aggressive filly

Question
I have a 3 month filly, quarter horse, who is a real challenge for me.  I've raised many arab babies to be great horses and have never experienced a qh baby.  I'm not sure if this is a breed difference or just the personality of this baby.  I read one of your answers to another person about her filly backing up to her and kicking.  I think mine may be spoiled by her mom and gets no discipline from her.  I have a hard time even touching her.  I was also there at birth and tried to handle the filly daily, however, similar to the other person, as soon as she was up and suckling, she is not interested in human interaction. This is very different from my arab babies who have all loved attention and are willing to accept humans into their "herd".  What can I do with this baby?  I sit quietly with her in the pasture, I groom mom and attempt to let her come to me, I've can't usually get a hand on her to pet and rub and scratch.... If I even look like I'm walking toward her she presents her rump and will kick if I don't get back quick enough.  I want to teach her manners now, otherwise she will be a very large muscular bully. Any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Diane!

Your filly is a bit of a pistol! Thanks for reading the other answer, it is nice to see you put in the effort and do your homework.  People that search for the answers will always find them!  

Never allow her to drive you around.  Be prepared when you go into the pasture.  Have your lead rope, hopefully a treeline lead with a nice leather popper on the end, draped over your arm.   Start grooming and caring for the mare.  Really make this a good time for the mare, something she will look forward to and enjoy.  If baby can approach in a respectful, kind way allow her to join in on the comfort, scratching and grooming.  If she pins her ears and turns her tail, give her a nip with your lead and send her off.  Only do what it takes to send her away and no more.  Don't chase her down and spank her, just give her a nip.  Do what it takes to send her off and out of reach of your lead.  You use a lead rope about 12' long.  This also keeps you safe and out of kicking range.  Don't allow her in on top of you if her attitude is aggressive.  Take care of the problem before it gets to be dangerous.  

If you are walking toward her and she shapes up like she is going to kick you, give her a nip.  when she faces up on you, take a few steps back and draw her in.  Pretty soon as you are stepping back, she will start to step toward you.  Match her energy and footfalls and keep trying to draw her in.  You can then slow your feet and let her closer to you.  When she looks really interested, just turn and walk away.  Go back to the mare, groom and scratch.  Then see if you can approach baby again.  Keep up this whole pattern of behavior until you can rub and  scratch baby and she can be comfortable and respectful.  Then start getting her accustomed to the lead rope and halter.

Not all babies are created equal.  This baby just has more going on.  Who knows, this could be the best horse of your life.  Think of all she has taught you so far!  We need to be good hands not for the easy horses but for the individuals that need more skill and need better understanding.  This horse is already making YOU a better horsewoman!  Congratulations to the both of you!

Keep me posted on your progress!  Happy to help when you need me!

Smiles!  Denise