Clodagh
Playing chess with pigeons
He was owned by the previous owner for literally a couple of months before he went to the sales livery as the old owner lost her nerve (not due to him but to another horse on the yard) and her daughter (he was a mother-daughter share) lost interest.
I'm a cynic, but I bet it was this behaviour that caused the former owner to sell. I would guess that he is fine with a pro, very confident rider - have you tried that? Some horses hate feeling in charge. I would really try to find a horse he can go out with, as well.