Change in behavior after foaling

Question
We adopted an 8 yr old Tennessee Walking Horse mare who was recently removed from an abusive situation. We had her less than a week when she gave birth to a beautiful little Walking Horse Filly. Before and shortly after the birth, we could do anything we wanted with Molly. Since then, she will jerk her head away and pin her ears back if we try to touch her. She lets us handle the foal, but not her. When we give her a treat, she will take it, then lay her ears back when we don't have more. Please help us! We want that sweet horse back.

Answer
Hi Brenda!

You have owned this horse a very, very short period of time and while you may be very fond of her and want a solid relationship, she does not know you.

What you need is to learn how to understand "horse-speak".  Horses are always talking to us humans, we just don't always pay attention.

I advise you speak to your vet, farrier or tack shop and ask them to recommend a local trainer who has experience with foals.  Have the trainer our to your place to evaluate your situation and discuss your goals with these horses.  Watch how he/she handles the mare and baby and have them teach you how to properly handle them on the ground.  The foal should be put into ground training immediately so she does not go wild.  She should be haltered and taught to lead, have her body touched all over and her hooves picked up.  Of course, this does not all happen at once, you need to do short, daily sessions with them both to get things right.

Get some hands-on help.  You have a great responsibility with this foal to make her understand her place in the world with humans.  If she is happy and well trained, she will live a long life filled with happy humans treating her well.

Good luck and remember to always wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet!

Solange