Lew is also doing things.

 So Lewis developed a bad habit.  Because he is so sensible I just kind of took it for granted he would behave at all times.  This was not correct.  After the big leaf spook where he reared and bolted, he tried that under saddle once, then on an evening walk he freaking lost it and got loose.

It is hard to have boundaries when all you want is snuggles.

This was my fault.  I assumed that all our ground manners were solid and never really established them.  At the same time, we pulled his shoes, and he took a few weeks to figure his feet out. So we went back to groundwork.  I got a book of exercises and stretches to help horses with different weaknesses, and I have pulled a few specifically for Lew.  We have spent the last 2.5 weeks working every other day to really solidify what is expected of him.  It started with him rearing and bolting loose a few times until I added his bridle over his halter with a longer line.

The current protocol is to do all the 'work' off his halter lead, and if he rears, bolts, or bucks he hits the bit rein.  This took 2 repetitions before he is 80% improved.  Now it is once per session that he tests his boundaries, but where this used to be a full-height rear and bolt, now he tosses his head and then goes back to work.

The work itself is as follows:

1. surpentining over 3 poles in a straight line in hand at the walk.

2. walking up and down a short steep hill on a circle at the walk.

3. walk trot transitions on a 20 meter circle.

4. walking over a log as a raised pole on a straight line

This is 90% walking and lasts about 30 minutes 3 - 4 times a week.  As a result, he has greatly increased his co-ordination and soundness.  His behavior has also gotten MUCH better and more consistent.