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Thursday, October 08, 2009
Sinus Hematoma lead to Alley way issues! HELP!
Hi Tina, My 6 year old barrel horse has been having issues with going into the run out shoot, and I'm at my wits end trying to get her over this fear that she has developed. Let me give you some background info on her. I've only been running her hard for about a year and a half. I took my time training her, which took about two years, and she is a really nice barrel horse. She runs great and turns even better. About a year ago I started having issues with her going into the run out shoot, and I tried everything I could to get her through her issues. Well, about three months ago my vets found a Hematoma growing in her right sinus glands.
The Hematoma was removed, and she has recovered from surgery well. I've started barrel racing her again, and sometimes she's fine going into the run out shoot but other times she is very anxious and refuses to go in. She is fine once she gets into the run out shoot, but it seems as though she has developed this huge fear of simply going in. I've tried everything I can think of. Please help.
Hi April, I am so glad you helped your horse with the medical care she needed. If she associated pain to the competition that may be why she is a little alley way sour now. If you are certain she is pain free now, it is time to go back to the training mode and let her know she is ok now. Alley way issues begin from 4 or 5 main reasons: pain, fear from over exposure, rider nerves, horses nerves or disrespect.
If you believe she started this due to the pain of the Hematoma, you will just need to start taking her back slow and maybe not full out runs but 1/2 to 3/4 speed to let her know she is ok now. I would haul to a show and just slow exhibition her 1 or 2 times at a trot/walk. I would enter her but only high lope/slow lope the pattern.
If she baulks at alley way you are late in reading her. I would suggest as you go towards the alley to keep her focused on a forward motion cue, such as two tracking, leg laterals, like invisible poles, face flexing or something to keep her focus on you not the alley way. Maintain your forward motion, even if you have to slow trot in, not walk and for sure don't stop and set up, maintain forward motion!
I don't recommend backing a horse in, leading a horse in, or a horse by your side, unless absolutely last resort. I would rather she did it from a respect of rider's cues. But for her to respect you, she must trust you, so be sure she is healthy, and you have the vet's blessing to start racing her again. If she is healthy, just be confident and relaxed as you approach the alley and you will give her confidence that she is ok and racing will be fun for her and not painful again!
Tina Spangler - TLC Barrel Horse Training
www.tlcbarrelhorsetraining.com
352-516-9362
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