Ropes and a noodle

The title pretty much says it all.  This morning I tied Diamond to the hitching post and cleaned his feet as he touched the rope, waiting for treats.  Afterwards we went to the round pen and warmed up his body walking and trotting.  He now only gets to come in to me once his head is lowered as he trots around.  I hope this will translate to when I'm in the saddle but we shall see.  Every day he seems calmer and more confident that the noodle will not hurt him.  Today he just wanted to touch it with his lips over and over until I ran out of treats.  He picks things up so quickly I just wish he would retain them better.  Perhaps it is his age..