Arrival Day

Saturday June 4
With the name Cloud I had created an image of her that was...smaller. She is a chunk of a girl, but a sturdy, going to get business done kind of chunk. She could stand to loose a little bit of it, and I think she will being here with active friends and school to go to and all. Linda's description of her horsenality is right on though. She is curious and friendly, forward and bright, cautious but intrigued by new things. I think she might like school!

Our first encounter was standing to have her feet done, which was complicated by the fact that a new horse had just arrived home. Everyone wanted to find out who she was and Cloud was not sure she shouldn't be in on the action. As soon as she figured out her job was to get her nails trim and pretty though, she stood very politely. Her second big job of the day was to get in the trailer, which she hadn't been in for two years. As Linda said, her last time was to leave a horrible place, and this time, well, she was leaving a bit of paradise. However, all that said, she was fantastic. Lots of snorting and sniffing, but forward thinking and figuring out what was up. After only a few minutes her front feet were testing the box, in out several time, then well why not try the whole body. We went in and out fully then 5or6 times and she was able to stay in when I asked. So we closed the door and that was that.

When we got home, she waited very patiently in the trailer while I visited the house. Not much whinnying, even though the other horses were asking who was home in the trailer. She answered a couple of times, but not frantically. We started toward the noisy friends and got part way there, when she saw the alley she had to pass through. Pool on one side, big tarp covered thing on the other, gate in front. Maybe we will stop right here. She then thought she should just retreat and go back the way we came. So off down the driveway we walked no hesitation, finding out what was this way that might be better than that squeeze she was going to have to negotiate. I suggested after a bit that we go back and try again and she was ok with that. She got a bit further down the alley and had to work out the scene, but this time she was willing to keep going as those horses looked like she should meet them.

Felix was first to make contact and there was a bit of a squeal and jump, such a big noise for a little guy. Her too though. I put her in the stall for a minute while I shooed the big horses down below. Then I let her out with Felix and Tressa. Well Felix thought she was great, she wasn't so enamored with him however, and finally gave him a couple of hooves to the ribs to get him to back off, she needed to figure this out on her own. Cloud kept herself moving, but with purpose of checking things out. I put out some hay and that was tasty! We went in the garden for a little grassy munch, but not until the others went first...

She is spending her first night in the stall next to Tressa. I thought it would be better for her to let everyone else come to her and say hi, then tomorrow she can go out with Shaea and Felix and Tressa. Let the boys have their own fun tomorrow. Last check she was very calm and nibbling. Loves her scratches!