Mustang Makeover - Cassowary

[TheCryptid]

This is a thread where I will be writing about Cassowary and our progress in the Mustang Makeover. Please do not post on this thread and if you want to talk to me, please PM :)

If you want to read through it, please note that if the entry was posted today, there will probably be a lot of mistakes as I only go checking for errors the following day. Please be patient with me.

[TheCryptid]

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Show name; her full name is Cassowary.
Barn name; Brooklyn calls her Cass, while her best friend Jasmine calls her Cassy. Other people at the ranch call her Cassowary, Cass or Cassy.
Gender; she is a mare.
Age; Cass is quite young, being only two years old.
Breed; Cass is a Mustang.
Height; 14.0hh
Owner; Brooklyn Waters

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Coat Colour; Bay
Markings; Cass has two socks on her back legs and also, has a stripe down her face.
Mane and Tail; Her mane and tail are black.
Hooves; The two back hooves are pink, while the two front are black.

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Cass seems to settle into new places very easily and is very calm while inside a stall. But, she gets distracted very easily while being handled which will be a problem in the future. Cass adores the outside, and will have to be brought out into the pastures in order for her to use all her energy as well as remain happy.

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Sire; unknown
Dame; unknown
Siblings; unknown
Offspring; none

[TheCryptid]

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As the wheels of my truck drive across the gravel road, I hear soft cracking noises. The ranch has slowly began to appear in the horizon as the morning sun slowly started to rise. It was early, about six in the morning, I would usually only be waking up at this time. I turned the stirring wheel with my hands and carefully moved the truck closer to the corral I had ready for my new horse. My best friend, Jasmine, helped me get it ready just before I left to collect my mare.
When I thought that the truck was in a good enough position, I took the keys out of my truck and climbed out, gently closing the door behind me. I look around for Jasmine, she promised to help me with my new horse when I got back, but she was no where to be seen. While I waited, I thought it would be a good idea to check on the mare. Make sure everything was OK, at least. I strolled to the right side of the trailer, and put my hands up onto the opening inside. Then, I put my foot onto the wheel and hauled myself up.

Inside, stood a a beautiful creature. Her ears were curiously turning in different direction as she stood and did not move. From time, I could catch her swishing her tail and whipping off the pesky flies that have settled on her hind. When she scented me, her head turned to face me. I quickly looked down to avoid her gaze, making up my mind that I wont do that until I am sure she is comfortable with me being around. I dip one hand inside the trailer and fish out her lead rope, gently tugging on it to encourage her to come closer, while making kissing noises and gently talking in a low volume.

At first, she didn't bug. I let her stand there for a few moments, before trying again. This time, she carefully took a step forward towards me. I lift up my hand and gently stroked her muzzle with my fingers, after which her head shot up in the air. Again, I let her be for a few moments, before trying again. This time, I managed to stroke her muzzle with her doing the same trick, but I felt she still felt quite uncomfortable with it.

I felt a presence behind me, so drop the mare's lead rope and slowly take my hands back out, before turning my head to see Jasmine standing there. I jump off the wheel and rub my hands together.
"I thought you would be waiting for me?" I tell her, while fixing my helmet strap which seemed a bit loose.
"I know, but I heard a horse kick it's stall door and a lot of whinnies, so I rushed to help." she answered back, she sounded quite guilty.
"It's fine" I say with a re-assuring smile.
"So who did you get? Mare? Gelding?" she asked and started to tie her long black hair into a messy ponytail. After which, she put her helmet back on.
"Mare" I quickly answer and walked to the end of the trailer. I climbed over the corral fence and landed softly on my feet. Jasmine did the same.
"Have you thought on what to name her?" she asked again, and I shook my head in return. I have went through many names, but then decided I'm not naming my horse until I see it. I had no names in mind, all the ones suggested to me were either to common and cheesy or too complicated and smart.
I reach the trailer and felt butterflies in my stomach. I turned to face Jasmine and see that she has climbed back up the fence and sat there. I'm guessing she was just worried that the mare would bolt. That would be the worst thing that could happen, the thing I fear most of. If she bolts, she wouldn't only be hard to calm down, but she could also injure herself while trying to escape. If she would.

