I had a great session with Gabe this morning before the sun came up, our usual workout time.  He has finally gotten used to the western saddle, toting it to the river and all.  So, this morning I tied on one of those rubber toys horses play with.  Let's just say Gabe was not a big fan.  He tried outrunning it, out-turning it, out-smarting it,  you name it!  He was completely flummuxed by its ability to hang on to that saddle no matter what he did (bailing twine is a wonderful thing!).  By the end, he reluctantly agreed to walk with all four pointy toes barely touching the dirt and he never took his eye off it.  But walk he did nonetheless!  Calling it a victory for the mammals I released the ball's grip on the saddle and Gabe let out a huge sigh.  I look forward to seeing his reaction to it tomorrow morning.  In my experience, it takes just once with him and some time to mull it over and he's over it.  I'll keep you updated!