What do you think about Parelli?

[akn102]

Just reading someone saying that parelli followers don't seem to understand that what works for one horse won't work for another. Couldn't agree more, as you get further into the Parelli packs/training whatever you want to call it, you learn in much more depth about horse personalities - that some horses are introveted some extroverted in how they exhibit their confidence/unconfidence and you adjust what you have learnt earlier to cater for the different behaviours/personalities. This is what Parelli/natural is really all about - 'reading' the horse behaviour and adjusting your human behaviour to fit. I think the biggest problem with Parelli is people don't get past the very basics of it before condemning it - it's not a horse training method at all, its a human training course - training humans how to be around horses!

 

[magicmoose]

'But Stoneleigh is representative of *disciplines* not of individuals or brands within a discipline.'

With due respect, Stoneleigh Park is basically a rural business park, not a shrine to equestrian disciplines. It has great facilities, so I can understand why Parelli would choose to be there.

My personal feeling is that it would be a good thing for more horsy businesses/organisations to be based there, the more the merrier! Us regular horse owners can only benefit by everyone there sharing ideas and experience.

NH, Classical or BHS, we all love horses, don't we?

 

[vicijp]

Is a carrot stick similar to my length of blue plastic pipe?

 

[cvb]

Chiz

thats fine - I was just thinking about my reaction to it... I haven't been to Stoneleigh Deer Park so don't know the on-site set up and am happy to be informed of the reality of the situation

and after all, if it creates more equestrian "traffic" (i mean in terms of people not vehicles !) - thats good for all isn't it ?

 

[Sparklet]

To be fair I think it is less about people sneering at Parelli but more irritated by the smug attitude of 'some' followers. There have been four owners of carrot sticks at our yard and without exception all had on the ground handling difficulties in terms of a refusal to walk forward, problems loading and owners being literally towed across the yard.

However these same four people would present 'their way' as being the only way. I have actually been accused for forcing my incredibly obedient mare into a lorry when she stolls up the ramp. Bizarre.

Saying all that I have seen a demo at Burghley which did look pretty spectacular, however bore absolutely no resembalance to what I have seen being practised at home.

In fact the funniest thing I have ever seen was a mother/daughter combo fighting over the carrot stick while trying to load the daughters reluctant horse into a trailer. Both thought they knew best - I know that feeling.

 

[debradley]

I think there are some very valid things to Parelli. My horse had obviously been mistreated in some way with a schooling whip before I had her and if you even try to approach her with something like that on your person she's off, it just blows her mind and she panics. She takes absolutely no offence at a carrot stick tho. I know its just reconditioning, but it's reconditioned her to be much more amenable. If it helps some people with their animals were's the harm? And I've seen a lot of people who could do with some help understanding their animals! But yes would have to say that pricing is very steep, but he is a business after all.

 

[Pirate]

My father, who is one of those “old horsemen”, tells me that from the time I could speak I would ask for a pony every night before falling asleep. As far back as I can remember horses have been my life. I have competed, taught and still currently work in the industry. I have always had people say to me that I was lucky that all my horses were good. LUCK? I don’t think so. So why then did I decide at the age of 40 to take to Parelli, after all I was lucky with my horses, yes I could have been clumped in with the “middle age” group that don’t ride they’re horses but I was still hunting, jumping and hacking out for 2 hours a day.
Well I have a very curious and inquisitive mind, I saw a demo and wanted to know more and that’s where it began. 5 years on I have graduated Level 2 of Pats program and have every intention of graduating Level 3 I have also studied at his ranch in Colorado.
I didn’t come here to preach or defend but for me personally the news that PNH will be there alongside BE, BD and BSJA is great.

Welcome to the UK Pat and Linda.

 

[Weezy]

Hi Sharon - did you stop riding your horses when you commenced Level 1?

