How do you retrain a cutting horse to be a trail, family horse?

If she is a true cutter, then it might be wise to familiarize yourself with cutting cues and how a cutting horse moves (by watching not doing)....as to avoid the cues. Good cutters make FAAAST movements. That's what they are bred and trained to do. I have been riding cutters my whole life and cut on the farm regularly and sometimes I still find myself on the ground.

Cutters can become family and trail horses. Time and patience. Don't forget what she is bred and trained to do. You may find out you got in over your head and can sell her to a ranch as a cutter. Give her some time, yall still new to each other. She is used to have a "job" and now she is just standing in your pasture.

She is now in surroundings she is not familiar with. The ear pinning may have more to do with that, warning you to stay clear. When she does this, move her hindquarters every time. Direction doesn't matter, sideways, backwards, enough to make her uncomfortable. Usually a light repititious tapping on the chest will move her back or by pointing a whip, maybe even lightly tapping will get her moving her butt sideways (laterally). This asserts your authority. If you trail ride with another she will likely be fine. Horses don't usually try to cut until directed to do so.

This. I have a cutting horse gelding, grandsire was Doc O Lena. You can't tell he has cutting lines unless you put him in front of a cow. He does excellently on the trails.

The ears are a respect issues, not bloodlines. But she DOES need a job.

Thank you all so much for all of the insight. We will give her time, and see how we all do. That's the least we can do. A learning curve for all of us I think. But all of your responses, and post help in tremendous ways. So thank you all!