Have a problem at the starting gate

Question
Hello. We have a 3 year old that will not sit still in the gate. She will instantly get spooked just before having to go into the gate and when she is in she acts like an idiot and rears everytime. We have had to treat lacerations and pulled tendons on this horse because of her attitude.  Any suggestions?

Answer
Well this is a question that does not have a simple answer. Simply because each and every single horse reacts differently to training at the gate. Have you or your trainer been to a gate schooling course? Does your track offer it? Has this horse been raced yet? In order for a horse to race, they must be certified by the starting gate crew as being able to load and break from the starting gate in a safe manner. This is one of the reasons the job is so important, because without the starting gate crew's approval, a horse cannot race. Also, it sounds like you are squeezing this horse into spooking.....Reason why I say this is, your horse should not be getting lacerations and pulled tendons if your leaving the gate open. When we bring a horse in, we first we let the horse look at the [starting] gate. They like to smell it and examine it before they go into it for the first time. We open the front and back gates and lead them through it without stopping. Then we lead them into it and pause for a few seconds then lead them out. Eventually, they get comfortable with the idea of it and can stand in it with no problem and your horse sounds like it is being shut in too fast. Getting horses acclimated with the starting gate can be a long process depending on the horse. My best advice to you is make sure whoever is training this horse that they have the proper training certifications.  In order for a trainer to get his/her license they have to pass a series of tests and gate schooling is one of them. If you want a good starter without the injurys I would further persue taking this horse to a training facility that specializes in the field. One that has the proper equipment and crew. Good luck to you and remember that you only get out of something, what you put into it.