I'm probably going to be taking on a horse who comes with a history of being whipped in a stall. If you turn back to look at him while leading, he sets up and freezes--really locks up and watches like a hawk. I've not seen him ridden and I've heard his teenage rider has trouble with his 'head high and moveing too fast'. Sounds to me like he can't relax. He's been a pasture ornament for many months, needs an expereinced rider and will be a 'project horse'.

Other than the usual grooming, walks, maybe some ground work games, any other ideas? He sure doesn't longe I can tell you. He shows a bit of a tendancy for panicing and bolting when I tried him in his pasture with just a long line. I've trained my 1, 2 (silly and sensitive) & 3yo at least the basics of longing, this guy has a "omg, what are you going to do to me!" reaction. I've been told he hates small confined spaces such as a stall though he's Ok in the barn hallway getting his feet trimmed and a run-in shed.

I'll get some more background on him but I may need some insight. Thanks everyone.

I had a very similar experance with the mare I purchased as a hunt prospect. Bought from a "mega farm" haltered by a BN trainer. Very nervouse and untrusting. But, a sweet mare. I had given up on using her as a saddle horse and stuck her in the broodmare band. Then... I found Clionton Andersons "Lounging for respect" series. AMAYZING!!! I purchased the whole set and I have yet to find a horse that doesn't respond. I highly suggest seeing if your local tack shop will rent you a copy or ordering it online. No gimicks just ggod methods. I love that he is an actual trainer for the reining circit because alot of his methods help cross over into the show ring.

That crazy untrainable mare has become my favorite ride and is headed to Sp[orthorse Nationals in Dressage next year!

Cool, congratulations. Someone else mentioned CA in another forum about this horse's issues. Thanks. I'd like to find out who screwed this horse up, crap like this makes things hard for the horse and later owners who want to actually use the horse undersaddle and have fun. Said I wouldn't bash, said I wouldn't bash, calm down......

Methods that work for many horses time and again don't work with some "sensitive" type horses. Can't say that all halter trainers abuse horses, when it could just be the mix between said trainer and said horse.

Don't waste your energy in being mad - spend the energy into helping make this horse the best that he can be. The industry is changing with Arabians showing more naturally at SHN.

Mine went back into the Arabian ring showing Halter. No whip, no chain and a much happier individual. He also successfully showed performance. Patience will overcome much of the wrong doings.

Clinton Anderson's LoungingforRespect is AMAZING!!Ihavebeendoingitwith a resuced mare that was hit in the face alot.She is improving so much.
I just recently purchased his book Training on The Trail.It's a great book.

Horses, much like us humans, are victims of circumstances, often beyond our own control. While I agree, there are halter trainers that can be abusive, just like if we are honest, there are also performance trainers that, well, aught not to be permitted to call themselves trainers. Traumatic events of any kind can never be totally erased, like us, even horses will have the memory deeply engrained in their minds. Horses who have had bad experiences with people, often are a challenge to get back and usually, in my experience, it takes devoted dedication and patience, but ultimately they come around for you. What I can also say is that typically, they do not go on to be the kind of horse that will bond and trust just anybody, typically they become trusting of very few, but with those they do gain trust in, they also become the most loyal and devoted companions and will lay their heart on the line for you. You will always deal with some lack of self confidence from your horse, but by the same token, they will look to you for reassurance to help them through. Read and talk with anyone you can for tips, but in the end, understanding her needs and where the come from, accepting there is no quick fix, and sticking to it, in time you will have one of the most amazing campanions you ever imagined. Like people - there is always hope and with the right support and influence, you can make a difference. Don't get discouraged, whatever you do and don't give up on her.

Very Very True.
I have experience with this...it sometimes takes a good couple of years for the horse to come around, have patience. Take your time and accept the horse for who they are. Rewards for good behavior help one hundred percent, just even (in a friendly voice) telling them how good they are and thanking them.
I have one, I have not given up on him yet and I'll keep him no matter what!

I am glad to hear that! I have been working with a Mustang mare which was beaten about the head by a guy who became frustrated with her. I have made a lot of progress with her--for instance, I can get her halter on and off easily, get her bridle on, etc--but there is still that little bit of untrusting "hey are you going to hurt me? thing going on. I do longe her--and she is ridable, has been on trail rides and really does try very hard to make good. But, she is so horribly anxious! I mean, so anxious that I don't want to send her out to the trainer because I feel it would be too traumatic for her to even leave the farm. I wish I could get her past that last barrier so that she could settle down and be comfortable when being tacked up, ridden, etc. She is a sweet little girl and I hate that she remains so frightened.

BTW, I know a lot of people are probably thinking this is a wild horse issue. It isn't. I have owned other wild horses who tamed down very nicely (My daughter used to ride my Mustang gelding, who recently died.) so I know that this is an abuse issue. This mare's case is very sad but, if Clinton Anderson can help me, I am willing to give his methods a try.

There is halter training and then there is halter training. I have had several halter trained horses and they have all gone on to be riding horses. The trainer I used did not use intimidation, but training. My horses have never froze up when they are approached. I attended a halter clinic many years ago that was put on by a BHT. If one were to approach training in that way, you would expect a horse to either bolt or freeze at the sight of you. It was the best money and time I have ever spent in this business. It is very hard to untrain a horse, but I hope you took this horse on.

I have one here. He's been with me three years and is still improving.All of his issues were "manmade" . He has "triggers" that will never be gone, and I will never let him around anyone who would unjustly "foul" him because when that happens, he retaliates as soon as he feels safe doing so. I saw it with my own eyes, and since then, nobody handles this horse but myself. We have a very close bond, and a very set routine, right down to his daily treat and daily "head massage". It's a joy to hang out with him, he's very quiet and inquisitive and calm here. I would not trade him for the world, he's been a great teacher and a my special "buddy".

He has a back door to a turnout on his stall that is only closed when all the girls come into the barn at night, so he can watch over them and he hangs out back, about forty feet away from my other great boy, who is also free to come and go during the day, from turnout to stall.

He is very claustrophobic, so has windows and his backdoor and can see all the way down the barn aisle and in front. Hates dividers in trailers, hates anything that looks like a stick, if it's white (picture PVC pipe) , hates his head tied short. He now stands ground tied for grooming and clipping and blankets, etc.

Don't give up, it takes time, and patience, and a quiet, kind, but firm way. I bet your horse comes around.