Sounds like you've done a good job there. Horses like that are a joy to ride.
I remember when we cot him two winters ago.
I am out in my sub-zero Carharts trying to simply accept a blanket without flinching or pulling away.
The other day, I had him out on the trail practicing his Western trot (slllllooooowwww trot with proper headset).... plus I had a branch dragging behind AND a twig stuck in his bridle so the leaves were flopping all around his face.
Kind of wierd, I know. But I want him to respond properly even with other distractions around him.