Fences and sunshine

Most of you know that I use electric fence to make turn out pens for my horses- I've been doing it for a few years since my landlord decided that I shouldn't use his pasture any more. When I get home from work, I turn Clancy out in her pen, and Beamer in his. All was well until a couple of days ago; I keep an eye on them, and half an hour after my last check, I went to bring them in- and Clancy wasn't in her pen. The fence was all up, hadn't been stretched anywhere; and she was over by the heifer pen calmly grazing. Her neck was a bit sweaty, so I think she got to running and couldn't stop in time so just bailed over the fence. No harm done- but now I don't trust her to stay in the electric fence. I've seen her get pushy with the round pen fence when she is out of sight/sound of the other horses; when Josie was calling to her one day, and I had her in the round pen she was bumping the top rail with her chest. Looks like she probably doesn't respect fences. I probably need a separate and more powerful fencer for turn out, as well as making the tape a lot higher. But for now, it will be hand grazing, and that's just what I needed to get me off my butt and riding again.
Yesterday I hauled her to the local stable and used their outdoor arena- which is huge and has really nice footing. It was a perfect sunny afternoon.

We did walk/trot work, just trying to get her legged up for all the fun stuff I want to do this year. She is making good progress with some of the issues she came with. She no longer bloats up for saddling, she stands still when I mount (that was a real issue last summer) and no longer walks off right away as soon as my butt hits the saddle. She is learning that I like things slow and easy instead of just being in a big hurry. One thing that still need improvement is softening in the face. When I pick up the reins for a soft feel she dives into the bit and bumps herself. I try to use my legs to lift her in the back and have her in a nice frame but she isn't quite getting it yet- but she will. She was softer last summer, just needs refreshing. And I need to develop better timing with my cues. I am woefully out of time with her reaching foot! I'll get better too ;o) I think I am going to use a different bridle on her too, I find the mecate reins too heavy.
When I got her home, she got to graze for a while- her favourite thing- and it was funny watching Thea grab the lead rope- I think I could train her how to lead the horse! She isn't afraid of the horse and also doesn't pester her.

I was debating mowing the lawn the other day- but I think I'll just let Clancy do it for now.