Lucas Truax how's Smokey doing?  Still throwing fits when you saddle him?

Mckenna Merrill That can be frustrating, for sure. Do you have a place where you can pen him up like a corral or alleyway?

Lucas Truax That looks like he's sore around his heart girth.  Did you rope something heavy?  I'd check for that and maybe try giving him a gram of bute 2 hrs before saddling him to rule out some kind of other pain.  Is he touchy in the flank?  Sometimes they can get sore there if they have an ulcer.  I wouldn't bother getting him scoped.  Just start him on some meds.   Here's a link to the place I get mine:  https://www.abler.com/Abprazole 

Beyond that stuff, I'd just keep working him before you saddle him and don't pull the cinch tight when you do.  Just pull it up to where it touches him then walk him off and pull another hole, etc until you get him snug.  Strange that he's started this now.

Thomas Don't worry about messing her up, just keep riding🙂.  When your filly leaves the line you have put her on, just bring her back and start over.  Just like I do with Neches.  If she is leaving because she wants to get to the gate, barn, or her buddies, let her go there and then make some work for her when she gets there, then let her quietly go back to your line.  Stick with it and keep us updated.  R

Very sad.  I had high hopes for him..

Jessica Walker I'm sad to report that Ike passed away.😓

Georgina Anderson  Welcome!!

Pamela Sartori I'm going to guess that you are not signed in properly.  You might need to check your email address.

Thomas I'd get a JWP o-ring or egg butt snaffle, a reinsman argentine snaffle, and a short/medium shank correction.  Also, here are some brands of bit makers that are very good but don't cost a lot: Dutton, Dennis Moreland, Don Henson, Professional's Choice, Classic Equine.  The PC Bob Avila line is very good.  I'd avoid anything that has rough edges or finish, pinch points, or excessive shanks.  Tom Thumb bits and mechanical hackamores are also off the list.  Hope this helps! 

Michelle Houle I like to have them removed, but I wouldn't say it's necessary.  Keep us updated on how things go🙂