CLOUD

[mykingdomforahorse]

He sure is!

I can't wait to integrate him in with the rest of my boys. Cloud and Peanut (my Mustang) are already fast friends through the panels. My young Draftie Mr. Bean is slightly jealous, because after losing my Arab Takoda, he had Peanut (who is now the alpha) all to himself. But Beanie is gentle.

Cloud enjoys lording it over Donkey, who, with a flat-eared head nod from Cloud, sidesteps with a honking noise as if some invisible hands pushed him, lol! But they do all stand together and sleep near each other even with the panels between them.

The vet has us waiting until the worm issue clears up, to keep the others clear.

Em

[mykingdomforahorse]

No one ever asks where Cloud is or how he's doing because I never stop raving about him!

Just a quick update to say he's doing *great*. We've started working him a little, and in a few weeks we'll be doing his third fecal, and third blood draw, to check on the progress of his fight against anemia and worms.

Last blood draw, he was borderline anemic, as you may remember, with his values getting stronger as the worms are eradicated. The worm load improves with each worming, and overall, under normal conditions and good care, he will have no health problems at all.

He's now affectionate, goofy, a practical joker and trumpets at me for either food or a scratch. Newest photos below (hopefully, lol.)

MTA -- I'm still working on posting the 2nd photo, I can't get the right size to show.

[kidznhorses]

OMYGOSH EM! Cloud looks absolutely incredibly wonderful! You've done a terrific job with him! And he looks SOOOO happy! What a beauty little Cloud has turned into with your tender loving care. The perfect, classic Arabian! Gotta love those little white Arabs! Thanks so much for the new pic. What a treat!

[paintedlady]

Em he looks awsome !! What a beautiful boy He looks to be really full of himself. Good for him and thanks for the new pic and taking such good care of this sweet one

[agilitygal]

Hardly recognizable from his rescue pictures! He looks great! Looks like he's enjoying his life and is full of it!

[mykingdomforahorse]

Thanks, kidznhorses, paintedlady and agilitygal! I am definitely quite the proud mama!

I have a few more photos to post, also.

When I posted the one, I ended up at the top of this page of Cloud's thread, with his photos from when he was only here a week or so, and I was stunned, myself, seeing how different he looks now!

He started out way skinny and saggy and old and petulant and even sour at times, and now, yes, he is full of it! It's a perfect description, lol!

Cloudy really has a strong sense of himself, and a strong personality. He's so "present" and conscious, and goes out of his way to communicate his likes, dislikes and wants to us. It breaks my heart to think of him neglected and ignored on the lot or anywhere else, and it breaks my heart to think of him being hustled through auction after auction. It must've been a nightmare for him, with how sensitive he is.

What was restored to him that meant the most to him and which has made the biggest difference to his personality and demeanor is his dignity. He is a very proud horse, and with his dignity restored and the proper care, he carries himself with pride. When he trots he is poetry in motion. I actually gasped the first time we lunged him. I wasn't expecting such beauty and poise. He is very willing to please and he loves to show off.

We just love him more and more every day. ;D

There is not one thing wrong with this boy. No behavior problems, no systemic health problems, no personality issues! He's truly a lot horse that was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

He's shedding out to be a flea-bitten gray, to our delight. Just gorgeous, and a real joy to be around. Every single time I feed him, he stretches out his neck and brushes his nose on my hand before taking the first bite, like saying thank you. Also, if I make kissing noises, he offers his nose for a kiss.

He's come a long way. I knew he was a loving boy deep down in there, but it was obvious he'd been disappointed and let down and was going to be extremely stingy with his affection until he was sure it was safe and deserved.

I haven't ridden him yet. I didn't want to ride while he was anemic and his health not perfect. But the vet just gave me the go ahead, and I'm so excited! I feel good about riding him because of our bond, and I know he'll take good care of me when I'm up there.

So, I guess it's fitting to say, "Cloud lived happily ever after." As he will. He's a real blessing.

Em

[mykingdomforahorse]

Two more photos of Cloud from that day:










The only thing I've despaired on, lol, is keeping him clean. OMG, I would've gone nuts, so I surrendered. The only time he really looks clean is right after we wash him, and I mean literally right after, and for five minutes after he's dry, if we're even that lucky.

Em

[tonimarielowery]

Oh my goodness... dont even get me started on the clean issue too!

My girl is a flea bitten arab that believes she is a chestnut! I even went so far as to cover her in lycra from head to tail when she was turned out, but she would find a way to get dirt through that even! I spend an hour or more every day brushing her out ;D

White Horse + OCD = Serious Issues

[toeps]

EM!!! Gorgeous! Gorgeous!! He looks fantastic!

[mykingdomforahorse]

LOL! And up the ante even more:

FEMALE+White Horse + OCD = Serious Issues



Em

Apr 17, 2008 19:59:31 GMT -5 @tonimarielowery said:

Oh my goodness... dont even get me started on the clean issue too!

