There are several good books to look for . This is something that you could work on during the winter in a stall, round pen or arena. By spring you could have a decent trail horse. John Lyons teaches horses to spook in place- sure, be scared, but don't move your feet! Any of the "natural" trainers could help you. If you keep letting him spook and riders continue to fall off that is teaching him something! You can take him to a trainer, but for now, YOU are the trainer!

Especially for the teen age girl, some sort of memorial might be comforting. A lock of his mane hair made into a bracelet for example. A friend of mine found a woman that used their ashes to make lovely pottery and decorated it with a lock of mane hair.

I would try riding him HARD near that gate- lots of transitions, circles,and things until he is puffing and beginning to sweat. Then take him away from it and let him rest. Every time he wants to go to the gate, he has to work his butt off, then take him away from it and rest. Make that gate not so appealing.

I asked my brother to find me a ranch broke gelding. Peso Mi Amigo arrived at my house. He was an underfed Paint yearling. We call him Bill. Feed Bill, farrier Bill,Vet Bill. He is now 16.2 and 1400 lbs of sweet, loveable, and a bit dim.