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 Member
Posts: 24
| My gelding has always ran right first, but I realized he turns best to the right so I've decided to switch him to running left first. I was just wondering if I need to completely re-pattern him. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489
| It will take a little time. Most will be looking to go right when you bring them through the gate for the first couple of times. Some slow work at home and some slow exhibitions, it usually isn't a hard transition, just lay some groundwork. I've switched several and usually by about the 3rd run, they are going where you are pointing. |
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Regular
Posts: 72
| Something to consider - your first and second barrels will still be turned the same direction, although in a different order once you switch. The third barrel will be turned the opposite direction once you switch them. Be patient and be prepared for this when you start going faster away from the house. Old habits die hard. Even when the rest of the run (first and second turns) are going well, you may need to slow down and give some extra guidance going into the third turn until your horse is solid and confident on which way to turn it. Enjoy.
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 Am I really the Weirdo?
Posts: 11181
 
Location: Kansas | I have switched several through the years - some stick as lefties and some don't. It's really not as tough as people think it will be though. Generally, I've just had to get them on the correct lead going to first, and then help them leave 1st & 2nd lined up with where they're going. I might trot through once or twice at home the first time I switch one, but once they have run that direction 1-2 times, I'll just switch them at a race. (I like to live on the edge LOL) My 2 main rodeo horses can run either direction at the drop of a hat now based on just how I position them to start the run. |
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Switching A Right First Horse To Left First