Adult horse wont bathe

Question
Ive always loved horses and took riding/horse care lessons for about 10 years when I was younger, but never actually had a horse of my own. Recently my fiance bought me a horse as a surprise gift.  Though I am thrilled and already love "Buddy" a lot, Ive run across some problems that I dont know how to deal with.

Buddy is a 15 year old Arabian gelding who's basically just been a farm horse all his life. Hes ok with me riding him and with basic grooming.  Today I tried to give him a bath though, and it didnt work at all.  Buddy was very very nervous and would panic whenever the water touched him.  I didnt spray him in the face with the water or anything like that - I was taught to start at the bottom of his legs and work my way up.  But I didnt get past his ankles this time!  

Buddy's old owner kept him in a pasture all the time and just let the rain wash him.  On one hand I wonder if, since he's 15 years old and probably set in his ways, I should just stick with basic grooming.  But hes so dirty and the flies are getting worse and worse.  Should I keep trying to bathe him?  And if I do, should I be gentle and comforting to him, or should I be firm and try to make him do what I want?

Thanks for any advice you can give,
Carina

Answer
First off, thanks for your question. I will try to answer to the best of my ability to help you and your horse, Buddy. :)

Getting a bath is an unnatural thing for horses... they're used to rain, not hoses. It is perfectly normal for the horse to be scared, so don't get discouraged. Buddy is showing normal behaviour.

My first question to you would really be, how much do you think he trusts you? The stronger the bond is between you two the faster things will improve because he will realize YOU are not going to hurt him. So, as I tell most people, try join-up once in a while.

That said, you need time an patience. You have the right idea of starting slow and low... stay on the legs until he accepts it, then move higher. Don't push him... if he gets scared, move the hose back down just a bit. It's a long process... but hopefully with persistance it shouldn't take too long.

Another thing I would recommend is bathing him with a pail and sponge to begin with. This will get him used to getting wet from something unnatural and may help calm his fear since it is less invasive.

As for how you should handle him, that's sort of hard to say. Since he is scared, I would recommend that you start off by babying him a bit... however you need to be careful that he doesn't develop the idea that "Well, I'm scared, she's sucking up, so maybe there really is a reason to be scared..." Some horses work that way rather than "Oh, okay, it's nothing to worry about." If you are afraid that he may react in a negative way, try sterness instead. Don't be mean as that may frighten him more, but rather be firm in telling him to smarten up and not be a baby. ;)

I hope this has helped you a little bit and that it is easy to understand. Good luck, and congratulations on a new horse!