I moved to a ranch not too long ago that included a few horses. I love horses but I had never been near one until now. Is it possible to have a lifelong relationship with a horse who was used to someone else caring for it? Can I get a old horse to trust me?

I don't see why not. A friendship with a horse is just like a friendship with a human. There is trust and care in both. Just as you can make good friends as adults, I don't think horse relationships are much different.

I agree with Sally, your horse can grow to love you even though it is used to a different owner. Don't try jump starting anything but take baby steps. Do little things at a time to show the horse that you care about it.

These things happen all the time. There are plenty of horses that are taken in after retiring from whatever line of work they were employed in, so by that time are elderly but still end up beloved companions.

I've found that older horses seem to bond faster and more true. The best thing is to just be gentle, calm, and yourself around the horse. Show the horse love and respect and you will get that in return.

How hard this process will be could depend on how the previous owner treated the animal, as well. As long as the horse hasn't had negative experiences, it should be a fairly easy thing to gain his trust. If he has been treated badly before, it may take longer for him to trust you but it still can be done with patience.