So we are just past 10 weeks and I have reread this diary to see how we are getting along. Just to compare where we are with where we were a month ago (May 14): this week I had a ride out with him on the bareback pad and yesterday did another saddle desensitisation session, and this is how it went.
Monday, hack out
No issues at all tacking up with the bareback pad. I put it on crooked, and when I came to get on (from the big log at the top of the Sheepwalk) I realised, had to move him away from his position, undo it, move it, do it up again and reposition him - no problem at all. No issues for me riding on it either: he was a bit of a muppet about the forestry work in the quarry below the path, and I managed to deflect a turn-for-home mamoeuvre and keep him going forward, which I am finding is the best way with him. Feet still a little tender so I led him down the stony gully to Green Lane, and had a real struggle getting back on in the v-shape path for which he stood like a rock the entire time. Very pleasant saunter along Green Lane with 2 little trots for cars (ouch) and a long chat to Ingrid at her gate. He was sweet. He is sweet.
Wednesday, saddle session
I thought I would bracket the saddle session with something pleasurable, and decided to have a go with the Equine Fascial Massage tool
https://www.fascialrelease.co.uk/pages/equine_Fascial_Edge.html. This is the tool my chiropractor Suzi uses to get a good massage in less time. I am a complete beginner with it but Sid loves it. I did his neck, back and quarters before the session (you're not supposed to use the tool on the back immediately after riding) and he wobbled his lip with delight. As I did his back his head just went lower and lower until his nose was on the ground, and he lifted his back to meet the pressure, which is great.
I saddled up with him loose in the shelter because I wanted him to know that I was interested in what he had to say about it. He backed up a step when asked, stood still for the saddlecloth and saddle to go on, and didn't switch his tail as I fastened the girth. He turned his head to me a couple of times to tell me that the saddlecloth was creased, but his expression is so different now - ears are not pinned back, mouth is not tight, he is just saying, "Oi, mum, I know you are a tack dork, just be careful, hey?"
Led him out to the school and he stood quite still at the mounting block while I fiddled around getting my balance and swinging on. Stood still while I tighttened the girth. Then we had a little walk around, turns in both directions, and then walk the long side-trot the short side in both directions, then two turns on the forehand and that was that. He was foot perfect and no tail swishing.
So back to the shelter and I did his chest with the Fascial Edge, which he absolutely adores, did his mallenders and feather scabs, put his fly rug and mask back on and left him fast asleep.
Such progress!