11 yr old spooky arabian

Question
I have just been offered an 11 yr old arabian gelding because someone doesnt want it and it is going to be put down.  The horse has been shown by hand I think, has never been schooled and is highly strung but sociable.  Am I mad to take on a horse like this and would there be any chance in being able to school a horse like this to be able to ride him.  I know this sounds a little like " how long is a piece of string ", but is 11 yrs too old to school a horse from scratch ?
Thank you

Answer
Hi Julie,

first off, no, you aren't mad!  My older Arab mare was 9 when I bought her, totally unbroken, and we've been a partnership for 18 years now....we've done everything from dressage to International level showing under saddle.  

The only thing I will say is that they are very intelligent animals, and he'll pick things up easily.  Keep his work interesting and varied, jumping, schooling, hacking...vary his routine so you do something different every day.

Also remember that you will NEVER be his boss, Arabs like to trust their owners (more like slaves really!) and if you try to dominate him, he will react badly.  Be firm but fair and give him clear, consistent boundaries, he will respect that and learn to respect you and you MUST respect him as well...learn to listen if he tells you things are wrong, arabs are very sensitive and he will not put your life in danger if you do the same for him.  

It will take time, but you will be rewarded with a horse who is more than 'just a horse'. he'll be your friend, and confidant, he'll never judge you, he'll just accept you.  Take the time to get to know him, on the ground, explain things to him..sounds daft, but just talking to them and being with them helps the bond to build.  

Be calm with him...he'll recognise this and be calm with you.  Arabs have a terrible reputation and it's not deserved..they are just very sensitive to their surroundings and to the mood of their slaves!!

You will also develop an obsession with bloodlines, and who is related to who....also Arabs carry an incurable condition which they pass to their human slaves..it's called Arabitis and I am a very happy sufferer!!!  One arab is never enough!!!

Good luck and if you need any more advice. then just give me a yell...I'm more than happy to help!

Emma xx