at safe since September of 2011. I will say that SAFE is an exceptional place for horses in need. Having been there for a few months, I have seen and assisted the process and progress of new horses that come in. Most come in hungry, scared, hurt, or not sure of human interaction. SAFE gives these horses a chance to change all of that. Horses that don't want anything to do with people soon become excited to see us and gladly allow a halter over their head and ears. It really proves that everyone deserves a second chance at trust and love.

It is an honor to be associated with an organization full of such knowledgeable, compassionate and professional people. Always with a priority on what is best for the horses and with an understanding of the importance of integrity and transparency. SAFE is rescue done right.

I spend most of my free Saturdays volunteering at S.A.F.E., doing general barn chores, cleaning, and helping feed the horses. Everyone I've met within this organization is truly and wholly dedicated to helping the helpless - taking in these animals that are sometimes nearly at the end of their line, caring for them, and rehabilitating them into the magnificent, amazing beings that they all have the potential to be. The horses receive full care and training - they are healthy, well maintained, and mentally sound. Every time I am there, everyone works hard, and we don't cut any corners. On January 21st with a snow storm rolling in and thick hail starting to come down, no one left the site until all the chores were finished. I feel proud to be involved with such a top-notch organization.

This was the best experience for me,looking for a horse to adopt,I saw Whiskey on their web site,contacted Jaime Taff from SAFE,they did give me the opportunity to go and try the horse,one of they volunteer did bring the mare to a riding area trails,rode with her for few hours,and i wanted that horse,SAFE,made sure that i will be able to care for the mare,with visit to my home,and my background,after all that was done,they did think i would be a good owner for that mare,we did seal the contract and i did adopted Whiskey in May 2009,2 years later they did come over to check on the horse,as far i am concerned they are the best rescue place in Washington,i love my mare,we do trail riding,and also go to the high country that horse is awesome,we make a good pair and have a great time.Thank you SAFE.

I had the pleasure of adopting a horse from SAFE a couple years ago. I was very impressed with the care given to their horses, their honesty, and their financial transparency. My little Arab filly was born at SAFE (out of a mare that had been seized by animal control) and was a pocket pony from the moment she came home as a yearling. It was obvious that she was well loved during her time at SAFE.

I had the opportunity to adopt a horse from SAFE in 2010. The amount of love and care that they put into this mare in her rehabilitation process was truly amazing. This is true of every horse that comes through SAFE. SAFE is dedicated to responsible horse ownership and is thorough in their adoption process, making sure each horse is placed well in their "forever home." My experience in adopting a horse through SAFE was excellent. I felt that SAFE was in every way honest and transparent about every aspect of the horse I adopted and the adoption process. I am also impressed with how SAFE takes the time to follow up on the progress of each horse once adopted. I hope to adopt more rescue horses in the future, and my first choice would be to adopt through SAFE!

I love the work SAFE does to help horses in need. I follow SAFE horses - both current horses and horses that have found new lives through SAFE. I love hearing the stories of how they reach out to horses in need. Also, I have attended their fun show (entry fees used to help horses). Someday when I'm able to adopt a horse in need (currently have 2 horses) I will go to SAFE.

I had been looking to adopt a horse for quite sometime, and was very happy when I was able to adopt "Chance" through the safe.org. This NP was so thorough in the process of checking out the potential homes for their animals, I was amazed. They had only the best interest of that animal in mind. The horse community that this NP sprang from is so devoted to their cause, I have nothing but the utmost respect for these caregivers. I have recommended this NP to several of my Nursing friends, and have continued to boast about my horse "Chance". It has been just over a year now that i have had him, and am still continually amazed by the amount of support ( advice, friendships, knowledge) that i still receive.

