Training my young horse

Question
Hello,
I have a 2 year old Arabian mare and I am 14 and have been working with her since March. When I got her, she would not let you brush or touch past her front shoulders. She wouldn't let you walk behind her or pick up her back feet. Now she's okay with all of that after I worked with her for about a month. I have now got her to walk over tarps and around barrels or any other large object. But her problem now is her ears. She won't let me touch them and she gets very spooked out when I do. Yesterday I had her tied up while I was grooming her and I went to her ears to try cleaning them and she FLIPPED OUT! the rope some how wrapped around me even though I had it in a short but not too short quick release knot. So I couldn't get out of the way without her trampling me. She practically sat on her butt shaking her head like mad trying to pull free. Then the rope broke and she took off running. Now what should I do in these kind of situations? I know I should send her to a professional, but we just bought 20 acres and we can't afford that. So I am doing the majority of it. What should I do to make her less spooky and what should I do about the ears? Just leave them alone? Thanks

Answer
First off, thank you for the question.

I hate to start off with disappointing news, but I have a mare that is much like yours. I've had her for 4 years, and I have only just gotten to the point where I can lightly brush my hand over her ears.

Unfortunately, this is a very sensitive part of the horse. Some horses, with work, will eventually get used to you working there, others won't.

To approach this situation you will need to work very slowly. Start by petting her NEAR her ears, and rewarding her for not behaving badly or spooking. Gradually (as in over many minutes and many many sessions) start petting slightly closer and closer, until you are touching the base of her ear with no problems. Continue this until you can pet the entire ear, etc.

I know it sounds frustrating that things will take so long, or may never work the way you hoped... some horses, I believe, get too worked up over this and it is better off to avoid them.

IF you are in a situation where your horses ears have to be clipped or treated (showing in breed classes etc.) then have her anesthatized to clip. It is so much less tramautic. You could also twitch her, but again, its slightly upsetting to the horse to go through this.

I'm sorry that I can't help you out any more than this. I wish you the best of luck with your mare!