ANYONE who has ever competed in any event has experienced or witnessed an arena sour horse.This usually shows up in horses that are drilled hard in the arena with little or no outside riding. This is not always the case, however, as some horses seem to think along these lines more than others. Reluctance to enter the arena and gravitating towards the gate are the two most visible signs.
Everything you try to accomplish is effected because all the horse can think about is getting out. Circles and turns are egg shaped, the shoulder towards the gate drops in and stops are better on one end than the other. The more you train the worse it gets.
Try following some simple arena management rules. If possible, enter and leave through different gates. Never stop around the gate where the horse wants to hang up. Remember where you release is what you teach. The gate should be a place of work. Stop and rest and visit on the other end of the arena.
If the horse wants to go back to the gate, let him, but make him work. Circles, rollbacks, spins, anything to make him uncomfortable. When you feel the horse tire of this, go to the other end, or middle. Stop and rest.
Leave most of the decision making up to your horse, but only release or stop in the place he doesn't want to be. If your timing is correct and you do it enough times, you'll see a marked difference in where your horse wants to be. Then, try the maneuvers that were getting fouled up and you should see a big difference.
Barrel horses with a "hot" barrel, or rope horses who hate the box benefit much from this. Don't forget mixing it all up with outside riding. Remember to do it all thoughtfully and safely and make sure you are the one who determines where your horse wants to go.
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