I unlatched the trailer, and took a deep breathe. Here we go, I think and swung open the door. At first, there was nothing. I waited for a few more moments before peeking inside. My mare stood at the very end of the trailer, her head slightly lowered and her brown eyes looking out at us. I took a few steps back and stood against the corral fence to give her space. She then lifted her head and took a few steps forward, but didn't leave the darkness of the trailer.
I look at her, she had a beautiful bay coat, with darkened legs and muzzle. She had a very long and narrow stripe down her face. Starting somewhere near her ears and stretching down to it end at the muzzle. But, her coat now was dulled out by dust and dirt, while her mane was long and tanged and really needed a trim. She looked quite under weight too, but her eyes told me she has a strong spirit. She was young, it was obvious. No older than three years, two maybe.
I took a few steps closer to her, she had her eyes at me and her ears were pricked forward in interest. I stood only about a meter away from her. When she thought I was too close, she took a step back into the trailer and snorted, her ears now facing away from me.

Deciding to let her settle in for a few moments, I carefully took steps back before turning away. I walked over to Jasmine, which no longer was sitting on the fence.
"How is she?" she asked me. I shrugged.
"A bit nervous. I'll let her be for few minutes so she can settle in." I explain. She nodded in response.
"So what are you training her in?" she asked after a moment of silence. I glanced at the trailer once more, the mare has returned to her previous position and her ears were pricked forward again. I sighed and looked back at Jasmine.
"I'm not sure yet. I have a lot to figure out yet." I said and chuckled, she nodded in agreement.
"You do, I mean, she doesn't even have a name yet" she agreed. I rolled my eyes.
"I only saw her properly five minutes ago. I have to make the name I give a her suitable." I say impatiently. Jasmine owns one horse, her favorite mare called This Is Halloween. Or how she calls her, Hallow. She named the mare before she even saw a picture of her, mostly because she heard Hallow was born on the thirty first of October. She names many things before she gets to know them, like her rabbit Abigail and her Jack Russel Terrier Demi.
"Sure, sure" she finally said with a grin.
"I better return to her, you can go if you like" I say and turn on my heels to return to the mare, which looked like she wanted to leave the gloomy trailer, but something stopped her. Jasmine nodded and climbed over the fence, walking back to the barn.
I carefully approach the mare. She looked back at me with curiosity. I did the same technique as I did when she was in the trailer. I carefully stretched out my arm and touched her muzzle with my fingers. She seemed to be a bit bothered, but didn't move her head like last time. I said gently words to her as I tried to touch her nose. She jerked back her head once more, but after a few more tries, I was able to pat her muzzle, nose and forehead. I smiled,
"Good girl" I cooed.

Once she was comfortable with me touched her whole face, I slowly stepped into the trailer. She didn't seem to mind at first, but kept her stare at me as I untied her lead rope and stepped to her side.
"Come on girl" I tell her and very loosely tug on the lead rope. She took a cautious step forward onto the ground. She then lowered her other hoof, after which she awkwardly jumped off. It was something to work on. She lowered her head to the ground and plucked the short grass as soon as all of her legs were off the trailer. I took the opportunity to quickly un-clip her lead rope and hang it onto the fence, just in case she trips.

While she ate, I tried touching her neck and withers. Same reaction as always, a bit uncomfortable at first, but soon she got used to it. I sighed in relief, I was so glad she was settling in so easily. Not even trying to escape or attack me.
An idea popped into my head as I remember the pieces of carrot in my pocket. I kept them for Destiny, but I was sure that he wouldn't mind to share. I carefully slip my hand into my jacket pocket, and take out a slice of a carrot. I make some kissing noises to the mare to grab her attention, it didn't work at first, but soon she lifted her head to look at me. I stretched out my hand with the carrot in it, but in order to get it, the mare would have to approach me. She seemed unsure, staring from me to the treat as if deciding. Finally, she walked over to me and sniffed the carrot before taking it from my hand. I smile in awe, and rubbed her neck.
I worked with her for another hour or so. Trying to get her used to me and get her to approach me, she only did if I had a treat. I still felt victorious, this was a great start!

Soon, Jasmine returned. She leaned over the fence. A smile was stretched across her face as she watched us.
"You guys are doing great!" she complimented. I smiled in return.
"She is doing great! I'm actually surprised she took me in so easily." I say and smiled down at my mare, which was grazing away at the grass.
"Have you came up with a name yet?" she asked. I looked up and smiled, quickly nodding. Her eyes widened as she leaned a bit closer in, apparently she was waiting for an answer.
"Cassowary" I say, looking back down at my mare. "Her name is Cassowary."

