Try the saddle. Mr. Ed should be comfortable after all of this to have the blanket put on him anywhere -- from cross-ties to the middle of the pasture -- for a longer length of time. Taking him to an enclosed area (not the cross-ties, though), slip the rope over the side of the roundpen, but DO NOT TIE IT, in any way, shape, or form. If he has not been comfortable with the saddle in the past, he won't be right now, either. He'll just be more used to having things on his back. Take the saddle and do the same things you did with the saddle blanket. Slowly rub it along his side, then work upwards, once more. Gently rest it on his spine, in the normal position behind his withers. If he does anything questionable, get out of the way immediately. Stay out of his way. Continue this same exercise, until you get it set up on him.