Take a good look at the horse in my signature. Granted he is far from perfect, that's a five year old greenbroke Arabian. I have done pretty much all his training. I am also very new to horses and have NEVER trained a horse. He is also only my second horse, my first being an older well trained mare I had for only a year before she was put to sleep. Where my training is concerned I am now able to take lessons from a wonderful trainer, but before I moved my horse to his current location last August I had almost no help aside from books or forums like this. He was also given to me as a two year old colt who had no ground manners and knew next to nothing, basically he was thrown out in a pasture when he was weaned and left there, getting haltered for the occassional move from one pasture to another. Also up until he was moved I was only ever able to get out and work with him two or three days a week.
As you can see it CAN be done. However it is far from advisable. In all honesty it really depends on the horse and the handler. I am very lucky in the fact that my horse is so easy going, intelligent, and has bonded with me so well. I am also very lucky in the fact that I as a person am very sensitive and intuitive to the needs of others and have been able to communicate well with my horse. Through trial and error I have been able to train him over the years, leading up to eventually getting him under saddle. It did take much longer than it would have otherwise, but it's been done. His training continues, but so far so good.
Sounds like you've been doing good so far. The real question is how do you (who knows yourself and your horse better than anyone else on this forum) feel about your abilities to train this horse? Can you confidently say you think you can handle it? Or are you hesitant and unsure of your abilities? Based on what you have described about your situation, for the well being and sanity of your horse it sounds like it might be better for you to train him yourself, as long as you are confident in your abilities. You must also recognize the risks involved. This is a large, unpredictable animal you are dealing with. One wrong move can result in serious injury or even death to either you or the horse. I don't mean to scare you, but this is a real possibility. It can be done, but it won't be easy, it will take lots of work and lots of patience. If you think you can do it, go for it.
BTW, if you want, feel free to PM me if you care to hear more about my horse and what I've accomplished with him.