- So far so good, Cas doesn't seem to mind the corral or trailer much.
- She loves treats! I mean, who doesn't?
- Cas is now comfortable with me touching her face, neck and withers.
- She gets used to things easily, like me touching her. But it will take a few attempts to do something correctly.

[TheCryptid]

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Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep
Sounded my annoying alarm. I groaned and turned over to face my nightstand, then picked up my phone and put it on snooze. Sighing, I put the covers back over my shoulders and closed my eyes once more. Just another minute wont hurt. Just one. As I napped, I thought of my mare with awaited me in the barn. I could image her, standing in her spacey wooden stall with wood chips spread across the ground. Her coat glimmered in the morning sunshine, and her long, narrow stripe stretched down her face like a flowing stream. Cassowary, my beautiful little bird of paradise.

Beep Beep Beep Beep Beep
Goes off my alarm again. Taking a deep breathe, I stretched my arm out and turn it off. If I want Cass to be a bird of paradise, I will need to work really hard. I left the warmness of my covers, and dressed into a pair of jeans and a random shirt. Today, I was planning just to continue earning Cass's trust as well as get her used to everyday objects at the barn, such as brush. I might try to clean her off a bit too, as her coat wont start glimmering until I do something about that dust and dried mud.

Half way down the stairs, I tied my chestnut hair back into bun. As I neared the kitchen I could smell pancakes and also saw my mother wearing an apron as she stood by the stove. Picking a few pancakes, I quickly ate them as I jogged to the garage and wheeled out my bicycle.

~at the ranch~

As I enter the barn and walk down the corridor of many stalls, I hear gentle nickers and neighs from all sides. As well as the clatter of hooves against the hard ground. I smile as I pass Destiny's stall, and give him a quick pat on the nose.
"Hello there, boy" I greeted him with a smile. "I wont be riding with you much, I'm sorry. But Jasmine promised to ride you when I cant" I tell him. Destiny was my only horse before I got Cass. It will probably be hard for him to get used to the fact I will be busy with her. But Jasmine was my best friend, and I trusted her.

I leave for Cass's stall once more, leaving Destiny's behind. As I approach, I see that her stall is one of the only that doesn't have a curious horse head peeking out. I cock my head to the side as the inside comes into my view. I was glad to see Cass standing there, and not lying on the floor. That reminded me that I should get a vet to check her up, just in case. But first I need to make sure that she is comfortable with me and other people interacting with her. I smile and come closer.
"Good morning, Cass!" I chirp and stretch out my hand. Curiously and carefully, Cass stretched out her neck and touched my hand with her muzzle. When she saw that no treats were in my palm, she snorted and pulled away her head.




I smile at the mare's silliness, and go to pat her nose. Once my hand touched her muzzle, she took a step closer and half-closed her eyes when I rubbed her nose. I then slowly move down to behind her ear, neck and chest. She didn't seem to have problems and was getting used to me, which is very good news. I did the same as the last day with her back, which she seemed a but bothered about. But soon she took a deep breathe and exhaled, and I knew she was relaxed. I knew that I couldn't keep her in the position she is now, I mean hygienically. She was quite a mess. So, I grabbed the near by grooming kit and picked out a brush.

Cass seemed curious towards the brushes, and I was glad she didn't react like I know some horses do. Go mad, kick, bite and buck. Not letting anyone touch the bristles of their brushes anywhere near their coat. But Cass, she wasn't like that. Once she saw the brush, she tilted her head to the side and tried to nibble on it, which caused me to giggle. But once I started brushing her, she grew a little nervous. She kept lifting her feet of the ground and putting them back again, from time to time, she would pin her ears back or attempt to nip my jacket. it took a while for her to calm down and understand that the brushed were no harm. In fact, I was almost done with her coat when she relaxed. I noticed that her legs and hooves were especially dirty, so bent down. I remembered that I have never touched her legs before, she put my land on her shoulder and slowly slide my hand down towards her front leg. She seemed very uncomfortable, and shook her head in disapproval. I tried again, but this time she let out an angry whinny and threatened to rear up. I instantly took my hands of her leg, and went to calm her down.
"Ok girl, it's Ok" I coo to her and pat her cheek. She shakes her head and exhaled through her nostrils, stamping the ground with on of her hooves. "It's fine girl. I wont do anything to your legs today, promise"

Leaving her legs how they were, I decided to trim her mane. Jasmine came over to help, to hold Cass's head in case she spooks or does any sudden movements. I was quite happy with the result, I went for a basic mane that most horses have, I also trimmed her tail so it wouldn't be as long. Her forelock was shorter and I could see her eyes without moving it around, and a lot more of her stripe shows now.