 

[Grahamp]

I am a Parelli student and have been for 2 years now. I have a problem with Forums and that is there is no way a complete and clear communication can happen in the format available, so misunderstandings occur and tempers fray.
So I am not going to try and explain what it is about Parelli that I find good, or argue with any of the points raised by other contributors but I do feel that many of the non Parelli contributors are very experienced and very good horse people. For me to try and explain or debate this subject with you is like a GCSE student discussing a subject with a college lecturer - we are not on the same page.
Therefore I would strongly urge you to find a Parelli instructor who is at the same level as you in their horsemanship so you can communicate at the same level - I think there will be a presence at most major events this year.
You may get a clearer picture of the real attitude of Parelli people, an understanding of their knowledge, tools and techniques, what time is involved in following the programme and how it can help your imagination when trying to achieve things with your horse.
Please try and take that opportunity if you can.

Personally I welcome the presence of Parelli at Stoneleigh Park as I hope it will help improve communication between our traditional British horse world and the developments in horse training that have been occurring in the USA and other parts of the world for the past 40 years or so.
I am another Parelli stranger to this forum as I did not know it existed, but I will be back to read if not contribute often.

 

[Pirate]

Hi Weezy,

I didn't ride whilst in the early stages as it says to follow the program in sequential order and as you learn how to communicate with your horse on the ground first this is what I did and followed the instructions to the letter. However this was for a very short period of time and I officially passed L1 in 10 weeks. I believe some students do carry on riding out etc at the beginning but I figured if I was going to do it then I should follow the program.

 

[danee]

Actually, Pat is NOT going to be in Stoneleigh Park - that was a rumor.

I was an accomplished jumper with a decent dressage background before I ever heard of Parelli- but I never realized how little I knew. I was an excellent rider, but a lousy horseman!!!

When you watch someone in Level 1 they are just trying to learn the basic techniques- they are learning the alphabet- they aren't reading yet!!!! Level 1 is boring for the horse, but is neccasary until the human knows how to communicate with their horse.
In Level 2 you start to read the horse and do the games for a reason- to improve the horse's confidence, trurt and respect. A lot of the time we start doing more and more on the ground because if the horse percieves us as a predator and is having emotional issues, we can solve those more thoroughly and quickly through playing on the ground.
But the time a person is in Level 3 their horse is now confident, relaxed and happy, willing, smart and respectful. NOW the fun beggins!!!! Now your horse wants to be with you, carries itself nicely, can be ridden with no tack at all- Alex and the black have nothing over my little mare and I!

What you need to remember is that Parelli Natural Horseamnship is about teaching people- it is NOT a horse training course. If you see someone "doing PNH" and they are boring their horse, or trying the same techniques for each horse they play with, ect., it is because they are still in the learning process. Yesterday I got frustrated because our counter canter isn't coming along like I think it should be. I wa way too hard on my little horse, I worked on it too long and my attitude was terrible- That is NOT PNH's fault!!! Not only is it my fault, but PNH teaches me how to deal with my attitude so hopefully things will go better today, and I'm sure they will. A few years ago I had bad rides most of the time- now I only have a couple in a month and I'm riding four horses a day at least. Opefull in a few years from now I'll only have 'bad rides' a few times a year- thanks to PNH!

 

[Weezy]

[ QUOTE ]
Actually, Pat is NOT going to be in Stoneleigh Park - that was a rumor.


[/ QUOTE ]

Afraid your info is incorrect, NOT H&Hs!

 

[danee]

[ QUOTE ]
With regard to standing still when being mounted, every horse needs to be taught at some time, this usually involves patience and repetition, nothing to do with a higher understanding. I will give an example. Every horse i have had, i have taught to stand by a gate so i can get on, i will ask it to step sideways and may tap its quarters with the schooling whip so it moves towards me. At no time is any pain inflicted. As long as you are patient they will learn. I appreciate that this is probably not the common of methods LOL but it works for me and my horses and they are certainly happy.


[/ QUOTE ]

Actually Pat teaches this in level 2!!! So yes a lot of people do it now- well, tens of thousands of Parelli followers anyway!!!

