horse afraid of saddle and tack

Question
i recently purchased a 8 yr old quarter horse who acts as if he is terrified of the saddle and tack. to saddle him or just trying to put on the saddle pad is a chore. he grunts and moves constantly. if he wasn't in a pen then i would most likely never be able to catch him. i do use voice control and movements drawing him closer and closer. any suggestions.

Answer
Hi Sean!

I really need more info about your gelding.  Is he just green-broke?  Has he really been ridden and trained well?  What is your riding level and experience?  Have you actually tacked him up all the way and ridden him?  How did that go?

My first guess is that he does not want to be ridden because it is easier to be just a horse and do as he wants!  He is not afraid of the tack or you, he just feels he is in control of the situation.  Which it appears he is if you have not been able to get the tack on him.

Tell me some more and I can give you better advice.

Thank you,

Solange