"Wow, that's quite a transformation!" breathed Jasmine as she walked around Cass.
"She is quite a looker, with all that mud gone" I agree, then add. "Well, thanks for your help Jas. I owe you a Starbucks"
"Sounds good!" she smiles and leaves the stall. I am now left with Cass. I smile at her and gently pat her back, which some day will hold a saddle. I smile at the thought, Cassowary will be a great mare. It doesn't matter to me if we win the Mustang Makeover or not, she has forever stolen my heart.

I grabbed her halter, which was hanging from a hook outside her stall, and carefully approach her with it. Last time, she seemed OK with the halter, but I had no idea how she would react to it again. Carefully, I slip it over her face and tighten the buckle. She didn't seem to mind at all. I smile, and stand by her side as I hold the halter from underneath, were the lead rope is attached, and gently tug. She didn't bug at first. I tried again, nothing.
"Come on girl" I pleaded and clicked my tongue. She took one step, then another. Soon we were walking town the corridor of stalls, the mare walking by my side. She would constantly get distracted by something, either it was a horse, a dog or an abounded brush lying on the ground. I tried to pull her away from any distractions, let her know that while she's on the lead, she will only go were I tell her to. It will take a lot of work, as she didn't quite understand it yet.

Unlatching the gate to the pasture, Cass seemed to jump on the spot.
"Calm now" I say and pat her neck as I lead her inside and close the gate behind me. Carefully, I un-clip the lead rope and take a few steps back. She turned around to face the fields, and nickered happily. As she trotted around ever so happily, I jump up onto the fence to watch her. She seemed to wild, so free. But at the same time, ever so beautiful.

- - I can now touch her back and hind quarters.
- Cass is curious about the brushes, and almost comfortable around them.
- she hates people touching her legs or hooves. This is a big problem if I want to get her her horseshoes or taken to the vet.
- She gets easily distracted while on the lead.
- Cass loves being outside and in the pastures.

[TheCryptid]

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It was the early morning when I left for the ranch. I was leaving extra early today though, I usually left around 7. I looked down at my watch to check the time, finding it was only 6:21. The reason for my early departure was that I wanted to do something a little bit different today. Something I have read out of my favourite book, The One Dollar Horse. It made me wonder that if reading to a horse, really improved their trust. I was going to find out anyway. This morning I took the first book that I saw on my bookshelf, which just happened to be Sky Hawk by Gill Lewis. The problem though, is that I borrowed the One Dollar Horse from the library, and just can't remember what type of book was recommended. Fiction? Drama? Detailed? Would it matter anyway? I shook my head, probably not. Even though horses were very smart. especially Cass, I doubt she will be able to understand the book word by word, if understand it at all.

~At the ranch~

I neared Cass's stall and was relieved to see her looking back at me as I peeked inside. Her eyes were shiny and happy, while her ears were facing forward in interest. Smiling, I put down the book on a stool which stood in the corridor of stalls. Most people used it to help mount tall equines. I reach out and to pet her.
"Good morning, Cassie" I chirp happily, and she seemed as happy to see me as I did her. I went to get her food into the tack room. She was on a special diet, as she was quite underweight. But I noticed that she was starting to improve. I return with her food and carefully open the stall, walking inside and pouring the feed from the bucket into her feed bowl.

While she ate, I picked up the stool and carried it into the stall. I sat in the corner and watched her eat, then opened the first page and started to read.
"I saw her first, a pale skinny girl lying on a flat rock below the rapids. She was leaning put over the edge, reaching down into a deep pool of still water." I look up from the page to see Cass still eating, but she seemed interested in what I was doing. I smile and return to the book. "Swirls of river foam clung to the bottom of her rolled-up sleeves and the floating ends of her long red hair. She was watching something in the dark river shadows."

