She wanted to run, to feel her lungs fill until her breath came in spurts, to stretch her muscles to their very limits. When Desert Stormer had another horse in her sights she was relentless. Her greatest joy was passing them, staring them down, conquering rivals with her will as much as with her speed and strength. While Desert Stormer loved to run, there was no doubt she was willful, and frequently it showed at the starting gate. She was tough to load, and if she were loaded early, often grew impatient waiting.
Some horses simply fear entering such a small, cramped space.
If so, they are taken out in the mornings to practice and after a while loose their apprehensions. In her case, fear was not a factor. She knew what the gate was, and only got worse if she was made to practice. She was simply asserting her independence. When she makes her mind up to fight, she won't quit.