Thanks for the thoughtful response! Yes we've had him since he was 2. He does not do this without the tack though he's been tacked up a bunch of times. I hadn't thought about no rear cinch/breast collar, good idea. I'll give that a shot as well. I'm also planning to treat for ulcers.  Thanks again.

Thanks for the response. We did recently rope some soggy cows, but he de doesn't appear to be sore (based on my prodding and poking around the girth area). He does seem a little touchy in the flanks (though not really jumpy enough to seem to warrant the level of reaction) so I went ahead and ordered the ulcer treatment just in case. It hasn't arrived yet so I've continued to work him with the saddle and riding. He has, strangely enough, seemed to come out of it for the time being.

Richard Boatwright

Richard Boatwright

Richard Boatwright

Dang that is garbage. Glad you dodged a bullet on that one.

Richard Boatwright

Stephen Gowling  I'm sorry that happened. After all the waiting and anticipation I'm sure that was especially hard to deal with. 

I have been working through it with my 3 year old. It's been going well so far. I haven't made it far enough to have feedback yet. 

Aubrey Isaacson that's great! Have to love when the plan comes together! What kind of lines/rope did you use? I like how they appear to drape nicely.

Funny you mentioned the improvement on the backing, I've been considering using driving to help my youngster back up faster. Anything you focused on in particular to improve her in that area?