The kind that wont go and back up and run side ways? It cost me a ranch plasure class. Mare is awesome but coming around by the gate on a lope I felt her start to shut down. I squeezed her up out of it but when we finished the circle and turned to go up (like you would to go to the first barrel) she put the brakes on and went to backing and sidestepping. I had full disclourse she was gate sour. So far this is the first she has done it with me. She has been wonderful every practice before the show dang it. Whats your strategy for fixing this glitch? Im just doing lots of slow work and im going to alternate arenas.
Well typically horses who are gate sour I believe are either hurting or were.... or they dont like their job. There are exceptions to every rule but in my experience its one or the two.
Posted 2014-08-04 5:52 AM Subject: RE: Gate Sour horses...
Expert
Posts: 1357 Location: Mississippi
moapajetrider - 2014-08-03 5:41 PM The kind that wont go and back up and run side ways? It cost me a ranch plasure class. Mare is awesome but coming around by the gate on a lope I felt her start to shut down. I squeezed her up out of it but when we finished the circle and turned to go up (like you would to go to the first barrel) she put the brakes on and went to backing and sidestepping. I had full disclourse she was gate sour. So far this is the first she has done it with me. She has been wonderful every practice before the show dang it. Whats your strategy for fixing this glitch? Im just doing lots of slow work and im going to alternate arenas.
I have had two horse that were like this. They were perfect at home, but gate sour at shows. Never fixed either of them. The last one I had that exhibited issues I treated for ulcers. This seems to have helped considerably.
Posted 2014-08-04 9:55 AM Subject: RE: Gate Sour horses...
Tough Patooty
Posts: 2615 Location: Sperry, OK
Work them in figure 8's or roll backs or reverse flex right outside the gate... get them good and tired, make them work...then walk them into the arena to rest. Every time you get off make sure you are in the arena when you dismount and loosen them off. Make them start to think the arena is a resting/good place to be.
THats not true about them being in pain..... My mare used to have the WORST alley way and gate issues because i barrel race and she knows that every time we go up to the alleyway or gate she knows we are about to run so what i did was inbetween drags i would just walk her up and walk around inn the arena to let her know that everytime i go in there its not all work and running. After that she was an ANGEL!!! she would just walk right on in and wouldnt give me any fits!! i HIGHLY suggest you use this method! ANd dont forget to praise her when she walks on in quietly and doesnt misbehave!! Patients is key!
And Almost ALL horses love their job no matter what! horses nature is to learn and please! and maybe just try walking by the gate and not working her and making her think that the arena is a terrible place because she is getting either overworked or entirely worn out!
THats not true about them being in pain..... My mare used to have the WORST alley way and gate issues because i barrel race and she knows that every time we go up to the alleyway or gate she knows we are about to run so what i did was inbetween drags i would just walk her up and walk around inn the arena to let her know that everytime i go in there its not all work and running. After that she was an ANGEL!!! she would just walk right on in and wouldnt give me any fits!! i HIGHLY suggest you use this method! ANd dont forget to praise her when she walks on in quietly and doesnt misbehave!! Patients is key!
I never said thats the only reason a horse is gate sour but its usually a contributing factor. My horse loves entering the arena and loves running barrels therefore, he doesnt mind going in to work... thats why my second theory is they dont always have the same "want" as other horses. This is JMO
ETA not liking their job can be created too... due to overwork or again because they were hurting while they were running and they no longer enjoy it.
Gate Sour horses...
