Rooster met the saddle and saddle pad for the first time and with much discussion, decided it would be OK to wear it. We didn't cinch up or move out much, but he seemed to be fine with it flying up onto his back, sitting there and stirrups hanging around him. At this point, Rooster seems more terrified of me than of anything I come at him with. I was finally able to walk up to him and pet him without any flinching or trembling - so I know we're getting somewhere!
Tomorrow we'll get the saddle up again and move out. I'd also like to work more on his legs and feet - he seems confused as to why I am down there. It reminds me of stallions fighting in the wild. I've linked to a video demonstrating how wild horses duke it out in the desert (these boys are just playing, though). Notice how they're always going for the legs. I wonder if Rooster's instincts start to kick in when I'm coming at his legs? It must be a battle of the minds in poor Rooster's head: Are you a challenger? Are you a friend? Why do you like me so much???
