Running Terrible Patterns Fighting Throughout

[Bob Gould]

Dear Mrs. Wright, I have a 6 year old AQHA gelding that I have been running barrels on for almost 3 years now. He has been hauled quite a bit, but I have not ever hauled this much continuously.
I usually run him every Thursday night in a play day and about two times a month on Saturdays. Anyway, lately he has been running terrible patterns and fighting me throughout them. I hated to use a stronger bit when we started running fast, but he didn't slow down enough with a lighter bit to make a good turn.

A few people have told me to take him to the chiropractor to see if he is hurting. They also know that it is not in his nature to act this way. I would appreciate your opinion on this matter.
Thanks,
Karen

Dear Karen,
I would definitely have this horse checked by both your vet and a good equine chiropractor. It sounds like he is dreading running barrels for some reason if this was not how he worked previously.
Martha Wright