Azteca mare

Question
Hi there, I bought a 3 year old azteca, now she is 4, had her professionally started Jan 08-for 10 weeks. Did well. I now find her very resistent to my leg, I bought a new saddle, so its not a sore back, she is 16.3 I'am 5.2" so I cannot over power her. I try to be soft with my leg aids but she ignores them so I asked harder and she gets all grumpy, shakes her head and gets all tight in the body. Sometimes she gives a little and is beautiful and forward, it only lasts for awhile, then she backs off again, I back my leg up with a crop and she ignores that too. Could this be from living with her mom? She is in the field with her mother, and mom also has a very strong personality,pushy and boss mare.

Answer
Hi Janet!

I am not being frivolous when I say "She is *just* 3 years old!"
Remember?  Just 3, really still a baby.  The fact that she has proven she knows what you want and has done it (no matter how briefly) should be enough for you right now at this stage of her training.

She cannot be pushed too much too fast to act well beyond her years and abilities.  Keep her in a consistent but, carefully planned training program so she is always advancing...through acceptance and true understanding...not through constant pushing from an impatient rider.

It always surprise me that riders think once a horse learns something, it will be push-button perfect about that particular thing forever.  Nope.  Ask the same way each and every time so that the communication is consistent. But, expect it to be not correct at this young age and when she does do it right...praise should be immediate and plentiful.

If you get what you want, end for the day.  If you don't, ask again maybe once or twice, all the while being kind and consistent.  If she still doesn't get it...think about "WHY?" instead of just keeping pushing.  That kind of training will fry her tiny little baby brain and even lessen more her already finite patience with the whole training program.  

She sounds willing for a baby and you really, really ant to keep that part of her going strong.  So, have a plan for each and everytime you touch her, work towards an achievable goal for that session and end on a good and solid note.  Keep your training sessions, daily, brief, consistent and be patient.  All good things come to those who wait.  Just ask a Dressage trainer!  LOL!!

Solange