Well, I think I'll just ignore the lecture on "sight unseen" (just
recently had my own version of your story & it did not have a happy ending).
I have found that Tteam work on the head and more patience than you
thought you had will bring the horse around. Begin with the mouth
exercises, then every once in awhile move your hand in a non-threatening
way toward the ears. Also do some massage work on the mid-neck region,
moving away from the poll then briefly toward the poll, each time inching
a fraction closer than before. Do this every time you handle the horse.
Your breathing will have a lot to do with calming him--take long deep
breaths & exhale very slowly as you work. Also ask him to bring his head
down by standing in front of him, crouch to your knees and gently tug/ask
for him to lower his head. Use a 30" chain threaded through the halter
and hooked onto the upper ring by the eye.
As far as getting halters on & off--don't move anything over his ears.
Unbuckle the halter and slip the strap as far back as possible and allow
to slide off the other side. You may need an oversize halter for this
move--and use something soft like well-broken in leather. When putting
it on just reverse the movement and keep your hands on the neck, not near
the poll.
The Tteam book has some excellent exercises--may be worth investing in
it--or if a local practicioner can come to your place, it might be good
to have some hands-on lessons.
I've had several horses who are "funny" about their heads for one reason
or another. But I have never had to give up on one of them! These
exercises really work--as does a positive mental attitude on your part.
If you envision a positive response, you will most likely get it!
Good luck!
Diane @ Safe Haven
Allentown, PA