Wow, Element is looking good!

I have a question for all you under-saddle trainers, in you're infinite wisdom. I've ridden Nine twice now without help (Nine was not being ponied, though we were following another horse) and I've already noticed where we might have a problem. Nine is very food-oriented! If he sees grass within 5 feet he will try to eat it. I had this problem with him in-hand, but he brings his head up for me when I ask him to, but not when I'm in the saddle. I suppose he doesn't know that's what I'm asking because the snaffle is so much different from the halter. My mother in law suggested I ride him just in the halter, which I'm tempted to do, but I would like Nine to eventually go well in a bit. It's a big problem, because when he gets his head down I can keep him from actually eating anything, but he won't bring his head up and move out, either. When it happens I've been giving the lead rope to my MiL who's on the other horse, and they "pull" us out onto the road where there is no grass.

Does anyone have any suggestions or tips for me? Nine is the first horse I've started on my own, so I have very very little experience with this...