I have owned my gelding for 6 years. We have always ran to the right first because "that's what everyone else does." The last two years we have hit a LOT of second and third barrels. This past summer it sort of clicked that he might do better running to the left first. I ran him twice that way and while it was slower because we were still both a little unsure, we didn't come close to hitting any barrels. My gelding is much softer to the right than to the left. My question is has anyone had a barrel horse that ran one direction for a long time and then you switched directions?

Before this gets brought up, he is healthy, sound, chiropracted, massaged, vet checked, etc. It's not physical. He is just right handed. We have done drill after drill after you name it to work on improving his left hand turns. And they HAVE improved, but he is much more naturally fluid turning right. I'm not sure why it didn't click for me in the past lol.

I teach my horses both directions and make them run both. You never know when you will be at an arena that has an advantage for a L or R handed horses, ground etc. My horses know the pattern and have tyo listen to ME on which way they go. If I draw up bottom of the ground at a race, I often run left if the ground is chewed up by the previous 4 horses in the drag. Essentially I get top of the ground. Yes, both ways is awesome! 

I personally ride better left barrel first its way more natural for me. I will go right IF my horse pefers it but I pefer left. 

Many horses have been switched, and go on to win and be tough horses. If you and your horse feel better that way I would without a doubt switch. 

I've never ran to the left, so it's a little weird for me! But he seems really happy. :)

I have a mare who is exactly like your horse. I have switched her back and forth so many times. Her going to the left barrel first is just so much slower, than her going to the right barrel first. We are faster but I have a heck of a time getting her off of her second and third barrels. Ugh, frustrating. We haven't quite perfected either direction yet. LOL!