Painted pony -- progress report

I've been riding the painted horse sporadically lately -- work, Riley, and Harvey keep me busy. Over time I have come to appreciate that he is a bit more "fond of the gate" than I thought -- not in a way that's ugly, but in a way that influences his pace and balance. For example, on a circle he leans to the outside and tenses when we are on the side of the gate. If I let him he will turn and go to it. He is also a worrying horse, tense at times, especially in the ring by himself. I need to help him relax but being more directive and keeping him busy in the work but also loose. It is so good for me to have a horse like this to ride. He is so much fun.