A Breakthrough!!!!

Finally!!! It has taken a lot of patience on my part but we've at last had a breakthrough!
For the last month (while not putting up any posts here!!) I've been working quietly with Maggie in the yards at feed time, getting her used to my presence in her space for a start, then having me holding my long stick, then allowing the stick to touch her on the butt and rub it, the rub her back and shoulder ... all the while she is free to move away if the pressure becomes too much. When that happens I've stepped back, allowed her a minute or two, then gone in to try again (using approach and retreat in other words).
When she realised it actually felt GOOD to have this thing rubbing her, she learned to keep her feet still and enjoy it, then there would be lots of licking and her ears would stay forward, so I knew I was on the right track! She would stand for longer periods of time without moving away, and I was gradually moving my hand up the length of the stick so I ended up shorter and shorter distances from her.
What a day (about 10 days ago now) when I was able to actually touch her with my bare hand, and she was completely unrestrained!!! And she stood still!!!!!!
So now I start with the stick, but within about 20-30 seconds have my hands rubbing that nasty loose winter coat out, and she stands to enjoy it! I tried walking up without the stick but she gave me "the look" so back to the stick it was... lol ... she expects that first, so I'm ok with that - for now!
She has now allowed me to rub right up her neck, run a finger under the halter (which was put on her at Marks'), and rub her chest. Awesome!

But the biggest moment came yesterday when I opened the yard gate to let her out as I usually do when we're finished. She quietly and calmly walked out about 2 metres, then turned and came back to me with ears forward and eyes bright, turned her back and backed up waiting for me to continue scratching!!!!! WOOOWWWWWWW!!!! This was the first time she had asked for my attention (rather than simply accepting my presence) and I was so rapt she showed the trust in me. Real progress and a very cool feeling!!!

I'm hoping now that we will go forward in leaps and bounds! I'm needing to actually, considering the size of her tummy and the constant kicking I can see going on in there! I really want her comfortable with me in case we need some assistance when the foal comes, but I want it on equal ground with her WANTING my presence, rather than MAKING her accept me ... so now she sees me as a source of food and water, and wonderful scratches, AND she thinks it's all on HER terms!!!! Funny!

Another interesting thing is happening at the moment too. Some nights she is happy to take one mouthful of feed from the held bucket then walks off to her bin where I tip it; others she stands eating from the bucket quite contendedly until I have to direct her to the bin, when she puts her ears back and walks away! Maybe I'm meant to keep holding it those times! She just looks so annoyed at me ... lol ... will be interesting to work with that scenario and see what we get ... keep you posted!