"What is the symbolic meaning of the proverb, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink?"
Answer ...
"Essentially, the proverb of the horse and water points metaphorically to the need for each person to take ownership of his or her own life. An individual has to desire to drink, to learn, to live and to thrive. Although others may provide opportunities for nourishment, learning, advice and assistance, no one can force another to participate in real living or right choices."
And forcing the horse’s head in to the water to make him drink could end up drowning him as well.