SAFE placed two horses with a client of mine and I was so impressed with the whole transaction. They sent someone out to look at what my client had to offer. They checked for safety and comfort for the horses and suitability of the herd they would be entering into. They then selected two horses that best met the needs of my client. They then transported the two and made sure the transition went smoothly. They were in contact with them every step of the way and they continue to get updates. What a joy it is to find an organization that cares so deeply for these horses who in many instances would end up at a slaughter house. I have recommended a check of their site to many of my horse friends, trainers and clients. I can only hope that with support they can continue their very worthwhile venture.

I was so impressed with the care horses receive at this facility. They don't have a lot to work with financially, but make every dollar count.

I can't say enough good things about SAFE. I was a foster home for several SAFE horses, and I was amazed at the care given to all of the horses in need. I started out just wanting to offer a safe place for a horse to stay to becoming a true believer in what SAFE does. They put the horses interest above all else to make sure that they are loved, cared for and introduced into a qualified forever home.

I know Jodi, a weekly volunteer at Save and her love & passion for these extaordinary animals is inspiring. I'm greatful to all of their volunteers, taking time from busy lives to care and love these animals
and show them the good in the world. It's what is right in the world. My favorite thing that Jodi does is to buy horse treats and when they see her coming they know right away it's going to be a good day. They come running up to her and she gets nudged and bumped until she hands over
the goods!

Wow, I can't say enough good things about these folks. Perhaps a list would be a good place to start.
* dedicated
* hard working
* careful with their money
* help the community by taking in horses in need
* support the community by letting 4-h kids use their riding arena
* support students learning to be vet techs by allowing them to work on their horses for dentals and exams with a teacher
* Jaime is incredible with the hours she donates- including being with horses 24/7 when they are foaling or ill
* horses are seen by a vet when needed
* horses are well fed, at good weights, and always have clean water and shelter. They wear well fitting, clean blankets in the colder weather. Blankets are removed periodicaaly to check the horses' progress and weight.
*horses receive farrier care

This organization does really great things for horses that are abandoned or sick/injured. The volunteers have a great deal of compassion and drive.

SAFE has really been a great place to volunteer so far. Everyone gives all the horses the love and kindness that they deserve. It's just amazing how far some of these horses have come both physically and mentally. One horse in particular, came in all skin and bone and depressed. I've only seen pictures of her back then because I wasn't here when she first came, but now she is just beautiful and has such a spunky flirty personality. She performs now in shows and gets great training! I just love what they are doing, helping these horses that were once forgotten, they are now loved and cared for by the people at SAFE. I also believe they are fair in their adoptions. Not too strict, but also have reference and property checks. Therefore, horses WILL find great new forever homes :)

They have given me the oppurtunity to help and care for these horses, just showing them love and affection I think helps a lot.

Imagine a pasture full of horses, unfed, unwatered, without shelter from rain, wind, sun, left alone except with their comrades in suffering, to starve. And the local Sheriff, accompanied by a local rescue organization, armed with determined initiative and heart, puts all legalities in place to seize the animals simply to save their lives that moment, that day, some of whom would not survive another.

Imagine a horse being so abused and mistreated by its owners or “handlers” that it cannot tolerate being approached, touched, petted or loved, let alone brushed, haltered or saddled. And a local rescue organization, simply for the love of horses and their inherent value to our lands, our culture, our history and their own, slowly works to reestablish in this horse a trust of humans, an acceptance of love and a gentle hand.

Imagine a yearling, wearing a halter too small for its head, having been left in a field, neglected, the halter not changed or simply removed as the horse grew, such that the baby's head grew around the halter, cutting through it's nose bone as the bone grew around the halter.

Imagine a racehorse, at five years of age, being sold because he cannot race anymore, to be turned into meat, dogfood, or glue, a gorgeous animal filled with love and forgiveness, pulled off an auction block at the last minute, just before being sent to slaughter.

Save a Forgotten Equine (SAFE) has saved lives of horses, has given them a chance not only simply to survive but to live long and healthy lives, whether as companions (some, due to previous abuse, injury or unattended illness, etc., cannot be ridden), pleasure (trail riding, e.g.) or show horses (jumping, dressage, Western).

