Horses communicate and show signs of release with small subtle expressions or movements. Some will show big things like shifting the back end, yawning, licking and chewing, sighing or blowing or giving a whole body shake or even wanting to lay down and roll, and other stoic horses will only show a lip quiver, a sleepy demeanor, or not show anything at all until you are out of their space.
You cant bend your horse enough! Especially when they are in training. You are making both their mind and body more flexible! Flipping the rope over their head is also great desensitization. If you have never flipped the rope on them always start from the ground first and build up to being mounted for this!