My horse is scared to go anywhere near even a 20cm jump. He's big nearly 16hh this is the first time i tried jumping him so i decided to start at 20cm i ride him up to the jump smoothly when were right near the jump he goes round it is he scared or has he never jumped before???

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Hi it just sounds like your horse is stubborn to be honest...are you an experienced rider?
20cm is on the small side even if it is the horses first time jumping with you, try putting it up to about 50 or 60cm, any lower and he doesnt really see it as a jump.
Ride into the fence at a trot and keep your leg firmly on squeezing coming in to the jump and have good contact with the horse through your reins. hes just refusing so dont let him duck out at the last second. you dont need to canter into such a small jump and he is well able to jump this height from a trot.
if he still insists on ducking out, set the jump up right at the side of the arena tight against the fence and carry your whip in ur inside hand and use it on his shoulder 2-3 strides out from the fence(still keep squeezing with your legs)squeeze as your horse is at the fence and give with your hands to encourage him to jump.

you could also place a ground/trotting pole a stride in front of the jump, you then TROT into the fence keep a hold of him until you go over this trotting pole and you can then squeeze and give with your hands to encourage him to jump.

you need to get 2 poles either side of the wings and use this as a barrier that running out or away is not the answer i dont think he is scared i think he is just being naughty yes i agree it needs to be around 70cm to class it as a jump otherwise he will just run away what is he like lungeing over the fence ect?

I taught my baby to jump last year.

Started with trotting poles to get her used to those, then loose schooled her over small jumps, then by the time i tried jumping her with me on board she knew what it was about.

Sounds like you need to start from scratch and be patient.

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