Hi Amy,  I'm a believer in using legs, too.  I really think that a horse that is broke to your legs will take the changes easier.  That being said, I will usually go into the hackamore once they have mastered the snaffle.  If not the hackamore, then I'll use an Argentine snaffle (short shank).  Tom Balding makes a really good one.  Hope this helps!  Richard

Aaron Olsonhows it going?  Any progress?

Nikoletta Carzis Nice!  I love CA. 

Aaron Olson I've had a few over the years that would have a momentary come-a-part somewhere between 30 and 60 days.  It always seemed to me that they decided they didn't want to be a saddle horse anymore and we'd have a rodeo that day.  Never had one turn over backwards, though.  I would say that he was cinch bound.  Maybe move him around some more next time.  As far as him being sore, It's your call, but giving him time off won't do either of you much good.  Unless, he's really hurt, of course.  I'd ground drive him some for the next few days and see if he tries to flip while your safe.  Richard

Aaron Olson Well, I'm glad you didn't get hurt.  Did he have a chance to move around after you saddled him?  Sounds like he was cinch bound and didn't know what else to do.  What happened after the flip?

Aaron Olson How many rides does he have?  

Man, don't you love those high elevation summers?  They can keep the winters, though! 😁

Hi Aaron,  I think "How To Get A Horse Soft Part 2" is just the video you need.  A lot of times, they just can't keep it together at the lope.  Just keep slowing him back down and starting over.  Trot circles when he gets upset until he calms down then go again.  It's usually best to long trot the horse until HE decides to lope.  Loping is easier for most horses and given the option, they will choose to lope over long trotting for a long time.  If you can make it his idea, he will be totally relaxed.  Make sense?  Richard 

Humidity in California?  What?  At least you're getting some rain, though.  What part of CA?

Caldeen Gunter Yes,  those were horses owned by J&J Farms that I had in training.