I make sure Zum is standing calm and relaxed before I proceed to the next lesson. Once Zum is comfortable with the saddle, I fasten the cinch slowly. I fasten the cinch just enough so the saddle won’t slip or shift position if Zum jumps. I never jerk a cinch tight all at once. If Zum flinches at the cinch being tightened, his girth is sensitive. I massage Zum’s girth area in a circular motion to get him used to feeling pressure.
