The fence is finally done!! Topaz now has 15 acres to graze down. She isn't too sure about the new found freedom. It is kinda scary to be by herself with all that room. When we drive up front from the house she follows eating all the way. She doesn't like to loose sight of us & will run to catch up. She has been able to get out the last week but still prefers to hang by the house if I'm home. I'm hoping she will get more used to it & wander more.
Her training is going very well. I now ride her every day for short periods of time. She is learning to turn and to start walking with leg pressure. I am using a halter & lead rope only. Topaz is very good about the lead being thrown over her head. Since I'm only using one lead for now I have to toss it over to pull for direction changes. Sometimes my throw isn't as good as should be & it lands on her nose:( She just stands there until I fix it. Working with her every day has made a big difference. I'll be sorry to loose this when I go back to work.
I'm still going bare back. I like the way I can feel what is going on with Topaz. If she is getting skittish I can feel her muscles tense up and can get off in a hurry if needed. So far that has only happened once. She is accepting me on her back really well. I will continue to ride her as often as I can once work starts. We still have a long way to go.

This is me(on the left) letting Topaz get used to my weight. In the background is the over turned water trough that I use as a mounting block. Not elegant but it works! She isn't skittish at all with me sitting on her. A few days later (picture on the right) I went for my first "ride" very thrilling! It was a short time as I am trying to take "baby steps" and not over whelm her. We have now had quite a few days of rain which has slowed the fence building and working with Topaz. We have the vet visiting on Tuesday. We will give Topaz a tranquillizer to keep her calm. Dr. Kevin said he is waiting for the day when I would ride up on Topaz, he would give her a shot, and I would ride away. Yeah --- I'm waiting for that day too, but not holding my breath LOL She is doing VERY well I think. We would be further along if it wasn't for the trainer not always knowing what she's doing!!! We will definitely be getting her a "friend" next spring. Then starts a whole new set of issues! Well, -- it keeps me busy.