Hi Martha,
OK, so I'm here because I, too am having alley issues with a really nice little, young horse. All of the previous posts sound very familiar. I've run barrels for MANY years and have, at one time or another, experienced many of the posted problems on different horses (none of which are still in my barn, BTW). I have had several nice Open horses along the way, too that walked in on a slack rein...always my ultimate goal.
Now, with my new colt, I don't want to go through those alley issues.... I'm taking my time with him, walking, scoring, doing lots of other things (roping, trail rides, etc.)... but still, he is beginning to show signs of being scared to go in the arena. He backs up, refusing to go in or takes his bit and turns to the right to go the opposite direction. Even trotting down the alley, he'll turn to the right to go out of the arena. I can't decide if these are behavior problems (young and just "trying me" or going through "chute sweat") or a real physical issue.
This 5 year old is just starting his career. He's only been loping barrels since January. At this point, I'm only asking for faster speeds at his own pace (certainly not begging for more, yet). We're running in the novice classes, only. He's in the $200 Novice group and has been competing very well and very solid. His times are usually 1 to 1.5 seconds off the winning time Open time. I don't want to develop any bad habits this early. I still take him about once a week to practice, where I do not compete. I'll exhibition 3 times, walk, trot, walk (Boring-but I believe it's required at this stage). I score him for hours during all drags before we run. I only run him at CTBRAs (twice a month). Otherwise, I ride at the house in the pasture (no barrels) or go team roping where I'll sit on him for hours just watching the roping. We also bring up the steers each time and walk in and out of the roping boxes.
I notice that you've suggested vet checks, chiro checks, and most recently, ulcer checks. Yikes! Sigh! I was hoping for an easy answer. <COLOR GRIN>
Anyway, at this point, I would feel really silly (like a "typical barrel racer") running to the vet with this young horse and saying, my horse is refusing to go in the arena, can you check him for me? :\\((( Ya' know? Otherwise, he looks terrific, travels great, no obvious signs of physical problems or lameness. No soreness, swellings, or tenderness. The tack appears to fit fine. He's young & healthy. He's sweet and kind. He's quiet, not crazy or "hot" at all. He is a very nice colt with a terrific future that I don't want to ruin. Frankly, I'm a little scared to go forward. He's taken to the pattern really fast and is eager to please except for this problem.
Is it really time to go to the vet? I'm committed to doing what it takes to keep him nice. Help? Your thoughts are sincerely appreciated.
