Starting gate training

Question
How do you train a horse to go into, behave in, and depart correctly from the starting gate? My horse is being pre-conditioned at home, but will go to the track in another 2 months or so, but he over-reacts to many things. I know they do starting gate training sessions at the tracks, but what can I do at home to get him ready?

Answer
well most horses do accept the starting gate with little or no problem. he or she will have to have the actual gate to train from , in and at. there is not much you can do at home  unless you build a padded starting gate with closing gates on the front and back. most important is make sure it is padded all over.some training farms have the small 6 horse gate and people do train then=am there. you have to be very patient with them also . stand them inside with the gates open and hand feed them a treat when ever they go in and out of the gate. give then assurance that the gate will not hurt them . you can play ringing bells in the barn to get them use to the ringing sounds. hope this helps you  good luck  thanks ED HESS