Re-Training Paso Fino: Where to Start????

Okay so I just got a 17 yr. Old Paso Fino in need of a LOT of work . I am willing to do it but don't know where to start. He has had professional training and is an ex show horse. He just hasn't been ridden... or groomed in years. ( So his owners say) I just don't know what to start with! Lunging?
Note: He is in excellent health and I won't start training until he trusts me and we have a relationship strong enough... :)

How are you going to build a trusting relationship without training?

In reality trust comes from work, not the other way 'round.

I'd begin with basic ground work to see what he knows. Then when you figure that out you can either use it for a base to build on or fill in whatever "cracks" you've found.

Note that working with a 17 year old horse (meaning he's got lots of experience and memories) can be a challenge. You can never really erase a behavior in a horse, you can only overlay it with a new behavior. This will take some finesse and well as firmness.

Start at the beginning (assume he is no more than green broke) and go from there.

Good luck in your project.

G.

I have a Paso, they are wonderful horses. Lots and lots of groundwork is in order before riding.

I also have a Paso...they are very intelligent horses, so be sure to be very firm and not let him get away with things...mine will always test you and see if she can get away with things.

Start with conditioning...don't push him too hard too fast. If he hasn't had anything done with him, he's probably very out of shape. Good luck!