Mae,

Take a deep breath, and go with your comfort level. Yes, large horses can be
intimidating. We've had two Clyde/TB crosses who stand 17.3 hands, 1500+
pounds. Watch the feet. It does hurt if they step on you. But don't worry,
just start simple. The bonding will come from the work and from him learning
the clicker game. Target. Backing (keeps your feet safe). Head lowering
(makes it so much easier to put on the halter, bridle, etc). Do it all in a
safe space.

Use Alex's "Tai Chi rope handling and food delivery." I was amazed what a
difference that made after I attended a clinic. Came home, and I could make
the big guy step back just by sliding my hand down the lead rope to the
snap, "rotating my bones" and taking a step in the direction I wanted him to
go (back). In a very short time, he became very soft to this handling.
Delivering the food in a way that makes him take a step away from me each
time really taught him more respect for my space. Knowing I have that makes
me much more relaxed with him.

Practice leading your big guy only when you feel ready. Break it down into
tiny steps. Just lead him a few feet in his field or corral. When you feel
good with that, introduce distraction, or more distance, or some other
criterion. You will do fine, and he will learn quickly. It's alway hard to
start at square one, when you've been accustomed to that almost psychic
response from a different horse, but remember how much more you know now
than when you started the previous horses. You will do great. Please send
reports.

Cindy (5'4", with a husband whose eyes twirl around like a mesmerized
cartoon character whenever he hears '17 hands')