flat run in a barrel horse

Question
QUESTION: Is there a way to change the way a horse runs?  I have bought a Quarter Horse mare that is training to be a barrel horse.  When she runs home, instead of striding out, she runs flat.  I was told she is a flat runner.  She has not been trained a whole lot so I thought maybe with more training she can be encouraged to stride out instead of flat.

ANSWER: Hi Jennifer,

I would think that some basic flexibility excersises might help her to strengthen her back and stifles allowing her the desired reach in her runs. Movements such as shoulder in and haunches in and maybe some three loop serpentines would help in the strengthening of the appropriate muscles. It could be that she just hasn't developed the strength to utilize her full capabilities. A lot of performance horses don't reach their full potential until a year or more after starting their careers so you are right to assume that with more training she should progress. Good luck to both of you!

Tina

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Tina,

I did not mention in my last question that this horse is 9years old.  Do you think the excersises will still work with her?  like I said before, she has never been completely trained in anything.  She is just green broke.

Answer
Jennnifer,

Yes, I do think any kind of conditioning will help the horses performance. Especially in a greenbroke horse who is not yet used to the rigors of performance. It can only help, not hurt. It may not fix the problem completely, but it should help. I think a regular excersise and conditioning program is extremely important no matter what the horses job.
I hope this helps some what.

Tina