PATHOLOGY

Does human psychology really translate to animals?
Yes it does.
A little story, a diagnosis and a treatment solution:

He went by "Smoking Gun" when he was on the circuit. The second-rate, small-town rodeo circuit. A massive, all-black grade (mixed breed) gelding stood looking at me from a safe distance. He had gained muscle, scars and fears unknown while he was a bucking horse. That was years ago, but all of these things stayed with him, especially the fears. He was a survivor, he took care of himself. No human had ever done him any good.
His new owner called him "Smokey". (I advise against this-keeping any part of the old name when you get an animal from a potentially abusive background. If you think they won't come when they are called, or won't know who you are talking to-WRONG. They know. Any reminder of the bad old days should be done away with immediately). She was a patient, kind woman who wanted to rescue this dangerous horse.
Smoky had been asked to leave his old place of residence because he almost killed a man who went into his stall at night, when the lights were dim. It was an accident. The man mistook him for another black horse. Until Smoky turned to him and tried, with every bit of his 1300-pound body, to kill this intruder. That's how he ended up at my farm.
We looked each other over. He had no use for me, but assessed quickly I was of no particular threat to him. The handlers and bucking riders at the rodeo were men (yes, animals determine gender and make a value judgment about it), and I was a small woman. I moved slowly and deliberately, making sure he knew I was safe. Safe is one thing-trusted is another.
He size and presence took my breath away. What had I agreed to? He was more of a challenge than I would have ever recommended to anyone. Even myself.
I tried to place him in the pasture with my very most tolerant, kind, non-aggressive horse. It was a disaster. Apparently, he did not like any other horses, either. No social contact whatsoever.

DIAGNOSIS: Antisocial Personality Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Let me say here that no one can blame this horse for his attitude. We know that abuse can cause humans to become antisocial as well. But the reality is this: We must adapt and survive. His survival depended on his eventual willingness to trust again and his owner's patience and persistence.

TREATMENT:
Build a rapport. Take time to get close to this horse emotionally as well as physically. It could take years, if ever. Be prepared for relapses. Will trust ever be complete between this horse and owner? I don't really know.

RESULT: He progressed slowly and, after years, she was able to ride him on the trail. If another horse came near, it was a problem. There were many problems, but I think she was pleased with thr results.