breaking/introducing saddle

Question
Dear Solange, Julius is a 3/4TB, 1/4 clyde cross gelding . He just turned 2. Ive had him for 4 months. I have my own small farm with 4 other horses, all geldings. I'm an eventer and my competition horse is the same cross and 14 years old. The boys are out as much as possible. I have 15 acres of pasture. The 2 year old came from a small breeder who is very careful and imprints the foals immediately.  Julius (2yr.old) is very affectionate and trusting. I have been slow and steady with my training which has been consisting of the basics of good manners, standing for vet and farrier, grooming , leading, etc. I've been following John Lyons training methods and have been doing great until it came time to actually girth up a light english saddle. I allowed him to smell it , I rubbed him with it. He has no problems having the saddle on him with or without nthe saddle pad . But when I attempt to slowly tighten the girth he literally leaps 10 feet in the air and goes bezerk! The few times I did manage to tighten the girth he stood for 5 seconds and then exploded!! No attempts of calming had any affect and I was afraid he would kill himself. I have tried different areas. The aisle, the stall, the small paddock. I also have help when I am doing this and even though I am not a professional, I have alot of experience with horses but this is the first time I have undertaken backing one of my own. I certainly don't want to terrorize or ruin him! I'm hoping he'll be my future event horse. Am I dealing with something that only a professional should do. Julius has been very trusting and loving and I don't want to screw him up. I have to admit, that when he goes bonkers, it is a terrifying sight! He's been vetted, and he has no medical problems. Thank you for your help. I live in montgomery county maryland.

Answer
Hi Valentina!

Yes, you are dealing with something a professional trainer should take care of for you.  You are absolutely right that this is a critical stage in the breaking process and should be done the very best way possible...for Julius.  Every horse is different and each one must be broke to saddle with his individual needs met....Julius has girth issues.

Have your vet or farrier recommend a local trainer who has experience with his breed type and the breaking of them.  Have the trainer out to evaluate your guy and his issue.  Talk to them and tell them your goals with him and work closely together to formulate a plan.  Then be as kind, firm and consistent as you can in working with him.  He will eventually become desensitized to the girth/saddle.

Taking the time and money to do this training correctly now will reward you with years of a wonderful riding partnership!

Good luck and remember to always wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet!

Solange