Horse's come in as many personality styles as humans do.
Because of that, not every technique works on every equine.
You have to learn to adapt.
Over the years I've heard lots of horse owners complain about struggling to train their timid equestrian friend because at any minute he could jump out of his skin and cause a big wreck.
The problem with that is the horse won't know what to do if he's not worked with.
With that said, the owner of the timid horse needs to know this.
First, your equine friend is timid so acknowledge that in your mind.
Then ask yourself, "how would I treat a timid human being?".
Would you be a jerk to him or her? Would you yell at him or her? Would you be gentle with him or her?" With a timid personality, your horse will need a lot of reassurance.
Reassurance comes in the form of lots of caressing.
You see, because the horse is timid like this, he automatically assumes you're in charge and you're the leader.
He knows you are superior and he submits to what you want immediately.
You should know this kind of horse will become a great horse for you because he or she will be faithful.
The flip side is you have to treat this horse very well or you will likely discourage him.
Most people don't know that this kind of horse will struggle through continual punishment without resisting but he gets confused and dumbfounded by it.
It would be like you asking, "Why me? What did I do?" If you treat this timid horse any differently that what I just told you, then you will create a horse with problems.
Simply treat this horse kindly.
Give him lots of reassurance and he'll likely become a fantastic horse for you.