Not so frustrating

So planting our feet and taking forever to get to the gate was happening in the fall. He would come relatively quickly though after I made him move about a bit.  Over the mud and frozen ground came things got much worse. One day it took me an hour and a half to get him to consent to come in with me. I didn't give up though and I think not giving up made him realize that I was persistent for a human. Most humans tend to give up after awhile so the horse just needs to wait them out in order to win. After that day things were a little better but still not great. It was cold and muddy and frozen. I needed him to want to come with me. So I decided to try food. Well the first time I appeared with a bucket he cantered to me. Obviously he was familiar with the bucket.  He ran over and had his treats then walked into the barn with me. Next time we took the bucket out he again came with me. I don't want to have to take a bucket out every time though so I decided to bring him out food as often as I could and just spend time with him . So I have been doing this for awhile and he is coming to the gate or to me. He knows his name and looks for me to come out. I let him eat and hang out for a bit then leave him. Sometimes I bring him in to play. Depends the weather. Today was just to icy to ask him to come to the barn with me so he ate and I left.  I keep the other horses away from him. They know me too and back off when I ask. It is all about being a good leader and protecting our herd of 2.