year old Amish raised filly

Question
I have had 'Rain" a beautiful paint year old filly since March1 2008.  I saw her and purchased her in Jan. but was not able to move her until we moved into our ' work in progress' renovated historic home.  The problem is she has started to kick me, my husband and anyone she wants.  She is very impatience and kicks if I don't feed her quickly enough!  She also gets her halter off and I can't get a hold of her.  Lastly she climbed out of her stall.  It is standard height Dutch door style .  She gets over, under or thru the electric fence and can jump almost anything.  I was raised with horses but she is worring me as she is suposed to be for my 8 year old grand daughter, Bethany.  Well Bethy thinks she's wild and is afraid of her.  I'm very leary of her now that she has kicked me a few times.  I need help.  Please tell me if there is a video or book that would help.  She is absolutely gorgeous when she runs and is usually very sweet, except she never gives you space and she kicks!

Answer
Dodie,

It sounds like you have your hands full!  Ok, with problems like this, its generally best to sell the animal as its behavior is obviously extremely dangerous and unpredictable.  But for the argument of all the good qualities of the mare, I will attempt to help you with your problem.

If at any time, you become even more unsafe than you are already, STOP what you are doing and get professional help.  I certainly don't want to tell you anything that is going to get you or your family into more trouble or get you hurt.

First, with the impatience.  You have nailed that right on the head.  She tells you what to do and because you don't know how to tell her to "stick it" she gets away with it.  Here is answer one.  When she kicks at you at feeding time, quietly leave the stall and DO NOT feed her.  Show her that her behavior is NOT what gets her fed.  Allow the feed to remain in her sight, but at no point is she to be fed until the next feeding time.  If she again, acts out, don't feed her again.  Make it clear that her behavior is NOT going to be rewarded with dinner.  It might be hard and you might feel sorry for her, but don't give in.

With the halter, buy a size smaller and fit it to her snug.  Buy a heavy, double stitched halter with brass fittings and the only loose place should be around her muzzle.  You don't want to choke her, so don't get it too tight around the jowls, but you want to make it painful for her to alter the position of the halter by more than a few inches.  You will need a halter that can put up with the rubbing or pulling, however she is getting it off.  With a size smaller, she wont be able to get it over her jowls, but it shouldn't choke her either.

The stall issue, install a top part to your door.  That way, she has a window that can be closed off at your will.  That will at least keep her contained until she gets used the idea that she has to remain where you put her.

The fencing problem.  If its not hard to do so, buy corral panels at least eight feet in height or build a round arena at least ten feet in height.  Good examples of this round arena would be John Lyons version of it, so look that one up if you would rather pursue that option.

When leading or handling her, carry a short crop and if you prefer (as I do), use a stud chain on the bottom part of her chin.  When she is good, do nothing and praise her!  When she offers to come to close into your space, using your crop pop her across the chest or reach behind you and pop her in the ribs to discourage her from crowding you.  If she decides that she has had enough of your instruction and decides to kick, wear her out good with that chain by jerking and releasing very quickly and several times.  Force her to bring her head back around to you to get her rear end away from you.

Anytime you deal with her, reestablish that YOU are the boss.  YOU say what goes and YOU say what is acceptable.  Put her on your clock and make her do!  

Some other little pointers, feed her when your ready and not so much when she acts like she thinks it should be dinner time. Work with her everyday and consistently.  You should expect results from day one, but notice a big change in her attitude in two weeks or so.  If not, you may want to consider a different horse for your granddaughter.

I am very sorry you are having to go through this and I wish you the best of luck with her.  If there is any way I can be of further assistance to you, please don't hesitate to ask.  I want you to be successful.

As far as other resources, I love the work that Clinton Anderson does and he has several videos and books available for purchase.  You can find his website at www.downunderhorsemanship.com.  

If you need anything else, please let me know!  Good luck!