Really have to make up my mind about how I'm going to be. I'm still halfway apologetic that I've even asking him to do anything. Balthazar can certainly pick up on that. Played around tonight with a few of the seven games. He did very well with turns on the forehand and hindquarters (yielding), backing up and coming forward, less so circling (and worryingly and something I've forgotten to mention before now, Balthazar is very slightly lame circling right and has been for a few weeks. No swelling, nothing obvious in his foot. Lee was here last week, saw nothing. No idea what it is but he's already 'resting' and has been for over 2 years so bushing him isn't going to make any difference). Anyway, he hasn't much energy, lifted mine and he was better. Worked on getting him to sidestep, wanted to place his offside front on a leaf purely by me directing him without moving from the spot I was standing on. We got about 6 inches away. But he'd quit and I'd have to up my energy (pressure) to get him back in the game. When he'd try I'd quit, give him a break, trying to tell him that, Yes, that was the right thing to do. Also tried driving him (poor) and the squeeze game which, as we haven't done that in years, he didn't do too badly.

Took him out of the paddock afterwards for a graze, a graze that I invited (hand gesture) him to do and also a graze that I would put a stop to. Just working on that communication a bit.

Noticed again tonight that Balthazar was sweating when I got him out of the stall. His sweating increased while I groomed him. It's going to take a while before we lose that tension stemming from all those months of c/t. Poor guy doesn't really know what to expect from me. I'm all over the shop. Amazing that he does as well as he does. Have found that his ear pinning and biting at his chest lessens if I am very soft while grooming that area. Also that he is less annoyed with me brushing his face if I use long slow strokes. Surprising and rather sad that he has had to put up with annoying habits of mine because I was too dense to alter the way of grooming him.

Peter has invited us up to Long Grass and the Long Grass playpen for a session of the seven games. Not sure when yet. Plan to pack the saddle, bitless bridle and booties and get on him up there. He'll be away from his buddies and after an hour or so of mental exercise he won't be in a mood to play up. Seeing as he's favouring that offside front the riding will be minimal. But I think it's a good idea to hit him with everything (tacking up, booties and me on his back) while he's away from home. Then we can continue here (depending upon soundness). Have permission to ride on neighbour's property so can start slowly and build up fitness, mental, emotional and physical.