Yards. Liberty. Rugged. Thunder in the distance. 5 minutes. The coming storm is why it was short. But good! Worked on head down. Did forget to add the verbal cue most of the time. Luckily I was able to c/t several times as he put his head down AND shifted his weight back. That was a bonus. He incorporated it into backing but I think, because of catching those few times when he was only shifting back as he put his head down, it will be easier to refine it so that he always shifts his weight back when his head goes down. What a lucky break! Really chuffed.
He did mug but he's giving it up much more quickly and when he does mug it's not as prolonged. When I think back to when he was licking and mouthing and slobbering...we've come a very long way.
Also worked on trying to catch him when his head was straight rather than flexed away.
As for evading he was much better. I think it only happened once. Today I remembered to walk or turn away before he became overwhelmed. He kicked at his pizzle but there was none of the stallion behaviour towards me.
Gave him a big handful of carrots at the end then threw, as I always do, the carrot filled bum bag outside the yards.
Another plus was his standing with me quietly, me *sans* carrots, while I gently scratched around his poll and ears. It was a nice moment.
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