I read on for the rest of the chapter. It wasn't long at all, just a few pages. But the story got me into the book so much, that I read until I finished Chapter Four. Cass was paying attention the whole time. Though she wasn't looking at me directly, either she was eating or looking out of the stall at the walking by owner and their horses, I knew that she heard me and that she was listening. I wasn't used to reading out loud, the only times I read out loud was in school, but that was only a paragraph or two. I sigh, and continue on onto the fifth chapter. "At first all I could see was the head of the bird above the pile of sticks, a creamy head with a brown stripe across the eye. The rest of the bird appeared. It was huge, with dark brown wings with a white belly. There was something prehistoric about it, like a beast of a lost world, too big for this landscape."

When I finished the chapter, I bend the corner of the page and close the book. Five chapters should be more than enough, but even though that was five chapters, we only read about 28 pages. It made me wonder why the chapters were so short. Shrugging, I picked up the stool once more and brought it out of the stall, putting it back into it's previous position. I also left the book there, surely nothing will happen to it. I took out Cass's halter and lead rope which hung from a hook at the side of her stall, and quickly went to put it on her. I was hoping to bring her out into the pastures with other horses, but as soon as I asked anyone to volunteer, everyone disagreed or lied about being absent on that day.

"You're kidding, right? You aren't bringing out that beast with my girl Dorothy! Not going to happen!"
"Um sorry, but I'm out with Sorrel today. Maybe next time?"
"Why don't you bring her out with Destiny? That poor horse, standing in it's stall all day!"

The last one was not true at all, Des was being taken care of by Jasmine and was ridden too. He was brought out to the pastures and trained, just like any other horse at the barn. Though it did seem like a good idea, Des isn't always on the best behavior around mares. So I would cross him off the list too. But no one wanted to experiment with their horse, not even Jasmine. I had to think of something, and fast.

So, Cass was out in the field alone again. She didn't seem to mind, but I have a feeling she might be missing the old life as a herd horse. And have the protection of other horses around her. Perhaps I could loan a horse off somebody, but what is Cass isn't good with them at all? The only option we have is to buy one then, but does Longside Creek have a stall to spare?

- Cass is starting to look forward to my visits, this is very good progress.
- I read to her, she seems interested and likes to hear my voice.
- We should start training soon...

[TheCryptid]

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I feel a bit nervous as I approach my horse, Cass, which was standing in her stall as always. Today, I will finally get into training and doing a bit of lunging as well as halter training. Cass stared back at me with her deep brown eyes, they were so kind, so gentle. But my mustang was still wild, though she did trust me more than the day she just arrived, Cass is still a wild filly inside. We need to chase that filly away. As always, I slip on her light blue halter and lead her out of her stall, a lunging rope in my other hand.

Cass is always distracted while on the lead, she constantly shifts from one side to the other, going to sniff other horses, dogs and unknown to her items. She was very young, only about two years, so she is still considered a filly to me. And like any other filly, she is extremely curious and adventurous.

By the time we reach the corral, my arms ache from pulling Cass from any distractions. I clip on the lunging rope to her halter and grab the lunging whip which was leaning against the fence. I turn back to Cass to see that she was staring back at me with interest, but I don't loose any time. I take a few steps back so that the rope was long enough, holding the rope in one hand while the whip in the other. Cass was standing facing me, so that I don't see her back legs, but I sway the whip to my right and in her direction while clicking my tongue, hoping to get her to move. At the sight of the whip, she jerk back, but kept her eyes on it. She had no idea what it was, and I wasn't sure how she will react to it. Gently, I moved it a bit more and she took a few steps back, pulling me with her. I stand my ground, though do take a few steps to make sure she was comfortable.

Soon, she was walking away from it, but still didn't get the idea that she was meant to walk around me in a circle. After a few more attempts, I put down the whip and see that she took a deep breathe and exhaled, showing relaxation. I slowly approach her and put my hand on her withers while the other on her mane, she didn't react and stood still. Wondering if I was doing this to early, I jump up and balancing myself on her side, so that I'm ready to go back to the ground in case she bolts but at the same time was comfortable in my position. Cass didn't bolt, but she did get a bit timid. She paced back and forth while carrying me with her, but I let her, as long as she understands I won't hurt her. I hung around for less than thirty seconds, before dropping back t the ground and rubbing her neck happily.
"Good job Cass!" I exhale, this went better than I thought it would. I let her stand there for a few more moments before attempting again. She still walked around with me and wondered what I was up to, but she seemed less anxious or worried. So I pet her neck again and smile victoriously.

