3 year old Pizzazz Mare

Question
I recently partnered on a 3 year old Pizzazz mare.  I have been told that Pizzazz mare tend to be moody. I understand since I can be moody, but I have been working with her to show in halter. I am very green at the halter showing.  I feel there has to be more to this than just lounging a mare around for seven minutes one way then seven minutes the other.  I groom her everyday and practice setting her up.  I want our relationship to be a good, trusting relationship.  I want her to be just as excitied as I am about seeing me as I do her.  I have other horses at home and they all love to see me.  I did not do anything special with those horses that I have not done with her.  I sit and talk to her and try to spend time but she is not real interested.  Is there something I can do to make our relationship special and our working together more fun and productive?  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Becky;

What a lucky horse your girl is to have an owner such as yourself.

It's possible that your girl simply isn't very personable, or she may need more time to warm up.  

I think you might find clicker training just what you're looking for.  You can find information online.  Alexander Kurland has a website and an excellant book.  Karen Pryor is another source and even has an e-mail newsletter you can subsribe to.  

The sky is the limit with this type of training and it creates a real 'thinking' environment between horse and owner.

Best wishes and much luck with your girl!

Sincerely,

Lana Reinhardt
www.eq-paradise.com