BEHS 1461 – Saffire

Name: Saffire Status: Adopted
Adoption Fee: Arrived At Rescue: November 21, 2023
Location: Castroville, TX Adoption Date: October 4, 2025
Registered: No Breed: Grade
Date of Birth: January 1, 2013 Color: Chestnut / Sorrel
Gender: Female
Mare
Height: 14.2

About Saffire

Saffire is a striking and athletic mare who has made tremendous progress in both her training and confidence since arriving at Bluebonnet. She came to us through the courts after being removed from negligent owners and had very little handling before age ten. Despite that late start, she has shown herself to be both smart and willing. Saffire entered the Bluebonnet Rescue Horse Training Challenge in 2024, where she built a solid foundation and gained valuable experience, though she wasn’t yet ready to safely compete under saddle at that time. She’s back in the 2025 Challenge, and she’s been started under saddle and is ready for someone to take her training to the next level!

Saffire is competing in the Professional Division of the Bluebonnet Rescue Horse Training Challenge with Jeremiah Bowen. Saffire will be available for adoption on October 4, 2025, during the Bluebonnet Training Challenge and Expo at the Williamson County Expo Center in Taylor, TX. You can follow their progress on their Facebook page CLICK HERE

For more information about the Expo and Training Challenge CLICK HERE, or for information about adopting a challenge horse CLICK HERE.

Evaluation and Training

Personality & Manners:
- Loves treats (“bribes”) and is easy to halter once caught
- Walks calmly beside her handler on the lead
- Social with both mares and geldings
- Enjoys attention and has learned to relax while being handled

Training & Abilities:
- Stands tied for baths, grooming, fly spray, and the farrier
- Started under saddle; ridden in western tack and a snaffle bit
- Walks, trots, and canters in the round pen, arena, and open field under saddle
- Has more “whoa” than “go” and responds well to cues
- Introduced to obstacles and trail work
- Working on closing gates from the saddle
- Comfortable with water crossings
- Lunges at walk, trot, and canter
- Loads into the trailer independently

Background & Care:
- Diagnosed with navicular changes in 2024; improved and is sound with wedge shoes and pads. Wears front shoes only now to help with navicular changes and to keep her comfortable in her rocky pasture.

Why She’s Amazing:
Saffire is a smart, athletic mare with an excellent foundation. She’s brave with obstacles, loves to please, and is steadily gaining confidence. She’ll thrive in a home where she has a job and consistent handling. Her trainability and calm demeanor on the ground make her a rewarding project for the right rider.

Temperament

Trailers: Yes Bucks: No
Leads: Yes Bites: No
Ties: Yes Catches: Yes
Trims: Yes Bathes: Yes
Clips: Prefers scissors Rears: No
Kicks: No Rider Level: Intermediate
Evaluated/Trained By: Professional Trainer Evaluated
Professionally Trained
Training Level: Broke to Ride
Started Under Saddle, Green Broke
Riding Suitability listed: Unrestricted riding