All is well here at the ranch. Jerri, Apple and Nellie are settling in. They are very quiet, and other than the ruckus upon their arrival, it is as if they have been here forever. All the other horses pay no mind to them.
They are taking some treats but they are so very cautious. I actually touched Jerri on the nose and then a touch to the shoulder which I thought was going to cause her to jump through her skin. Nellie not a chance at this point, but with time and patience it will happen. I have had the opportunity to rub Apple's face and her cheeks (big cheeks). She is a sweet a mare but cautious as well.
It will be some time before we can change their halters out. In the meantime, I call the halters they are wearing their "BADGE OF COURAGE". Jerri's number is 92, Nellie is 34 and Apple is 09. Their names were actually given to them by Animali staff members, as they were only numbers to the rancher. These numbers are freeze branded on them which will always be a reminder to us of their previous lives.
In time, they will come around, maybe not entirely but they will always be safe and loved.
Stephanie
