Gaing respect and trust from my filly

Question
Dear Lyn,
I have a 2-2.5 year old Chincoteague filly. She is in a paddock with an older mare and two younger foals. I would love to gain more of her trust and respect as she is beginning to be ridden. She is known to be quite pushy and likes to walk all over people. Only the older mare in her paddock puts my filly in her place. I would love to establish a relationship with her. Please if you have ANY advice I would be grateful!!
Thanks,
Katie

Answer
Katie,

First off she's too young to be riding.  You shouldn't be expecting her to carry weight until she's 3.5 to 4 yrs. old.  Her skeleton needs to get more mature or you run the high risk of problems later on because of stress on immature parts now.  She's only the equivalent of a 12-15 yr. old child.  Think about kids at that age, they are often testing to see how far they can go.  So is your filly.  Go back to ground work with her.  If you are familiar with Pat Parelli work then play some of the "games" that he has devised to teach horses.  If not at least get her working on a lunge line.  Let her know in no uncertain terms what you consider acceptable behavior.  You don't need to beat her up but shanking her a couple of times and yelling at her will make her realize that she's done the wrong thing.  Praise for good behavior and putting her back to work when she doesn't want to cooperate will bring her 'round. It just takes time.  A lot depends upon how experienced you are working with youngsters.  Biggest thing is you have to be 100% consistent all the time.  Don't cut her any slack.  She has to learn that you expect certain behavior all the time.  

If uncertain how to start get hold of one of the books by Lyons, Shrake or Parelli and follow it.  Good luck and contact me if you have any questions or just need some encouragement.  

Lyn