Second chance

Question
I have an ex race horse that has a lot of dressage on him and jumps 3,6 he is 12 and is a thourbred and i rescued him from his owners who chained him to a tree with no water a chunk of his hoof gone and 200 pounds under wait i got him fat and muscular completly sound thats how come i renamed him second chance ,but i no nothing about him i just bout him for 500 just to actually show him love and we became good friends, but not knowing his past when i jump him he gets so nervous and leaps over it but he has never stop he loves to please,but i think when he was jumoing he got in acciedent so he is scared to jump how do i show him its ok no need to take off and jump it calmly my family is starting to give up on the guy but i am not please help me if you no any trainers that no how to deal with that or any advice ive been walking him over small little jumps to show him he doesnt need to leap over it and it wont hurt him PLEASE HELP I DONT WANT TO LOSE MY BESTIEST FRIEND THAT IS LIKE MY BROTHER!! :'(

Answer
Kaitlynn - The challenge with "rescuing" horses is that they often come with big problems associated with their previous history.  The kind hearted people who rescue them do not always have the skills required to help bring the best out of these horses.  

Horses learn from every experience they have and how the experience makes them feel physically and mentally.  Former race horses often have issues from not only how they were handled, but the physical and emotional stress caused by having no turn out and being fed a high grain diet.  From your description, your horse went from that experience to an abusive situation with uncaring people.  Based on that, he had no reason to trust humans. So, if you have been able to build a trusting relationship with him, you have done very well.

To help him become a calm, trusting riding horse, you should really seek the help of a qualified trainer who has experience working with former race horses.  Find a trainer that will work with you and the horse so that you will also learn and grow as a horsewoman and rider.  

In the meantime, stop jumping him and focus on improving your flat work.  Good flat work is the foundation of all riding.  Basic dressage will help him develop the correct muscles in his hindquarters and back so that he can carry himself (and you) without undue stress on his body.  Only when he is going softly and quietly in a level or round frame should you move on to any jumping work.  Starting with poles on the ground, he should be able to walk, trot and then canter without changing his frame or the rhythm of his gait.

Start looking for a qualified trainer who can help you with this horse - the best option for both of you in the long run.