Thank you! 

Richard Boatwright this makes a lot of sense. My 2 yr old was "poked" alot with a stick from previous owner I believe it made him dull to it. We had to find another way to get our message across when he was crowding my space, running over me and he use to turn around and try to kick. I refused to get into a wee match with him. I swear he use to seek conflict! I wouldn't engage and it was like taking away his power. Smacking him, shoo'ing him away would only make him more aggressive, we say "he fights back". According to the trainer where he is now, he no longer does this but you can't go picking fights either.  Hopefully I can get along with him now.  

Thank you 

Richard Boatwright thank you for the reminder! I get so caught up in how gentle they are becoming i definitely don't want them "dull" so far they are not dull at all on my groundwork they are still very reactive to my cues of moving over and forward and backward. I'd like to keep it that way for sure. I keep my sessions short .. maybe 10-15 minutes at a time.  After I'm done they stand tied up while I work my other horse and do some chores. Then they are turned out in the pasture till it's dark. It's just nice to have a few quiet well mannered respectful colts around. That 2 yr old that's at the colt starter was the complete opposite.  He was mean, pushy, rude and spoiled. We made a little progress here before sending him off. We got him from someone else and inherited a slew of issues along with it. Plus he's HUGE  and knew it. He used his size to his advantage and would try to shove you with his shoulders. He was above my pay grade! 

I definitely want to learn more about these neck ropes 

Here in central Texas we cry when it gets below 50. Weve had some really cold weather lately low 30s and 20s. I just layer up and wear my chinks. And gloves! My hands suffer the most. I personally like cooler weather I'm definitely the minority though where I am. I just ride in my little pen at home or I'll haul to the church arena if I need to. Sometimes just ride down the road to the hay pastues and ride around for a while.