[KathrynKat]

Username; Rondell
Name; Latte

Grelifcent ID; #007
Grelifcent Band; #01
Gender; Mare
Height; 13HH
Kindness Rating; 4 [Feral]
Tails; 1
Generation; First

Parents;
- Unknown
Breeding Slots;
- 0/5
Date of last Foal born;
- NA
Current Souls Captured;
- 6
Breeding Slot Reserves;
- NA
Pairings/Breedings;
- NA

Completed Tasks;
- 0
Total Points Collected;
- 0

[Rondell]

Boop!

Pretty las is now mine! <3

Username; Rondell
Name; Latte

Task 1 - Unloading;
Share a story in the unloading from the trailer
(50-100 Word Story)

She was one of the last Grels from the roundup - and definately the last of her herd. Despite her gorgeous coat and gentle disposition, no one seemed to want her! Thus, despite needing no new Grells, Rondell opened their home to her, if only so she'd get more attention than she would sitting around in the rescue's back field... by herself.

When Latte's trailer arrived on the farm, Rondell guided it over to the quarantine paddock and helped the driver get lined up. Then, when all was set, they leaned over and unlatched the door. As expected, the mare didn't come out right away. She knew where she was was safe, relatively, while the space being offered was unfamiliar and potentially hostile. So Ron gave her space and, in time (with the help of a bit of hay) the soft brown mare crept forth and began exploring her new home. The trailer was removed shortly afterword.

Task 2 - Taming;
Share a story in how you started taming, to be able to gain a bit of trust
(50-100 Word Story)

Rondell has never pushd an animal to be friendly. They simply go about their business, allowing the newcomer to relax at their own pace as they get used to the daily grind. A few days after Latte arrived, she began showing hints of excitement whenever the little burlap-clad being brought her breakfast. A few days after that, she actually seemed to be paying attention when Rondell spoke to her - her ears swiveled around to focus in on the sound while her bony head tipped to the side, almost in curiosity.

The fear was melting away!

It was at this point that Rodell began bringing her treats and extending the literal hand of friendship. Latte was still a wild animal, yes - and Rondell had to be on their guard - but she longed for a herd, and in lieu of other Grelifcents this strange bipedal creature was beginning to look more and more promising....

Task 6 - Started Training;
Share a story on starting training. Getting used to a halter
and leading.
(50-100 Word Story)

Halter training was alway a necessary but highly tedious task. Rondell liked it about as much as the Grelifcents they worked with! But what must be done, must be done, so once Latte had grown friendly to the point of allowing Rondell to pet her, they broke out the training halter and got down to work.

The halter itself was just a matter of getting Latte used to putting her face near - then through - the loops without being afraid. This was done with many, MANY treats and much, MUCH patience. Repetition is key. And again, Rondell let Late set the pace.

Once the mare could wear the halter properly without showing signs of being uncomfortable, Rondell used still more treats to coax her forward, sideways, and backward, getting her used to walking on a lead and responding to verbal commands.

It took two months, but they got there in the end.

Task 3 - Introduce to a herd;
Introduce the Grelifcent to your/one of your herds.
(50-100 Word Story)

Rondell wasn't really sure which herd Latte would live with permanently (or even if the mare would actually be STAYING permanently) so they simply chose the herd that had the fewest members: that of Vulture. Broom could use a friend anyway.

They began by simply walking Latte past the field where Vulture's herd was pastured. From there, they began feeding the Grells on opposite sides of the fence. As tensions eased, Rondell moved the food for both Latte and the herd closer and closer together, until they were literally eating inches away from one another. Socialization through the slats of the fence was encouraged! Then, finally, one by one, Latte met the herd in person.

Task 4 - Brush & Bathe;
Share a story in brushing to clean the Grelifcent
(50-100 Word Story)

To make things easier, once Latte had settled in with Vulture's brood, they began taking her along when it was time to bathe either Vulture, Broom, or Gorey. That way Latte could get used to the process and see how little her fellows were bothered. Broom was the best - she loved baths! Thus, after a few sessions of standing by while Broom enjoyed herself, Latte came over and joined the fun! Curiosity can be a powerful thing!i

Task 5 - Fully Tamed;
Share a story in how you connected with the Grelifcent
(50-100 Word Story)

Rondell didn't plan on riding Latte themselves,
but they figured it would be good to saddle-train her anyway - just to make her accessible to a wider range of prospective new homes, in case they ever did send her out into the world. With this in mind, Rondell began pulling Latte aside for a few hours each day, slowly acclimating her to first saddle pad, then saddle, then bridle. It gave them a chance to spend lots of time together, and to get to know one another better. By the time Rondell climbed into the saddle and guided Latte on her first, slow lap of the arena, they trusted one another fully. The mare was wild no more!