The first time I brought out the saddle, Fridur said "uh-uh" and left in a hurry. I believe he's had some bad experiences with riding! So a new game was born--targeting the saddle. Fridur learned that every time he nudged the saddle with his nose, he'd get clicked and treated. Soon the saddle wasn't so scary after all.
This has been our routine: I'd walk to the far side of the corral and kneel down with the saddle. Fridur would approach, touch the saddle, and C/R. Then I would sloooowly stand up, walk to his side, place the saddle slowly and gently on his back and C/R. Then when I'd remove the saddle, he would eargerly turn and look for it, nudge it, and C/R. In a few sessions the saddle wasn't nearly as frightening.
