This is simply my opinion, and I may be wrong. What I am thinking about how he treats you as far as trying to put the saddle and other tack on, is that he associates those things with the pain of being ridden with the rain rot. Treat him as an unbroke 2 year old, going slow and showing him that the saddle wont hurt him. Let him get used to seeing it around him, perhaps hanging on a fencepost, or even sitting on another horse. I don't know if he would let you, but possibly try to ride him bareback, and see if he acts like the pain is still ongoing. Another idea is using weighted bags to get him used to weight up there again. About getting his respect, have you tried lunging him before you work with him? I would definitly get some litarature on how to train horses, because alot of persistant training is going to go into getting him alot calmer. You do have the right idea about making him earn his supper. Its good to spoil, but alot of horses I've had to deal with were overly spoiled. My aunts own horse wont let anyone put a halter on her without first giving her a treat. She then about sticks her nose right into it. But I hope this helps you a little bit.

Jess

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