For some of these animals, mere survival was a miracle in itself. But for some survival was a heartbreaking impossibility due to the horribly advanced stages of their illnesses, extent of their injuries and effects of the abuse they suffered.

Save a Forgotten Equine survives because of the generous donations of those who love horses, and who understand and care enough too. This non-profit organization is run solely by volunteers who help clean stalls, feed and water the horses, turn them out to pastures for exercise, and love them. Through volunteering of their time and effort, the volunteers also learn about these animals, how to care for them, and most importantly how their touch, their love, merely their presence, makes an invaluable difference in the lives of some of our most majestic animals.

SAFE has always showed leadership and great guidance in the rescue field. They have helped our county in many rescue situations. They provide a very professional and organized rescue faciltiy. I refer people to them for finding potential life-long equine friends and they do an incredibe job with their rehab program. They are an outstanding example of an efficent, giving non-profit.

Almost two years ago, one of my beloved horses passed away, and left behind a very lonely buddy. SAFE was able to match us up with a foster horse to be a companion to Mac. Fostering was a great option for us, and helped us through a very difficult time. When we lost Mac to age related issues, we brought in a second foster horse.

I've found the SAFE organization a very compassionate and caring group of folks. They truly put the needs of the horses first and they are committed to doing what's right for horses that are many times abused or abandoned. They are great folks who really make a difference.

This is a very worthwhile organization, especially in these times of economic difficulties when many people are abandoning their horses. This group provides much care with very limited resources and depends totally upon private donations and volunteers.

...Having been anwoman blessed with the love of a horse that had been abused and how kindness changed her life and her unconditional love changed mine, I believe with all my heart the importance of the work of SAFE. Horses have historically been throw away items. The world needs people to save the noble equines that have given there all and deserve to live their lives out in peace.

My review is excellence. I have never seen so many people committed to love, time, affection,rehab, training and finding abused horses an adequate, loving and for keeps home. The organization and ample committed volunteers give there time, energy and love of horses consistently. The take a ruined horse and breath new life into them. It's beautiful to watch. I give Safe 100 stars for always being there.


Rebecca Lovejoy

My horse shares a barn with a SAFE rescue horse and up until that time I didn't know any "rescuses" personally. This awesome guy was saved from sure death and has had a loving environment in which he thrives and is very much a part of the herd. SAFE is an organization that not only rescues horses but works with all areas of horse owner education and equine rehabilitation. As our world gets smaller and the economy is changing SAFE has had to work even harder to create and maintain a safe and quality environment for horses and people. Contributing to SAFE directly contributes to many areas of prevention and good quality education for anyone interested in equine ownership, volunteering or just loving horses from afar .

SAFE is a stellar equine rescue for a litany of reasons:

- horses that come in to the rescue are evaluated by a veterinarian, receive immediate vet and farrier care, and are then rehabilitated and professionally trained, when appropriate (training improves a horse's chance at finding a long-lasting home)

- horses are matched to adopters as carefully as possible

- SAFE continues to act as a safety net throughout the lifetime of each horse adopted through SAFE

- financial transparency (all money is accounted for publicly - nearly all funds are used for program services; no one receives a salary nor is there inurement)

- SAFE is responsible with their funds and will not take in more horses than it can afford

- SAFE is ethical; any issues a horse might have are fully disclosed to the public and any potential adopters

- SAFE has a responsible and rational euthanization policy to which it adheres

- SAFE offers community outreach (e.g. help with the cost of euth/disposal; help with cost of gelding; help with feed costs) that is designed to offer temporary one-time financial assistance to qualified responsible horseowners, which helps the PNW horse-owning community

- SAFE holds an annual horse show for fundraising purposes and also to showcase rescued horses

- SAFE offers occasional educational clinics (e.g. a groundwork clinic) to educate horse owners

- SAFE is very well-organized regarding its horses: it has spreadsheets for all of its equine charges to ensure no horse misses a deworming, vaccination, or farrier care

- SAFE provides educational and advisory support to its adopters at their behest

- SAFE works with local county Animal Control agencies, as well as equine veterinarians and other rescue groups to assist horses in need

- SAFE meets and exceeds AAEP guidelines and standards, which are fairly exacting.

