Restarting a pony

[dexnem]

Okay, so in for the long story here! Context: 14hh cob, very thick set but incredibly sensitive and had a habit of headshaking after current owner has been too rough in handling him so he's become scared of contact. Her mother is riding him occasionally now, however with him being young she's a bit nervy of him. They are going away for a month and I am looking after her two ponies. The other is brilliant but I am wanting to get on this pony and school it for them so she feels more confident.

So, first of all I am changing his bit from a gag to a loose ring French link snaffle. He headshakes more in one paddock than the other and he is resistant to contact it seems. I just want him to relax and start to learn the feel or a rein rather than a pull but its been a few years since I did mine so I can't white remember. Any pointers appreciated as I am essentially taking on a horse that knows walk and trot and needs to be restarted in my opinion

 

[wkiwi]

Suggest you get an instructor to help, as they can give you a tailor-made program to suit the horse rather than getting lots of tips that may have worked on other horses but not this one.
I am not sure that enough info could be given in a forum post on re-starting a horse to make it comprehensive enough to cover the different reactions e.g. i have a method i use, but I adapt it to the what the horse is doing at the time and how it feels at each moment. However, in general a soft but consistent contact while teaching him clear aids is the best way to go, ensuring that release of pressure is given at the right time to act as a reward.
Glad you are getting him out of the gag though!