Oh my goodness, MG, that sounds EXACTLY like my boy (your hotter filly, I mean). He ducks behind the contact to resist. I use my leg to try to gently urge him up into the bridle. He "gooses" forward, even more firmly upheaded and resistant.

I love the suggestions of ground driving and the other work. I may have to find a dressage instructor who has some experience with ex-SS horses, because it does sound like a very particular set of issues. The funny thing is, as you said, he already works off his hind end well, and goes in a lovely, natural, collected frame when he's relaxed! He knows how to be 'in the bridle' and doesn't string himself out. I just need to get him to stretch to contact, as you said, and really bend and work 'round.'

He counterbends through corners, as stiff as a board. So THAT'S why! Awesome. We have started doing leading shoulder work, and slight shoulders-in, when he's relaxed enough. Right now I want rhythm, relaxation, and throughness, before i move on to anything more complicated.

THANK YOU! So good to hear that it has worked well for someone else. I might be hollering for help at some point, since you've been through it before!