I adopted a horse from SAFE and he is the love of my life! Initially, I was leary of the adoption process when I read about it on paper yet, the volunteers from SAFE made the entire process easy and stress-free. There are many steps to the process to ensure the safety of the horse. The volunteers are diligent in their efforts to find these beautiful animals forever homes. I found everyone to be friendly, professional and committed to the process. The horse I adopted had been cared for lovingly since his birth and is today blossoming into an amazing yearling. Thank you SAFE for helping me to complete my family with my equine son, Sampson.

SAFE is an amazing organization that helps provide care to many abused horses and to find them loving forever homes. SAFE is doing an exemplary job in providing the care that these horses so desperately needed.

Save a Forgotten Equine is a fantastic organization that does so much for the horses in their care. I have been involved with them for about a year and have watched them save so many that would have otherwise faced unthinkable fates. The animals that come to them starved and mistreated are allowed, thru their efforts, to go on to new lives with loving families.

As a lifelong horse lover, I can't tell you how happy it makes me to know there is a place like SAFE around to take of the horses that need them.

I’ve been volunteering with SAFE for a little over a year now and have been constantly impressed with their professionalism and ability to rehabilitate the horses in their care. These animals come to SAFE with broken bodies and depressed spirits and go on to forever homes as strong and loving companions. They do so much for these magnificent creatures that, by no fault of their own, find themselves in deplorable conditions. I am honored to be able to do some small part to help in their efforts.

I have followed this organization from their beginning. They have done amazing work. This is one horse rescue that maintains a transparent policy. They post their financials for all to see. The one time I remember a horse they adopted out wasn't taken care of, they took him back, rehabbed him and adjusted their policies so it would not happen again. Truly an above board, effective rescue.

Keep up the great work S.AF.E. You are filling an important void here in Western Washington. Thank you for your love and compassion to a population of wonderful horses that others would just as soon give up on. All of God's creatures deserve respect and love. Two thumbs up!

SAFE does great work! Kudos to you and your group. My friend Debi has helped out with your organization for a long time.

I am so thankful for the love and care provided by the people at SAFE. Blessed are those who care for those who cannot care for themselves. The goodness and the humanity of those who save the horses at SAFE is touching. Thank you for existing and doing the amazing work you do.

I've long been interested in the issue of horse rescue and rehabilitation. And in recent months, I've had the honor of learning more about SAFE and its leadership. I"ve been director of another nonprofit organization in the Seattle and am familiar with the challenges of engaging volunteers and using their talents efficiently and consistently. SAFE does a fantastic job of this and runs a very tight operation. I'm impressed and hope to be supporting this effort more in the future in the area of organizational development and fundraising.

I contacted safe with many questions I have about going about saving one of their animals and I got a prompt response that was thorough and very easy to understand. Very professional and helpful to any kind of horse seeker. I look forward to working with them in the future in finding the right horse for me.

SAFE tremendously helps horses who are abused & forgotten. They understand what the horses need & want, and are always there to provide to their best ability. They go above and beyond what is required, and genuinely care for the horses well-being.

SAFE is a very transparent organization that always communicates it's intentions and financials to everyone involved: volunteers, donors, and the general public. They are also very dedicated to the horses they serve, taking excellent care of them and making the tough decisions about what is right for each individual in their care.

SAFE does a really great job of turning scared, abused horses into rideable, trusting equine companions. What an accomplishment! The people I've met at SAFE are all very dedicated, donating hours of personal time and money to meet this goal.

SAFE and their leadership have demonstrated consistent execution and alignment to their core principles with integrity, transparency and accountability for their actions, distribution of funds and responsibility to their beneficiaries, contributors and the community at large.

