Lowered head/neck and ears pinned to neck

Spirit, it is not that it cannot be fixed. Many people don't want to or do not have the resources to spend money on a horse with issues that may take weeks or months to resolve before they can be comfortable riding them. If I was not prepared to handle the issues myself, I would discount him immediately because not only would I have to spend the money to buy the horse, but send him to a trainer or have a trainer work with him and me to resolve the issues.

Frankly, if the OP is a beginning rider (which I am assuming she is), then she has no business taking a horse that is less than saddle ready and easily manageable. No offense intended to coffeemama, of course.

I say ditch the horse and look for something else.There are plenty of nice "broke" horses out there needing homes.Doesn't sound like your looking for a project horse... Good luck with whatever you choose.

Yes I started out with no crop and no spurs and then added them after he had no response. I figured the worst would be that he just would continue walking slowly and not move forward. I didn't not expect the head lowering and ear pinning against the neck. I didn't have the opportunity to use my crop or spurs much because as soon as he got in this stance I ended it with a big NO THANKS to my trainer who agreed then I just got off him and that was the end of it. The owner ended up sending him to be a trail horse. He seems better off at that pace. We both agreed that he must have a past that conditioned him to this behaviour and he must also be in pain somewhere plus he doesn't use his front end well for hunters. I am still somewhat of a beginner I think so I want something that suits my level of riding and don't want to use up all of my energy trying to make the horse move forward from a very slow walk. He seemed unhappy taking orders. You all have great advice thank you. I just want more from a first horse.