Hi Terri!Sound like you are indeed making some good progress there! And you are right, it can be difficult sometimes when you are dealing with both aggression and nervousness but I have some thoughts that might help at least make you feel less nervous :)
First, as you work on the trust issue, there's also just naturally going to be an improvement on the aggression. Basically, the more the horse understands and knows you, the less he's going to feel threatened or have reason to show aggression.
Second, and this is the hardest part to make clear until you've actually seen it. Horses are generally smarter and more reasonable that we as humans give them credit for. I think the biggest obstacle between human and horse reasoning is that they have a totally different set of priorities and obviously do not reason the same as we do. That's where our ability to think beyond ourselves comes in handy :) I'm not saying horses can't figure humans out, some can and do, but most probably don't see the need to do so! Regardless, if you practise immediate and appropriate discipline for aggressive or ill-mannered actions on the horse's part, they will know what they are getting in trouble for. It will not increase any fear or nervousness, and will infact cause a higher level of trust because the horse will KNOW where he stands. They are just like kids, they need to know their boundaries for security. Boundaries that are always changing are not only ineffectual, but they make for a wishy-washy relationship too that does not build trust.
Third, and this is coming from someone who can't see your horse so its NOT gosple but...from what you describe, this horse sounds like a typical young horse that needs working with but is not unusually mean or pushy. In fact, head on over to the mini board when you get a chance and scroll down a bit and you'll find a post where one of our members is having problems with a mare that are much worse than you've described here as far as aggressive behavior. I'm sure it happens, but most vets will NOT leave a gelding proud cut. Now if he was gelded by someone practising veterinary medicine without a license, your risk increases but...There's just no good reason to leave one like that and tons of reasons not to.
However, if there comes a point where you just have to know, your vet can run testosterone tests and tell you for sure.
Good luck and keep us posted :) He sounds like a very interesting and intelligent horse, and I have to say I enjoy reading about your progress with him!
PH Cody
