Hmmm...finding a trainer for just behavior can be a bit tricky. Ask around, you want one that people recommend, not just a cheap one. Where are you located? You might be able to find someone who will just be willing to work with you and him together.
I couldn't begin to guess what one would charge for that. I have a couple of halter horses at a trainers, and that runs about $450 a month per horse, and covers training and board. And its been my experience that that's a lower rate than many other trainers out there. If you are talking about a riding horse, its usually $650 a month and up. But just for behavior modification, I couldn't tell you.
You might want to look into getting some books and videos by some of the trainers out there that use behavior training like John Lyons, Gawani PonyBoy, Richard Shrake, and....errr...the name slips me but the first name is Pat? I'll have to get back with that one. Although I don't always agree with everything these people say/teach, most of it is sound IMO and it will definitely get you off on the right foot.
Until then, be careful in the stall. IMO, that's the most dangerous place to be with a dominant horse because you can't get away once you leave that door. I learned that I could scale a wall like spiderman one day and have seen others do the same :) You should have him come to the door, not you go to him. And always loop a rope around the neck before you go to mess with his head or slip a halter on. Hanging onto the mane puts the horse at an advantage because you have no leverage.
If he insists on ignoring you at the door, make a rule that he doesn't eat feed unless it comes from you. Take his bucket and stand at the door so that he has to come to you to eat. If he doesn't come to you within a few minutes, walk away, close the door and try again ten minutes later. I had a foal this year who decided she wasn't going to be caught in her stall, did the same spin and kick stuff. And besides really getting onto her when she kicked, she only got hay unless she came to me first to eat. It took about 3 days before she got the idea that the food wasn't going to be left in her stall on demand.
Good luck and keep us updated!
Cody
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