From trainer Beth Stahlecker:
Now we're talking...
Clicker training (R+, whatever we're calling it) seems to have helped make a breakthrough. Also, my brilliant friend Anna suggested I try something "bigger" or different than a rope. Over the weekend Twister figured out the click means treats, so I got a saddle pad and his trusty emotional support equine. Within 15 minutes, he was wearing the pad, placed from both sides.
Yesterday, I laid a rope over his neck and experimented with pressure. Success! He's gotten much more comfortable with me petting, brushing and reaching over to touch the other side. Hopefully this means we'll move forward more quickly and effectively. (Once his silly human figured out what works!)