Charlotte had been taking riding lessons for three months, but she'd never seen the old stable at the far end of Meadowbrook Farm. Today, while her instructor was helping another student and her little brother Shiloh was napping in his stroller by the fence, she decided to explore.

The door creaked as Charlotte pushed it open. Inside, she gasped. Standing in the shadows was the most beautiful horse she'd ever seen – pure white with a silver mane that seemed to shimmer in the dusty light.

"Hello there," Charlotte whispered. The horse nickered softly and lowered its head. A brass nameplate on the stall read "Silver Star."

Just then, she heard a little voice: "Char-char! Horsie!" Shiloh had woken up and toddled over, his chubby hands reaching through the stable door.

To Charlotte's surprise, Silver Star was already wearing a saddle – a beautiful one made of soft brown leather with silver buckles that sparkled like stars. Even more surprising, there was a smaller saddle right behind it, perfect for a little passenger!

As soon as they were settled, something incredible happened. Silver Star's hooves began to glow with a soft blue light!

"Wheee!" squealed Shiloh as they weren't just trotting anymore – they were floating! Silver Star's hooves barely touched the ground as they glided over the grass.

Higher and higher they flew, until they were among the clouds. But these weren't ordinary clouds – they were solid enough to walk on!

"Welcome to the Cloud Kingdom!" neighed Silver Star – and Charlotte realized she could understand him!

"Horsie talk!" Shiloh clapped his hands in delight. He could understand too!

All around them, other horses appeared – each one a different color of the rainbow, all with glowing hooves like Silver Star's.

"We're the Cloud Horses," Silver Star explained. "Every full moon, we help paint the sunset colors across the sky. Would you both like to help us tonight?"

Charlotte had never felt so special, and Shiloh's giggles filled the air! Wherever their glowing hooves touched, beautiful colors spread across the evening sky.

As the moon began to rise, Silver Star gently flew back down to the farm. "Will we see you again?" Charlotte asked as she helped Shiloh slide off, then climbed down herself.

"Every time you're kind to any horse, you're helping us paint the sky," Silver Star said with a wink. "And on special nights, when you really need a friend, just come to the old stable."

Charlotte took Shiloh's hand and walked back to the main stable, both their hearts full of wonder. Their instructor asked where they'd been.

"Secret!" Shiloh said, putting his finger to his lips like Charlotte had taught him.

From that day on, whenever Charlotte and Shiloh saw a particularly beautiful sunset, they would look at each other and whisper, "Cloud Horses!"