New addition!

Spring break has come and gone. We had so much to do & it went by so fast! Dean & I are working on the 1/4 mile fence that we need to adopt another horse. It's not as far along as hoped for. We lost 2 days due to bad weather (cold & wet) and 1 due to tree trimming. The electric company hired someone to come out and cut branches that were too close to the power lines. A necessity but it didn't make Topaz very happy. The trimmers were just on the other side of the fence next to the corral using chainsaws & a chipper. As long as I was near Topaz she was relaxed. I went into the house when the machines were off but Topaz became very stressed, running around the corral. To keep her more comfortable I stayed with her sitting by the feed buckets. It gave me the chance to work on a halter I am making for her. I have now tied a fiador knot. Who knew knots would be so challenging?
Topaz's training was put on hold as we worked on the fence. I continue with the daily grooming and letting her know I'm still boss. It's just not as intense as I would like. (a little thing like sleep keeps getting in the way!) I have tried to get her to bow while I was in the corral but for now we still have the fence between us so maybe this won't work quite like I thought. She is also learning that treats are only when I say. Aggression only gets her in trouble. She is getting much better at letting others pet her face without her nipping.
We also adopted a puppy from the shelter. Her name is Abby and Topaz is not sure about the small crazy thing that runs around at full speed! Abby goes right up to Topaz trying to get her to play. The size difference makes it quite comical! I will try in the near future to post a picture of Topaz & Abby.

Major steps!

Teaching Topaz to bow has been an interesting prospect. Everything I have read or viewed and then tried has failed. Using the carrot between her front legs just got her to look at me then between her legs as if to say I'm ready for my carrot now! Also, when I go to work her front feet, she looks for the carrot between her legs. This "cue" didn't work as expected and has caused a few problems. I quit the carrot between her front legs after the second day but she is still hopeful that it will show again. I have also used a rope on her front leg to no avail.
Last weekend she was in her stall eating oats when I saw her kneel on one leg to get some she had dropped on the other side of the railing. A bow! I had some carrot sticks so I thought what the heck let's give it a try. I used the word "Bow" and got her to kneel 3 times. I'm very excited to think it might just work!
Earlier that day I had been teaching her the words "side pass" I can now get on the railing and tell her "side pass" and she will line herself up with the railing even if she is halter less! I really think things are starting to click with her. This makes training very exciting and rewarding.
I also purchased a rider's rasp. The first time using it she started to pull her hoof away, but a "no" and she was good. I am now filing all four hooves every time I clean them. I file a small amount at a time and expect her hooves to be in shape very soon. The rasp is especially made to round the hoof, help prevent splits, and smooth chips. I think it's going to work well for me and Topaz.
I'm also trying to take some photos to possibly get her picture in a contest that is promoting the adoption of mustangs. With some luck I could have a "calendar girl"! Wouldn't that be fun! Definitely worth trying.