Verified answer

I would suggest trying the Parelli program. I've been using it for years and it works great, especially on our BLM mare. Some people don't like it, but it's worth it! It is kind of expensive, but you can always look on ebay for the DVDs and equipment. Parelli helps you and your horse's bond, and helps you to communicate with body language. I would suggest you give it a try. It's not for everyone, but if your willing to work on it, it's rewards are great!

My mare, Kandi went from spooky and untrusting to a confadent, happy horse who enjoys being with me =)

There are other programs like Clinton Anderson, but from what I've seen, Parelli works the best =D I've seen firsthand the things it can do for you and your horse, and I think it's worth it. My mare and I have NEVER been happier. Feel free to message me if you want more information.

As for thr Parelli's, no they aren't perfect, and SOME stuff may be questionable, but I judge for myself what is good for my horse and what isn't.

Nothing you will ever do with this horse is natural to him, it is not natural for a horse to carry a person or weight other than their own, hence no such thing as natural horsemanship. However it sounds like you are doing a good job at training the horse to do what you want it to do. Teaching a horse to lie down is pretty difficult unless you have done it a lot, but it is possible. I would start trail riding the horse to get it used to as many different things as you may run across on the trail, before going to the trail I would try some de spooking with him so he does not spook if a plastic bag blows out in front of you while riding. Also try taking him through water if at all possible, over a tarp on the ground, over poles on the ground about 3 feet apart.

Clinton Anderson rocks. Of course you don't have to buy the expensive halters or whips to have an awesome horse but his training just makes sense. If you work the system like he says, it is super rewarding. None of it is counter intuitive or dumb crap. I've been doing it with my horse for a while now and he is so responsive and respectful, he really just wants to be near you. His couple day clinics (the ones where you just watch) are totally worth it and not expensive.

Anything but Parelli. He's an absolute nut. He'll charge you $80 for a rope halter, hundreds of dollars for his DVD set that teaches you NOTHING except to play games with a carrot stick.

I've heard him say, in a TV interview, that "a well-behaved horse in the show ring is not a good horse".

Also, look up "Parelli Catwalk video".

You will never ever want to buy products or support someone who does what he does.

http://fuglyblog.com/?p=2129

Here's a blog with tons of comments on the subject. You'll get the idea.