Bucking horse?

Question
I'm training a horse for an 11 year old girl, this is my first time breaking a horse for somebody else, I have only broke my own. I am 17 years old. The horse I am breaking is a 3 year old paint- standard bread cross, 15 hands and he is a gelding. He has NOT been handled much the owners say, but he is very gentle for little handling, he is just very spooky! I touch and pat him every where and he jumps and makes a ''hmph'' sound everytime I pat him. I am going to try the ''bag on a stick'' technique, what else would you suggest? I did the two front leg hobble and he did fine, he didn't freak out. He does good with a saddle and bridle on, the girl said when he walked with her, he bucked her off. I put 2 50 pound feed sacks on him and he did alright, no bucking. But small things scare him. I'm going to use a fog horn, and the sack and see if that helps.. Any suggestions? Please e-mail me your answer at The_Dominate_Princess@hotmail.com

Answer
Hi Sarah!

I cannot give training advice to non-owners of the horse in question.

I can say in the broadest of terms, however....breaking a horse to saddle with the goal of it becoming a trusted and trusting riding partner is a difficult and time consuming task at best.  It should be left to professionals with years of experience.  A well trained horse lives a long and happy life with happy owners.  A proper start is essential to achieve this.  The utmost priority must be placed on the safety of the horse during training and the safety of the rider after that.  Some training methods (hobbles, for instance) are never necessary for any reason and can do more harm than good. Again, the safety of the horse is my only concern during breaking.

Solange