My girl is a flea bitten arab that believes she is a chestnut! I even went so far as to cover her in lycra from head to tail when she was turned out, but she would find a way to get dirt through that even! I spend an hour or more every day brushing her out ;D

White Horse + OCD = Serious Issues

[mykingdomforahorse]

Awwww, thank you, Donna! He's quite the character, which is one of the things I love most about Arabs. And he's just such a good boy.

I forgot to add in his update how, when we were lunging him, we could change his gait verbally. I was so surprised! My guess is he is highly trained in English, because at verbal cues "Walk on", "Trot" and "Canter", he adjusted gait so quickly and seamlessly it was as if I had a remote control in my hand!

When you have a pmu baby that isn't finished with his growth plates and so isn't to be ridden yet, a wild mustang you gentled who hasn't been started yet, and a Donkey supposedly trained to ride but with serious psychological issues concerning carrying riders, (I love my babies!) a sturdy, reliable, well-trained horse like Cloud is a wonderful surprise. He's just like my Arab, Takoda, who was also highly trained. Very cool.

My farrier rides English, so, next time he comes out for a trim, I'll ask him to climb up (I know he'd love to, as he's been hinting, lol) and show me more of what Cloud knows.

He's a little guy, like jockey-sized, so a good fit for Cloud and it will be interesting to see. The prior training put into (or not put into) a horse is one of the only real clues we get as to a lot horse's prior life and experiences. As it's turning out, Cloud knows much more than I do!

As soon as my work project is finished, I'm going to take a break and a lot of riding lessons. I'll find someone who can come out here and teach me on Cloud.

Em

Apr 18, 2008 2:26:10 GMT -5 toeps said:

EM!!! Gorgeous! Gorgeous!! He looks fantastic!

[jenm]

Wow Em, Cloud looks fantastic! He is obviously thriving in your care. I'm looking forward to seeing him under saddle. It sounds like he may be able to teach you a few things.

Hurry up and get your farrier back out!

[mykingdomforahorse]

Hey Jen!


How about seeing Cloud in a bareback pad ridden by myself, hint hint?

Thank you so much for the reply. The farrier was out last Sunday, so it'll be another 4 weeks before he can showcase Cloud's English training. BUT --

I rode him for the first time today, and I rode him bareback! He's a dream to ride -- no funny business, no thought of any funny business -- and he's the most well-trained horse I've ever ridden. He was *such* a good boy.

I felt so safe, my nerves just disappeared. He was very sensitive to all cues, even though my hands were heavy at first, since I haven't ridden since last July.

I have photos, I'll post them tomorrow since I'm beat. Cloud was also integrated into the herd today after our ride, I have photos of that, too. All the boys got along really well, although Mr. Bean my Draft is acting protective of my Mustang, and left teeth scrapes on Cloud's rump. Other than that, you'd think they've been together always.

It was a wonderful day here, at 96 degrees with a warm breeze and blue skies. The cactus flowers are beginning to bloom, just beautiful, I have flower photos, too.

There's just nothing like a Spring day of riding. Pure joy.

Em

Apr 18, 2008 16:35:44 GMT -5 jenm said:

Wow Em, Cloud looks fantastic! He is obviously thriving in your care. I'm looking forward to seeing him under saddle. It sounds like he may be able to teach you a few things.

Hurry up and get your farrier back out!

[kidznhorses]

OK Em. Waiting for those pics. Can you tell I'm impatient?

[mykingdomforahorse]

Lol! Thanks Kidznhorses for your reply.

I finally have the photos up on Photobucket and resized, but I didn't get any further than that because I've had a migraine since this afternoon.

I'll post them tomorrow. At least the photos are uploaded to photobucket, because that's half the work!

Cloud continues to do well in the herd (my tiny herd : ) with the boys. It worked out *great*. He's so darn happy, which makes me so darn happy for him. It's nice to see them all sleeping next to each other and playing together. My Mustang especially likes Cloud, but my Mustang is such a sweetie, he's the best friend to each of them.

I just love seeing Cloud relaxed and acting like a normal (safe, secure) horse.

Em

Apr 21, 2008 13:14:06 GMT -5 kidznhorses said:

OK Em. Waiting for those pics. Can you tell I'm impatient?

[mykingdomforahorse]

Here are riding photos.

[mykingdomforahorse]

Cloud joining the herd:

[paintedlady]

Em !! All of your babies are gorgous !! Look at the bellies on these guys.I see some pretty happy horses Thanks for loving and caring for them ;D

[mykingdomforahorse]

Thanks!

Aghhhhhhhhh to the bellies! Lol. I noticed it myself when taking photos that day, and adjusted their feed.

They've only had half the usual roaming space since Cloud arrived, and now they have full roam, so that should lighten them up a little. Cloud still has his belly, but has gone from worm belly to hay belly.

They're all such easy keepers that I have to be real careful, esp. with Peanut my Mustang because of his front feet.

Em

Apr 23, 2008 18:07:43 GMT -5 paintedlady said:

Em !! All of your babies are gorgous !! Look at the bellies on these guys.I see some pretty happy horses Thanks for loving and caring for them ;D

[mykingdomforahorse]

I have a tack question.

The reins in the photos, I got them for Christmas and never used them before. As you can see, they are crazy long, so much so that I had to use one hand to control the extra. Why are they so long, and what do I do about it?

