How do I get a horse spelled for 8 years back into work?

Question

I'm a novice rider and have been offered to ride a friends horse a stunning chestnut Thoroughbred one problem he hasn't been ridden in 8 YEARS!!

hes 16 years old but has done dressage and normal hacking before he was spelled.
he was agisted in a hilly paddock for the 8 years and did canter up to us when we called him and he doesn't look too out of shape

I need someone to tell me what i have to do to get him able to be ridden around again 

we tried lunging but he's terrified of the whip and i honestly don't think he was ever lunged before 
he stood perfectly to be tacked but was very unsure about what i wanted him to do when i tried to ride him in a walk he was alright at the start but then i think his hind leg (which had been injured a few years before) started playing up and he began tossing his head and only moving backwards so i quickly got off
can someone give me any tips or information on what i can do
I'm planning on taking him for a long walk tomorrow to try and strengthen his tendons and muscles a bit more.

Answer

Take it slow. If the horse refuses to move, or only goes backwards, turn him around. DO NOT dismount unless the horse gets really dangerous and aggressive. If he rears or violently bucks, dismount. Otherwise, don't. Only ask him to walk for now. Don't trot him unless both of you are comfortable with it. If he continues to show discomfort, contact a vet or a chiropractor to see what's the matter with him. Desensitize him to the whip, or else you will have huge problems with it. Don't avoid the whip completely. That is just avoiding something that you have to fix. Again, TAKE IT SLOW!! Don't be nervous because that will just make him nervous, also. Practice stopping. Brakes are important! Hoped I helped! Best of luck!

How do I get a horse spelled for 8 years back into work?

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