Sorry about commandeering the community, but I have so many questions and no idea what I am doing. My question is about the colt starting series. With the neck rope and the snaffle: sometimes you run it through the curb strap and sometimes through the bit. Could you explain what you are looking for in each method, when and why you would use these methods, and when the horse has the concept well enough to move on? I kinda get when the rope is through the bit that we are looking for give and softness to that side, but all I can figure about the strap is that it is a first step to feel and give to the bit. Would like to know what you are thinking and looking for. 

Please and thank you. 😀

Really enjoyed the rollback videos! I will have to watch those 8-10 more times to sink all the information into my head! I have a couple questions:

1) Did you ever use the fence to help teach or clean up the rollback? I know if you are too close to the fence when you try it you can unbalance your horse and/or lose forward motion. The steps I learned were in the same order: stop, ask direction, open leg, switch pockets. Just wondering your about thoughts and experience. 

2) What point in Caddy's (sp) riding training did you think she was ready? What was she doing well that it was time to take it to the next level?

Developing ... I bought an ulcer medicine from TSC just to see if it helped my horse. I started slowly (pinches). He has had 3 days of the full maintenance dose and .. I caught him outside on his own 2 times today!! I can't say it is a win because Marshall does have multiple personality disorder, but this is the first time since probably September that he was outside on his own. Hope I found a building block for us!!!

Just in case anyone else on here is wishing that their horse acted like a 'normal horse'. Me and my guy have been struggling with his anxiety and fear. He has free choice to go out or stay in his 20x30 shed and he has not chosen to go out on his own for a while. I will try to update to let you guys know if this change is permanent.