mare & foal

Question
Hi - I have had this 11 year mare for about 2 years.  She is a 14.3h quarter horse who foaled last April.  She hasn't been ridden outside of the round pen in the past year due to me being a timid rider and she has become very spooky over the littlest things and noises.  The filly is being weaned at this time so they are separated and I would like some advise as to where to start, I'm normally by myself with her.  As far as the filly is concerned - I have worked with her since her birth and now she is getting a little too comfortable with me - rearing up in a playful mood - things toddlers do - how do I break her of this without making her afraid of me (also the biting thing).  Both horses are in a pasture with an older Tennessee Walker mare who is wonderful - she pretty much shows the baby how to act - her mama really doesn't care - it was her first foal and I'm pretty sure she was miserable and hating life being pregnant.  She wouldn't let me ride after 3 months into the pregnancy (don't blame her either!!)  Any advise would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks - Sue

Answer
Hi Sue!

Sue.....you need help.  More help than I can give you over the Internet!

You said you were a timid rider and I am sure this carries over into how you handle this mamma and filly on the ground.  They cannot help but understand that you will never be the "Boss Mare" of them.  So, they do as they please.

Can you do this on your own?  I fear not.  I am of course concerned for your safety....but, my primary concern has to be for the quality of the training for these two horses.
They have no say in their lives, YOU do.  It is your responsibility to give both of them and especially the filly, the very best chance at having a good relationship with humans.  Slaughterhouses are full of badly trained horses, either through ignorance or abuse, that never had a chance....through no fault of their own.

Hire a professional to come out and look at your brood.  If you trust his/her advice and they make sense, pay them to help you.  Spending the time and money now to give them what they need, will give you back years and years of a meaningful and positive riding partnership!!

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

Solange