I agree, have him get a secondhand saddle or borrow one shortterm from a neighbor or acquaintance with horses. When I had horses, I had several saddles and would have been glad to loan one out for a month or so.

Also, I agree with the bareback suggestion. I rode bareback all the time. The main problem, especially as we enter spring, is you get lots of hair on your pants, but, c'est la vie.

Pouting--can you talk to him about his behavior? Maybe he doesn't realize he's doing it? Sometimes it can help if the discussion comes from someone other than the wife. Like if a best buddy notices it too and brings it up.