5 year old green broke

Question
i have recently acquired a five year old paint that is only green broke, hes been "ridden" about 5 times and from what i have been told those times were not very pleasurable.  I'm a fairly new owner, have had horses before but my ex was pretty knowledgeable.  I'm just beginning to work with lunging, he does well going to his left, but to the right not so well.  I've had him lunge under saddle and he doesn't seem to mind the saddle or my weight when i am in the stirrup and leaning across. I'm wondering about which bit i should start out with.  i have been told to start with an O-ring snaffle, not sure what the previous owners used.  i have also bought a book, not sure the author, and have just started to read that.  i would like to ride at least before winter hits again!!!  any suggestions and/or tips would be greatly appreciated.  
Thank you for your time.
stacy kelly

Answer
Hi Stacy,
I agree about the snaffle. An O-ring or D-ring can be used.
If you have very limited experience in starting a horse, I would send this horse to a trainer to get the basic riding started. Getting on a very green horse for the first time can be a dangerous thing to do.
But...if you want to do it, here are a few suggestions.
The first mount is important. Flex the head to the left, holding the left rein in your left hand...left hand on the neck with a hand full of mane. Put your left foot in the stirrup. Stand up in the stirrup and rub him on the neck, shoulders, saddle and rump...keeping his head flexed to the left. He may move around on you, but he should only be able to move in a left circle. If he should get out of control and you thin you might get hurt, step down. Keep doing this until he stands still. Next step up in the left stirrup as before and smoothly swing your right leg over to the right stirrup and sit down , keeping  his head still flexed to the left. Make sure you are careful not to "gig" him on the rump doing this. Be smooth and deliberate with this. Don't sneak on him. Once you are on him, step off. Do this several times until he becomes accustomed to it. After a few times of this, you can go on to moving his feet. This is important. When you are in the saddle, keeping his head flexed to the left...move your feet as if bumping him. Bump him on the left side more than the right. Make sure you keep him flexed to the left. Not enough to bind him..but enough that when he starts to move, he will turn in a rather small circle. Keep his feet moving. Once he is moving, you can let him move out in a straight line for two or three strides. Then bend his head back to the left. You will have to do this left and right. BUT..the important thing is to get his feet to moving.
This is the start of the very basics of riding a horse for the very first time. It can be very dangerous and nerve racking. You must have confidence and be calm. This is why I suggest you send your horse to a trainer to get this done.
Please be careful. And please stay safe.
As a footnote...I would get the basics of ground work down before attempting to ride him. If you can't control your horse from the ground...you won't be able to control him from the saddle. Remember...the only thing riding on your horse's back....IS YOUR LIFE.