I have a 2 year old filly that I would like to start training. Where is the best starting point. She doesn't like to lead yet and is very nervous and breaks out in a sweat in the round ring. She is my son's (8 yr.) baby she is very gentle and when she was just a colt, she would play "chase", and was very comfortable with just playing, but too expensive to be just a pet. any ideals where to start. I am a single mother with 2 other (father horse & sister colt of 8 months.)

The playing is fun but she needs to gain her self confidence, with out blowing her mind. Start slow, first she needs to learn how to be walked on a lead. If she has a favorite spot, walk her to it. Don't over do things and never leave off on a bad note. Start with 10 or 15 minutes 3 or 4 times a day. Walking, brushing, learning manners, picking feet. Remember taking it slow is alot easier than re teaching bad behavior and you don't want a poorly trained horse with your child.

I have been training horses for 40 years...this filly is 2..she should be leading quietly, but since she's not, this is whhere you need to begin.Forget round pen work until she leads calmly by your son. In this case, i would recommend a traininer, but I think money may be a problem...
you will have to spend a great deal of time with this horse. She has to trust you or you will have nothing but problems with her. Allowing her to "chase" your son, even in play was a very bad idea. it teaches her that humans don't have to be respected. Stop this now...no fun and games anymore. Teach her with a firm but patient manner. Do not allow her to come into your space, you need to invade hers so she learns that humans are the boss. Horses are not dogs and cannot be treate4d like them. Their mode of thinking is totally opposed to that of a dog as they are the prey not the predators.
Make her stand still on a lead rope ,building upto 15 minutes at a time. correct her with a small snap of the lead EVERYTIME she moves. tell her"NO...BE STILL" she Will learn to stand still. at this point you are ready to teach her to walk beside you. Her head should be at the point of your shoulder, not shoulder to shoulder.that gives her too much control. Keep her head at the shoulder and correct her with the snap when she attempts to get a head of you. If she will not walk, but balks, put a rope around her rump to urge her on. Teach her to accept the rope slowly and gradually, before you put pressure on it.
You have a lot of work ahead of you. If you live in the N. Texas area, I would be happy to come out and give you a hand to get started.E mail me at schoolbusgalinntx@yahoo.com if you would like more advice. I have won several overall highpoints and can give you referennces if you need them. Good luck...SBG