I started volunteering with SAFE in September of 2010. I feel honored to be a part of this wonderful organization that rescues abused and malnutritioned horses. I have gotten to witness the transformation of these majestic animals and the love that Jaime Taft (one of the owners) and all of the volunteers, including myself have for these horses. I started out cleaning stalls and now I have been trained to feed the horses. Each horse has a special diet formulated to fit each one’s particular need. It is truly amazing to see how loved and cared for, each one of SAFE’s horses are.

We first visited SAFE when we had some items to donate. We were so impressed with the commitment shown by the staff there and how determined they are to care for and rehabilitate unwanted horses. It is so well run and Jaime who manages the program is an incredibly professional, kind and has done wonders for so many horses. I have since visited the facility twice to donate and cannot say enough good things about their organization. Miracles happen out there to rehome each horse. In these economic times when many people cannot feed and care for horses, it is even more difficult after rescue to find homes for them but SAFE has succeeded. What they do is heartwarming and encouraging for all those who love animals.

A friend of mine works with SAFE and I believe wholeheartedly in the importance of the organization. People certainly know about dogs and cats in need of rescue but few think that horses fall into this category. SAFE helps those animals who have no one else and gives them voice.

SAFE is a rescue I can truly support and stand behind. Boasting impressive organization, transparency, ethics and passion for rescue. I love getting the frequent updates and watching the progress of their rescued horses. They go above and beyond just rescue - they fully rehabilitate, train, and do a fantastic job placing these horses! I can feel good about donating to such a honorable organization, because I can actually see where my dollar goes. As a professional in the horse community, I fully recommend and support SAFE as a invaluable resource to our community.

I've been volunteering at SAFE for 6 months and am so happy they are there for the horses. They always find room or a foster home for a horse in a need, and make sure that all care and handling is up to par. Even if newer horses come in a bit spooky, they relax and warm up in no time. Also, the SAFE staff puts a large amount of time into rehabing and retraining horses to ensure their adoptabilitiy. A substantial donation toward a new barn is exactly what SAFE can use to offer more cozy shelter for horses in need. Two thumbs up for SAFE!

I have been volunteering with SAFE for almost 3 years and I am totally impressed with not only their care for their charges but also for the way they run their rescue. Everything is transparent. If you want to know something just ask. There have been some amazing horses that have come through horrible circumstances and SAFE has not only brought them back to health but have provided them with the handling and training needed to make an adoption a positive experience for both horse and adopter. All of this takes money...I do hope they can win this wonderful award and continue with this necessary work.

SAFE is one of the best horse rescues out there! I have been out to take photos of some of their horses. They look content and well cared for. SAFE has many volunteers and seems to be well organized. The people are really nice. The horses they take on get great care and training, before they are placed into new homes. I am very impressed with their savvy of new media and creativity to get their word out.

I have volunteered at SAFE for about a year and a half. My experience with SAFE is that they take extraordinary care of the horses in their programs, they are responsible and transparent with regard to financial issues, and truly dedicated to helping both horses - and the people who love them.

I have first hand knowledge of a horse that SAFE rescued and placed in a home. He is a horse that most likely was down to his last chance and they brought him back and gave him the possibility to have a new life. He has been with three people since SAFE took him in and they took the time and effort to find the right home for him. Their screening process is in depth as they want a real forever home for the horses and it has payed off in the long run for them. He is just an ordinary horse, but very special to the one who now has him for he is well loved and loves well.

SAFE provides a critical service to some of the most seriously neglected and abused horses in our communities. I am a grateful supporter of their rescue and the safety net they offer to humans and horses who reach out to them for help.

SAFE assisted me with placing a horse I needed to re-home. I was very grateful that they offered this service. They were professional, courteous and knowledgeable.

SAFE is doing Rescue Right! Rehabilitation, training, careful adoption screening...I wish more rescues utilized the high standards of care and placement that SAFE has implemented. I am proud to be a volunteer at this great organization.

