nervous thoroughbred

Question
My two year old thoroughbred gets very nervous when his at the gate.  In his second race it was impossible to get him in it and he even hurt himself, in the past he has also injured himself when he is at the stable.  Is there a way to help him overcome his fears and know if he is traumatized?

Answer
Hi Vanessa:

Unfortunately, once a horse develops bad gate habits, it is very difficult to change their behavior.  Trainers try different techniques to calm horses and reduce act-ups at the gate, but they are usually ineffective.  You would be best advised by a licensed trainer, which I am not.  That being said, here are a few suggestions, which - if not tried previously - may help a little:

  - continue with regular gate training in the A.M.
  - back the horse into the gate and/or use a blindfold while loading
  - ask the vet for any race-day-approved medications that may help calm the horse


Good Luck,

Brad Adler
www.superthoroughbred.com