Ok, I can deal with this now...

I've gotten Cowboy in the ring a few more times, and he's doing MUCH better. (and so am I.) He now seems to get the arm signal for direction, and I'm trying to get him to really attend by switching it up some rather than automatically go the opposite direction (I told you he was smart!) I can definately see a preference for turning to the right, and he cuts shorter circles to the left (stiffer). His trot is relaxing now that he knows he doesn't have to GO unless I tell him to. Walking IS ok, too. He's been able to stay reasonably focused despite Isaac's antics, and 6 or 7 huge construction machines tearing up the side of the yard. (I'm so proud of him!). I went to clean his hooves the other night, and he started to squat into a bow! Poor boy! I wasn't asking him to but he was trying! Bless his heart...we've gotta get the signal re-established otherwise he might give the farrier quite a surprise next week! Riding has been a little more of a chore. I think his bit was a little too loose...he kept grating it through his teeth. seems I put it on the wrong hole when I switched bits. He responded much better the other day, but I need to keep remembering to put the "reminders" more in my legs than my hands. We set up an obstacle course in the new field, which helped give us some goals to work on. I think some suppling excercises in his neck are gonna be needed. He's stiff as a board sometimes! The ride at Zaleski is only a little over aweek away...still no ride firmed up...I hope we can get ourselves there!