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.
Replied on Saddling Blowups Richard Boatwright M...
18 Sep 16:50
He has come out of it. I've not had him do it in the last 10 rides or so now. I still regularly check him for soreness but I still can't really explain it.