Update as of Dec. 19th on Cat's scholing.
"Well, never make plans! Things have not gone as swimmingly this week for Cat. The day before yesterday was the first time she was in the arena with the wind blowing and she was quite alarmed by the crashing and banging. All she did was get quick and alarmed but it made for a "confirming" day rather than a "building" day. Today I started work with the mounting block. She was good for me standing on it and patting her back, but got quite concerned when I leaned some weight on her - humping her back and scooting a bit. This is a pivotal step and most horses have concerns about it but it just needs to be worked through gradually until they take it in stride. If you rush this the horse has a tendency to stay tense or even develop a mounting "issue". On the groundwork side she is driving well off the bridle and definitely getting stronger - I turn her loose in the arena everyday because the footing is so rough outside that the horses aren't playing at all - and she's starting to buck and squeal a bit more."
Will keep you posted.