A. First of all you need to make sure that you’re not getting tense and cueing your horse. Most of us tend to get a little nervous or tighten up before a run, especially if we’re riding a horse that’s nervous or jumps when the gates open.

Horses can feel even the smallest bit of tension in your legs. Try to totally relax from waist down. One way to check how much of your horse’s anticipation is coming from you is to sit in the box with your horse looking towards the steer and have someone open the gates randomly without you knowing when it’s going to happen.

I have four horses and they all score differently so it’s a good idea to get to know your horse in the box. When thinking a horse is going to run off, many people tend to jerk back on the reins when the gates open. You might keep them a little more snug, but never jerk back.

David currently uses the Hypnotic, the new Cactus four-stand.

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