I clipped her lead rope back on and walked in circles around the corral. She would sometimes stop, but I encouraged her by clicking my tongue. She would then shake her head and continue. Her distractions needed to get taken care of, or else just leading her somewhere will result in paining arms. She seemed OK in the corral, but outside it, she was as distracted as ever.

When we returned into the stall, I once again tried to touch her legs and hooves. She reacted almost the same, to escape from my touch and nipped my jacket. I tried to show that I was nothing scary, and was worried that she was wasn't scared, that it hurt her. But then, she would be limping around, wouldn't she? So I tried over an over, I know that one day, she will give in.

But progress today was amazing, Cass might be easier to train than I thought. All I know is that we just have to continue training and she will be one of the most talented horses I ever owned.

- Cass now lets me balance of her side. Sooner or later I will be able to sit on her back
- She seems a bit anxious when she sees the whip.
- We're getting a bit better at the halter and lead rope, but she is still easily distracted.

[TheCryptid]

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"Nope, nope, nope" I mutter to myself, as I flip the pages of the edition of the PONY magazine, desperately looking for the sales page. And no, if you're thinking that I have given up on Cass and decided to get myself a different horse, you are horribly wrong. All I want to do get Cass a cheap mare companion so that she isn't lonely anymore, as all the horse owners still think that Cass is too ''wild'' or ''dangerous''.

"Aha!" I exclaim as I finally find it. My eyes automatically start scanning the horse pictures and descriptions. But I pay extra attention to the price. I am specifically looking for a mare, but a gelding would just fine too. They have to be social and friendly, and not too expensive. I wasn't looking for a horse that would win the Grand Prix, just a nice mare or gelding that would keep Cass company.

After a few minutes, I sigh sadly. The horses were either too expensive, or just not what I'm looking for. I was feeling doubtful as I look at the last picture. The picture was not in the best quality, probably taken with a cheap or barely working camera. In the blurriness I could just about make out the outline of a horse and a human. Judging the size of the person, the horse was about 15.2 hh. I read the description in my head.
"This beautiful four year old liver chestnut mare is for sale to good hands. Good temperament, patient and easy-going. Rides in english and is an experienced show-jumper. For sale at only $600, and comes with her full riding equipment. Call Ashley at 0841794583."

"Perfect" I mutter to myself as I grab my cellphone and dial in the given phone number.

~Time skip, and the ranch~

A wide smile was stretched across my face as I enter the barn and head for Cassowary's stall. The mare's name was Pompeii. And she would arrive into my hands only tomorrow. The owners seemed only happy to have her sold.
I see Cass's head poking out of her stall, looking out at the passing by people and their horses. Before I get there, I see her bend her neck and nuzzle our ranch dog, Alfie. I giggle and stretch my hand before me, which Cass eagerly looks for treats in. I smile and unlock her stall door and walk inside.

Cass seemed glad to see me. She nudged my arm as I went to fill her food bowl, and while she ate I quickly brushed her from dust and dead skin. I also combed her mane and tail, which she didn't seem to mind at all. When I was finished I packed away the grooming kit and put it away, then returned to her.

She has finished with her food and now looking back at me with interest. I grin and rub her nose as I enter her stall once more. She took a step back to give me space, which made me smile. I then started to rub her neck and withers, slowly moving down to her legs and hooves. In return, she pinned back her ears but stayed still.
"Shh, good girl" I whisper as I tap her hoof for a second, then stand tall again, eagerly rubbing her neck. "Good girl! I can get you shoed soon!"

I slip on her halter and lead her out of her outside, firmly holding onto the lead to try and prevent her head in taking control and her pulling me across the barn again. She seemed disappointed, trying to free her head from my grip, but gave in in the end. I smiled in victory.

In the arena, I did the same stuff I did the day before; lunging and balancing. She didn't seem as nervous about the whip anymore, probably new it wouldn't hurt her. She stayed almost still when I balanced on her shoulder and withers this time, so I managed to swing my leg over and sit on her back without hesitation. She seemed to be interested in what I was doing, and this was good news. It won't be long before I can get her tacked up and ready to go.

- Cass is almost comfortable with me touching her hooves.
- She's fine with me mounting her, soon we can take up.
- Pompeii is arriving tomorrow!