Any Ideas to help my previously abused horse not be scared to be ridden?

I would start very slow with him. Do lots of ground work so he can form a bond with you before you even get on your back. This can be as simple as making him walk at your shoulder, stop when you stop, go when you go, etc. Then start by just putting a saddle on without getting on. Then just get on, sit on him for a minute, give him a treat, then get off. Its all about forming a bond slowly, from the ground up. I hope that helps!

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Good luck!

Yes, it will take lots of time. Horses do not forget, they have excellent memories, but their trust can be won again, although they may be haunted by it, even if just barely, for a very long time. Just keep very very slowly repeating simple steps, like it's a green horse who doesn't know anything. Don't back down, but keep repeating, even if it is only one tiny thing like touching him in a spot he hates. Repeat it until he starts "chewing", that means he is learning something. Always praise and praise, and tell him he's a good boy when he calms down and you'll see his ear turn to you and he'll begin to learn to trust you. It might take some time, but he could very well turn out to be the best horse you could ever have! I applaud you for giving him a chance, that's wonderful.

It will take time, but it will be worth it. Start thinking LIKE a horse. How would you react to a person, any person, that approached you, even with nothing in his/her hand. Exactly! You would be expecting something to happen! The best thing to do is nothing right now. Play some music, not loud rock, but something that you can hum along to. Your horse will become comfortable hearing the music and more importantly, he will hear your voice. As the days go by, turn the music down lower each day, until your voice is the only sound he hears. Remember, THINK LIKE YOUR HORSE!!! You have to earn his trust. Let me know how it goes!!! Be Patient, Be Calm, Believe!!!!