A thrill of horror goes through the mare's spine, and despite herself she tries to run away. The monster darts forward, arms reaching forward with claws twitching.
The earth pony stops and rears forward on her front hooves, aiming her hind legs. When the creature leaps at her the mare strikes out hard. The kick connects on the forehead of the enchanted skull, launching it back into the back of the cask where it came from.
The mare is surprised to find that despite her hind leg is a bit numb from the force of the blow. It's like she kicked a stone wall.
For the most part, the monster appears none the worse for wear. The attack didn't even leave a crack. In fact, it's already pulling itself back up. No doubt the monster will come for her again.