complete change of personality

Question
hello thank you for taking the time to read this.
i have a 9 year old thoroughbred gelding that i have been riding for three years. when i got him he was so responsive and a dream to work with he was off the track after 12 months and was willing to learn all my eventing basics. we had been going to pony club everything was great. 2 months ago i got on to ride and it was a good 2 hour session. the next weekend i groomed him then put his saddle on and bang he was up on his back legs and broken off his tie and galloped down the paddock. i was able to walk up to him easily and he was not frightened of me grabbing him again but as soon as i ties him up he was freaking out again. i tried again the next day got the saddle on this time then he did similar stuff when i put my foot in the stirrups. the funny thing is his back is fine not sore at all. this has continued for 2 months now. im getting upset he is a wonderful ride, intelligent and calm on the ground. im at the end of my tether, (5 broken lead ropes and 2 halters) please if you have seen this before can you help?
PS he has had no change in diet of social groups.

Answer
Hello Lauren,
It sounds like your horse is claustrophobic, it is something all horses feel he just had enough of a scare that its coming out now. I would work with a rope around his belly- slowly tighten it like a girth and then release, repeat this until he seems completely bored with it. With the pulling back I would work on leading him in the arena, walk with him and then start to run and pull on him to come and then let him catch up. Most horses follow their people but don't really understand how to give to pressure from the halter. Work on all this and let me know how it goes.
Best Wishes,
Caitlin Day Huntress