Also, regarding saddle fit - I'm sorry if I didn't make it more clear
that this horse has tripping problems at all gaits WITHOUT A RIDER.
He doesn't seem to be any worse or better with a rider on him.
However, he will not have anybody on him again until he gets over
this. My friend had only been on him a handful of times - and when
he fell with her they were just at a slow trot.
Regarding the farrier - she is using my (new) farrier now, and he is
excellent. In fact, he is going to be video-taping the horse soon
and hopefully that will shed some light on the situation. He isn't
happy about the condition of the horses feet (maybe that has more to
do with it than the vets think).
Karen
(P.S. I really do know the difference between a good farrier, and a
bad one! I'm one of those people that had to learn the HARD way -
at my horses expense!)
THANKS everybody for your reponses!