Aww, you did so good! I'm glad to see others here doing the bridle-less thing!
How long have you been working on it? ETA - re-read your OP. Haha!
It's so much easier with something around their neck. I really need to go out and try with Java that way again. I've been a slacker!
The only reason that I even tried it was because they are having a bridless calcutta at a show I am going to next month. Our club is putting it on so I just figured I would try it to help raise money for the organization. I was really surprised at how good he was! I worked mabe 3 times with the rein around his neck and the bridle still on. I didnt expect to be able to do lead changes like that but he did them. I was so happy. =]
I have currently only succeeded at riding my boy High Five in a halter, but we are working on bridleless. The last time I tried, he realized I didn't have anything around his head, and took advantage of me. :P