Hi Sharon - I am not hugely experienced in foal handling but there are others here that are so I'm sure you will get good support. Have you watched the foal series on the lessons? They are very good. Also, the little green dually is something to think about so that she starts to learn pressure and release. Start in a confined space with that though not a field! Looking forward to hearing others thoughts.

Hi Sharon. Six weeks is really young - no wonder she's acting out. Where is her Mother whilst this is going on? With my babies I was really lucky as Bella was just so co operative. When we lost Bella she had already implanted the "trust Jo - she will protect you" gene. Before I can help you I need more info. Why are you at this stage in this foals young life? If it's just for your benefit then stop! Not only is it not necessary but you will a) damage the relationship with the mare & b) damage the foal mentally. Let the foal be a baby with its Mother. Once you clarify the situation I will happily offer more but at this stage it sounds like kindergarten before nappy training. Cheers, Jo.

Jo, clearly I haven’t taken the foal away from her mother, mother and foal are leading together…and to answer your question, the foal was born with Flexor tendon laxity, so she is only allowed limited paddock activity, therefore the foal along with her mother are being lead to and from the paddock on a daily basis. I have followed, read and explored all the advice from Leigh Willis, Monty Robert and Dr. Robert M Miller about how to deal with young foals, that’s where I found the foal handler.
I can also assure you that I have gained confidence in the foal and I do believe she trusts me, I am able to groom her, pick up her feet, and she will quite happily have her head collar put on in the field or the stable, also for the last six weeks has been leading perfectly with mum and me. My question was how to deal with the rearing, I think she has grown some confidence is trying to test me.
I can guarantee you I am not dealing with the foal for just my benefit, I have never posted a question on a forum before and after your reply, I am sure I won’t ever again after this! I have to say Jo I did find your reply quite condescending….

Hi Sharon. Sorry, it was not my intention to be condescending. Your original post offered very limited. Information. Hopefully, you will forgive me & continue to use the forum but provide the basic details - so we can all give you better help. Had you said Mother & foal leading to & from the field my response would have been very different. In Britain, in mare & foal classes the mare is trotted up for the judge whilst the foal is held at the side of the ring. This causes great stress & proud as I am of my colt & filly, I didn't put them through that experience. I agree with you - she is testing you & also showing enthusiasm for a change of scenery. You mention the foal handler as well as a foal slip so are there 2 humans involved, one each for the mare & foal? If so, I suggest stopping the mare & giving the foal zero pressure by waiting on a slack line for her to compose herself. If her acting out causes no response & the mare is calm the foal will be calmed ,& behave. When she is calm give her much scratching to confirm this is the right behaviour. Have lots of fun with your baby - they grow up really fast. Cheers, Jo.