Martha:
I am having a problem with my daughters horse that I can not figure out how to fix. Maybe you can suggest something for us to try. When we trot he does fine, when we lope he does okay but when we add alittle speed, he starts to turn and then he gets to a point and it is like he either lunges or rares up, not for but as if he is stiffens up and fights the turn. I go to the left barrel first and he does it on the first. If I go to the right he turns the 1st barrel and when he gets to that same point on the second barrel he does the same thing. It is almost as if he has been mistreated or fallen or did something there that he remembers. I can send you a tape if you would like me to. Any suggestions would be helpful, she got a scholarship to Hill on the Rodeo team for the fall so help!!!
From the description that you have given in your message, I would have to think that your horse is sore or hurting and that is what is causing him to dread turning to the left. You need to have him thoroughly checked by a good performance horse veterinarian for lameness or soreness as well as getting his teeth checked to see if they need floating. Also make sure that all your equipment fits properly.
Martha Wright
