Is a squeaky sheath something to be concerned about?  Have always interpreted it as a horse who is tense and a tense horse as an unhappy horse.
      Worked on the circling game yesterday after being motivated by the video in Resources.  Slapped the ground 3 times in rhythm and there it was, squeak squeak squeak.  But I did have a motivated horse. Previously  Balthazar has kind of schlepped around the circles, rather like a teeenager with his shoes untied and his hat on backwards.  Yesterday I had his attention.  And, despite the squeak, it was good.   He circled on the 22' lead.  He stayed out on the circle rather than doing ellipses.  We even moved over on the circle so he could jump the logs which make the boundary of the dressage arena. 
     When we went through the 7 games in the beginning he was ho hum about the driving and porcupine, again on the off side.  We tried again after the circling and he was much improved.  Backing with my fingers on his nose or chest is still poor.  He seems to start to get it.  He rocks back or takes a step back and I remove my hand but then we're back to stage 4 to get a response.  Then, in another situation he'll back with the weight of a feather.  I'm doing something wrong but don't know what yet.  I'm not concerned.  It will come right in the end.
     Balthazar had done so well that after 15 or 20 minutes we quit and I took him for pick.  I don't see the advantage in drilling.  Work a little bit each day, work for some improvement in all the games, then make it nice for him.,  For me too.  Quite enjoy just being near him.
    I am following through on things I let slide before.  If he's eating and pins his ears I make him leave the food.  He can't return until I invite him.  I don't make a big deal, just exert enough pressure to move his feet but I do quietly insist. 
     In the saddling area if I touch his chest or shoulders while grooming he pins his ears.  I can touch him when we are somewhere else and he's not bothered so it has more to do with tacking up then being ticklish or tender.  I am more mindful when grooming and it is a more pleasant experience for both of us.  Not sure how to deal with the ear pinning or biting at the chest except to keep my hand in place until he desists.  Suspect it will become a non issue over time.
     Have ordered a crossover bitless bridle.  Did ride him in a halter with reins attached but it's not ideal.  Have to make it snug so that it doesn't slide and I don't think it's very comfortable.  Am hopeful the bridle will arrive today and we can have a play.  Have also ordered size 4 easy boots so we are prepared for all the sizes of his hooves from trim to trim.