I have been involved in horse rescue for many years and had experiences with many different organizations during this time, and I can say without a doubt that SAFE is the best one around. SAFE operates with about 95% of their donations going directly to the horses care; they have no paid staff members and are very open with their financial information. SAFE not only provides all necessary medical care for their horses but they also provide training to help ensure that when these horses are adopted out that they will be a good match for their new family. I have seen SAFE help horses young and old, providing them with not only food, water and shelter, but with love and compassion valuing each life.

This rescue operates with honesty, integrity and absolutely always in the best interest of the horses!

what's different about SAFE?

1) We have completely transparent financials - if you want to see them, you don't even have to ask! They're on our website.

2) We don't get in over our heads. That's why you'll never see us begging for money or screaming for help. We are frugal with our money and make sure that we always have funds available to give our horses whatever they need.

3) We set our horses up for success! Good horses get good homes. So in addition to vet care and rehabiliation, we also provide our horses with the training they need to get and keep a good home.

4) We don't spend obscene amount of money on fundraising or salaries. We are truly a grassroots organization that succeeds by hard work and the passion of our volunteers. We have talented individuals on our team coming up with great ideas to promote our mission and help as many horses and horseowners as possible.

5) We always strive to do the right thing, even when it's not the easy thing. We admit our mistakes and work hard to never repeat them.

I can say with utter conviction that SAFE deserves your support.

I started volunteering for SAFE over a year ago when I discovered that they had full disclosure of their financials unlike most rescues. Since then I've just developed more and more respect for all of the work they do as I've seen it first hand. Not only does all of the money benefit the animals, but the horses don't get adopted out until they are healthy, trained, and ready and they know that the home is a good match.

I'm so proud to say that I adopted one of their beautiful horses five months ago and it's changed my life.

SAFE is a great organization. They care about the horses first and foremost. They are open, honest, and ethical and have complete financial disclosure. All donations go to the horses, not paying the BOD.

I am the President of SAFE and I am truly honored and humbled to read the amazing reviews that have been written so far. I've been one of many people that have poured their heart and soul into SAFE for the past 6 years. I would love to see SAFE win this $5000 grant because I know first-hand how far that money can go and how many horses it could help. I hope that everyone will post a review to help us reach our goal. Not only that, but in accordance to our mission statement which speaks to our core values of integrity and honesty, we welcome any and all constructive feedback that will help us to continue to grow and help more local horses and horse owners in need.

I would like to reiterate what others have already mentioned about what makes SAFE one of the premier rescues in the United States. The care and compassion they have for horses in distress is top notch. Their books are open to the public for all to scrutinize their income and outgo. The horses are not warehoused. They are given professional training to open up the widest possibility for placement into new loving homes. Additionally, SAFE does continual follow-up on all of their placed horses and has gladly taken any back if the home did not work out in the best interests of the horse or the adopter. They are open and honest about each horse's condition, ability and any shortcomings be they physical or psychological.
SAFE should also be commended for their ability to say no. They know their financial limits and will not take on more horses than they are able to care for which is critical for stability in an economy where financial stability and donations have hit all time lows.
SAFE should absolutely be considered the standard by which ALL rescues should be judged. Honesty, integrity, care and compassion. The very traits that are the heart and soul of a truly stellar rescue. That is SAFE.

Safe is a great organization who does things the correct way. Rehab, training etc. They are one of the few horse rescue's I support.

S.A.F.E. may be the best rescue I have ever seen in my life. Their dedication to their horses truly makes them a class act. They have brought back hope to countless lives through their devotion to saving these magnificent creatures. This has been shown through all of the work they do to bring back destroyed animals to happy souls and raise them up to be who they were meant to be.
SAFE is honest in everything they do. Whether that be providing training for horses in order to find them Forever Homes, or simply giving them their dinner, you know that SAFE cares for their horses.
I have not visited their facility in person, but I have followed their website and horses for months thanks to their wonderful online updates. One day, although it may not be in my future now, I would like to give a SAFE Horse a Forever Home.
Save a Forgotten Equine Horse Rescue has made me laugh, cry, and smile by the work they do to restore hope. They are the Mercedes of Horse Rescues. Thank you, SAFE, for what you do.