Em

[kidznhorses]

You could tie your reins in a knot. Just make sure they have enough slack and are even on both sides. Also, what type of bit are you using? Is it a tom thumb? That is what I used to ride with until reading about them on Mark Rashid's website. Very informative. www.markrashid.com/trouble_with_tom_thumb.htm If you don't mind a suggestion, a super gentle bit that I think many folks will agree with me on is a Full Cheek Snaffle. Highly recommend it! Your horse will love it! :0)

Great pics of you on Angel! Thanks so much for sending. Love the pink! All of your horses look SOO healthy! And good for you for riding bareback! Great way to improve balance!

[hystyle]

I can't believe how wonderful Cloud looks! He looks very happy...and well fed!

[mykingdomforahorse]

I'm a sponge for any horse advice. I really appreciate it!

It's a Tom Thumb. It was Takoda's bit (he came with it) and he did fine with it out in the desert, being much hotter than Cloud, but I also purchased a bitless bridle for Takoda for in the corral.

I was about to ask that next question -- what would be a good bit for Cloud. I just grabbed Takoda's old bit that day and was gentle with it, but Cloud, unlike Takoda, didn't like it, so I didn't ride for long.

Thanks for the info! I just read the article. I will buy a full cheek snaffle before I ride again.

As for the reins, I tied them in a knot but they still go on for miles.

Em

Apr 23, 2008 19:40:28 GMT -5 kidznhorses said:

You could tie your reins in a knot. Just make sure they have enough slack and are even on both sides. Also, what type of bit are you using? Is it a tom thumb? That is what I used to ride with until reading about them on Mark Rashid's website. Very informative. www.markrashid.com/trouble_with_tom_thumb.htm If you don't mind a suggestion, a super gentle bit that I think many folks will agree with me on is a Full Cheek Snaffle. Highly recommend it! Your horse will love it! :0)

Great pics of you on Angel! Thanks so much for sending. Love the pink! All of your horses look SOO healthy! And good for you for riding bareback! Great way to improve balance!

[mykingdomforahorse]

Thank you and thank you! There are no better compliments. ;D

I love my belly boys.

Em

Apr 23, 2008 20:36:51 GMT -5 hystyle said:

I can't believe how wonderful Cloud looks! He looks very happy...and well fed!

[kidznhorses]

So glad you don't mind the suggestions, Em. When it comes down to it, we actually ride ALL of our horses in rope halters. Gave bits up about 2 years ago. If dear little Angel is as well trained and light as we think she is, you may want to give that try. You may not need anything more on her! Wouldn't that be something!

[toeps]

You all look SO happy!!!! ;D I love the pictures!


ummmm, Em? Is Cloud pregnant? I LOVE seeing that belly on him! He looks so good and he's come such a long way under your care! Great job!

[piggy]

I know for real is Cloud a boy b/c he or she looks pregnant.

[mykingdomforahorse]

Thanks, Donna! ;D

Now that he can be ridden, we'll work on getting him into better shape, building up lean muscle and smoothing him out aesthetically. He still has a ways to go.

I can tell you that having my legs around that big barrel and riding bareback HURT! I was barely able to walk for two days after!

I'm excited to get the full cheek snaffle and take him out in the washes! It's been almost a year since I've had a riding horse. I forgot how much fun it is just to climb on and go!

Em

Apr 24, 2008 4:22:24 GMT -5 toeps said:

You all look SO happy!!!! ;D I love the pictures!


ummmm, Em? Is Cloud pregnant? I LOVE seeing that belly on him! He looks so good and he's come such a long way under your care! Great job!

[mykingdomforahorse]

Hey Kidznhorses!

Anything that makes riding or anything else better for Cloud, I'm all ears.

I have Takoda's bitless bridle to pass on to Cloud, and I'll train him to use it in the corral. But I'm honestly too nervous to ride any horse without a bit out in the desert. I'm not as much afraid of getting thrown or bucked as I'm afraid of getting thrown into a bunch of cactus.

I really appreciate your help in finding a gentle bit for him. If I'm going to use one, the gentler the better, especially with him being such a good boy. I was leary riding him at first because sometimes they seem so well-behaved and gentle on the lot and then once they're feeling good and have weight on, you have a whole different horse.

But not Cloudy. He was just as good as Shawna had described in his lot notes. He's going to be wonderful for my confidence and for lessons and for learning. He's just perfect for me, from size to temperament to knowledge.

Takoda was a hotter horse, and although he never did anything naughty, I was nervous riding him. Any horse that does that sideways plucky walk like TB's do, lol, gets me nervous because I'm still learning.

Thanks (to everyone else, too) for listening to me go on and on (and on and on, lol!) about Cloud.

Em

Apr 24, 2008 0:04:06 GMT -5 kidznhorses said:

So glad you don't mind the suggestions, Em. When it comes down to it, we actually ride ALL of our horses in rope halters. Gave bits up about 2 years ago. If dear little Angel is as well trained and light as we think she is, you may want to give that try. You may not need anything more on her! Wouldn't that be something!