horse behavoir

Question
HI, i am having problems with my large 17 hands Thorobred horse.  I have only had him a short while but the problems i am having is when putting the bridle/saddle on him he is pulling away from me and ends up breaking off the tie up post.  I had a new fitted saddle for him, but still he is acting up every time i try and put the tack on him.  I have rode him and he is fine once he is out but i just dont know what could be the matter with him why he wont stand still and why he pulls away from me and runs off.  I need some advice.  thanks

Answer
Hello,
Sounds like someone skipped a step in helping your horse understand saddling. Start with your saddle blanket, standing next to him when he is tied lift it up like you are going to put it on- watch his eyes- when does he get a nervous look? When you see the nervous look pull the blanket away and pet him. It takes time and patience but if you take the time now he will really appreciate it. Horses learn from advancing and retreating pressure. So go out to the barn with no schedule and take the pad on and off until he looks completely bored with it. Then do the same with the saddle. Make sure once he looks bored with the saddle going on that you do the same thing with the girth. Act like you are putting it on then don't, until he is bored with that too. Make sure to put in on just tight enough that it wont fall off and take about three separate times to tighten it enough to ride, imagine how much you would appreciate someone taking the time to get you comfortable with tightening a corset! The goal is to get him comfortable with the small steps so that you don't worry him enough to make him feel he has to pull away from you. Work on this and let me know how it goes.
Best Wishes,
Caitlin Day Huntress