I have worked in fundraising for SAFE. I am continually amazed at what this group does not only for horses but for the community in terms of support. I am specifically impressed with the detailed fiancial statements availible to anyone. That alone gives me confidence to fundraise for this organization. My only criticism of this organization is that they are so small. The work that is accomplished by these people with frankly, a tiny budge, is amazing. I hope that reviews like this hope spread the word on this critically important charity and brings in support.

S.A.F.E. is and excellent rescue. I'm familiar with several equine rescues and this one is the most organized and caring one I've had any association with. The horses get wonderful care and training in order to find them appropriate homes. This is the rescue that our local youth club donates their time and necessities too as well.

I personally became acquainted with SAFE when I was actively working and volunteering at horse rescues. Since that time, I have focused my energies more on youth outreach projects as an actlve leader and board member of our county 4-H Horse Program. Our 4-H members have become involved in community service projects on behalf of SAFE and other local non-profits. They have donated horse tack both from our annual program sale event and from invididual and club fundraisers. Many members and other local families have attended the SAFE Benefit Horse Shows and thoroughly enjoyed and learned from these charitable events. Having an organization like SAFE is a valuable asset to our local horse community. I am proud to call them out as a reputable and ethical community service that sets a positive example for the youth of Washington State.

I learned about SAFE several years ago through comments from their clients and local horse people who are in the horse rescue and rehabilitation business. SAFE is ethical, unselfish and so hard working. Their events are great fund raisers and opportunities to share information about horse rescue. SAFE has a long, proven record of good business practices and friendly, caring staff and volunteers.

SAFE is an excellent charity, with of a Board of Directors comprised of the most experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable horsemen. Having dealt with other supposed "rescues" in the past, I can state with certainty that SAFE is an organization that will put donations to productive and appropriate use, has the ability to make those funds stretch as far as possible, and most importantly, sees that the equines in their care truly get all treatments, training, and care that they will need to become valuable in the eyes of a potential owner.

I have had the pleasure of adopting a wonderful mare from S.A.F.E. It was a pleasure to work with this organization through the adoption process and I would gladly (and hopefully!) do this again in the not too distant future. I am impressed with how S.A.F.E took the time, effort and funds to rehabilitate and invest in this mare. Their time and work is evident in all the horses that are cared for by this organization. This is a professional, exceptionally well-run and effective rescue organization and I would not hesitate to encourage people to donate their time, money and homes to their cause.

SAFE is a well-rounded charity. They not only excel in rescue, they get the horses healthy before beginning training. Then, they work to train the horses professionally and when the horse is ready, they secure a home that fits. In addition, they do this in a reasonable amount of time and with limited funds.

On the administrative side, they are the most transparent charity around. Active discussion boards, frequently posted financials and absolute transparency on who and how decisions are made.

I have been a volunteer with SAFE for over three years and am honored to be a part of such an amazing organization. There are no paid positions, this organization is 100% volunteer run and that makes what they're able to accomplish that much more amazing. We truly put our heart into helping the horses that cross our paths on to productive, successful lives by providing basic ground and undersaddle training, honest and detailed assessments, vet and farrier care, and a commitment to take the horse back if the home dosn't work out or the new owner is unable to keep it.

SAFE has public and transparent financial records available to anyone and their Treasurer answers questions quickly and professionally. This is truly a class-act organization that deserves enormous accolades for their work in the difficult world of horse rescue. I simply cannot imagine myself donating my time anywhere else.

S.A.F.E does a good job of providing transitional care for horses in need; provides good vet & farrier care, training and screening of potential adoptors. They seem to have be transparent about accounting for donated funds.