Help with gate sour horse

Seems a lot of consensus here.

Jump course designers know that this is a real part of horses’ behaviour, which is why, even at big Spruce Meadows type shows, they frequently put a jump just past the gate, or angling towards it, to distract the horse. And it works if the rider is even a little bit off guard no matter how well schooled or seasoned the horse is.

So you are not alone, and it is common.

Thanks for all of the help everyone. Really great advice. He is a great horse, just so stubborn about this one thing. I will use everyone’s advice tomorrow!:slight_smile:

Just wanted to say THANKS to everyone for all the help. Especially SLC2 and EqTrainer. You both said to focus on the rythm disturbance instead of the gate. So I have been doing just that. I don’t say my horse is gate sour anymore, I say we have rythm issues. Haha. It has worked like a magic potion, seriously!!! He has been wonderful and our rides have been fun and dare I say rythmical? I don’t worry about the gate, I just keep all my attention focused on counting our trot beats like a metronome. The instant I feel the metronome going faster, I half halt. Then I instantly release and relax when he comes back to the pace I have decided. It has made a world of difference. It really wasn’t about the gate, it was about my horse not staying in the rythm I had chosen. Thanks again!!! !!!

:smiley: :yes:

EqT

Aw hell I asked EqTrainer first and then just cut and pasted what she pm’d me, LOL!

NO - no ropes, boards, poles or bungie cords over the gate opening!

A big solid smooth gate that REALLY looks like a barrier and is taller than the fence, with NO support wires to it and no ground rod, springs or anything sticking out, and with a solid attachment to a solid fence post - AND a quick release on whatever keeps it closed! Don’t ask me how I know, LOL!