Getting a horse in frame and on the bit

Question
i ride a horse in a lesson program i also lease him for a couple days a week ..i have just been learning dressage with another school horse and seem to be really getting the hang of it my instructor says since he is such a natural jumper and spook free he would make a good 1 day eventer for next year..pesonally i think he is the best horse for that because he has common sense and thinks. but no matter what my instuctor tried he would not go on the bit(gadget free) i dont like the idea of those he has an unnatural frame always holding his head in the air high.he was better than when he came to use his but had scars all over and long stragely mane and a horrible you neck he is much beter scar free but he still has a muscle under his neck. at the walk he keeps his head down but any speed its automatic to go up. i want to be able to get his head down and maybe a little bend in his neck and get him on his butt more without gadgets and maybe be able to do a tiny bit of low begginner eventing next year.
also he has just turned 16. he has much energy and strength. do you have any ideas me and my intructor can work on together with him?

Answer
Dear Anna:
At 16 - it is unlikely that this horse will be a candidate for for a re-school. Your description of his condition when he arrived at your facility indicates  the possibility of a long life of abusive riding. Also, while you can use "gadgets" in the jumper and stadium phases of the horse trial - you certainly cannot use them in dressage. An eventer MUST be able to work in the bridle- hence, a talented jumper is not necessarily a good eventer.
Best wishes,
S. Evans