 

[Shilasdair]

Blue plastic pipe! Love it. Perhaps you should develop a new school of horsemanship - sell lengths of pipe at extortionate prices.
Can I be your business manager????
S

 

[Lyndaatkinson]

Parelli has helped me build a deep wonderful relationship with my horses. You should ask my horses what they think of Parelli. They would all probably say she is much more interesting now, and we get to show people what we are really thinking.
Parelli is not over priced. You need very little equipment, it is all super quality, and each piece of equipment is really a refined tool, not just a lead line, halter, etc. Don't be fooled by the quick answers, you will be missing a wonderful opportunity for your horses.

 

[Heidi07]

Middle aged women unable to ride their horses!!

Does it really matter why we get into Parelli or Monty Roberts or any other form of horsemanship. Surely it is an individual choice. I don't sit around sneering at people who chose to ride the BHS way or the way they have been taught.

For me, I chose Parelli because having seen a demo six years ago, I thought wow! I want to have that kind of a relationship with my horses. For me it has been a slow process but it is one heck of good journey. Yes it is expensive but once you have the equipment, that is it, you have it. It is such good quality and mine has been dragged through mud, water etc and still washes up well. If you average out how much non- Parelli people spend on lessons each week, it really isn't any more expensive to do a few days here and there with a Parelli endorsed instructor. I have been fortunate to have been on two courses and for me they are a great boost for my confidence with my horse and our partnership.

I can only applaud Pat and Linda for everything they have done for horses and their humans and I sincerely believe that they put horses first and finances second. Yes they have established an incredibly successful business and surely we can't knock them for that. They don't actively go out there and persuade people to part with their money.

At the end of the day, just like anyone wanting to have specialist lessons be it dressage, show jumping or whatever, it is about individual choices and I for one don't regret a single penny I have spent following the Parelli system. For me the journey has been and will continue to be about developing a relationship with my horses based on their psychology.

 

[JoyfulSteph]

I have to tell you that Parelli has really changed my life. I am an optimist - but I'm also critical and (except for J.C.) I don't believe that any ONE THING is the "end all" answer. That being said: I have had horses for 30+ years. Did the horse camp thing every summer as a kid, showed my ponies and then took years of dressage as an adult. In these last few "Parelli Years" I have found out that common sense and/or love doesn't necessarily apply, as "Horse Sense" is completely different than what our human nature is naturally set at. My heart has Always been for my horses.....bla bla bla....

My first few months as a Parelli Player was frustrating and confusing for both me and my horses.... I really didn't get it. Then I went to a few clinics, invested in the new DVD's and started learning; it's not what button to push, what stick to use or what pricey piece of equipment to have.. it's about how/what my horse(s) is thinking and how to interact on their level (relationship). Yes it's been a slow process because of my life schedule - and I'm still so far from my goals..

What would be totally awesome for me to hear is that I've been in a secluded bubble and that perhaps the rest of the world teaches "real" horsemanship "for the horse & about the horse" But everywhere around me I just see people catching their horses and making them do what they want without considering them..

Today I am my heards leader, their friend, partner, provider, protector. And somehow we always manage to have fun learning. They all (7) usually come running to me even when I have a halter & saddle in hand. My introverted horse that I have LOVED for years has learned (since Parelli) I am safe to open up to. He is now curious and silly! A new mare of mine is SO sensitive and traumatized by her show career she couldn't even look at me for our first 3 months of ownership. She seemed to dislike people and hated to be brushed or touched. She is now affectionate and will do anything for me IF I ask first... She was never hateful - just emotional, and no one had probably ever spent undemanding quality time with her...

In conclusion, in my quest for knowledge & wisdom, I have found it best to reserve judgment without personal experience or facts. (What good is an opinion if it's not backed up by anything?) For me, Parelli has sometimes been costly and a bit commercialized - but it has also been PRICELESS. The more I do - the more I want.

Very few things are suited for everyone - However I definitely recommend attending a clinic or watching your friends dvd's.

When it comes to your horse how can any knowledge be a setback??

Much Joy and happiness to you and your horse! JS.

 

[Rambo]

[ QUOTE ]
Pat Parelli has opened a new office at Stoneleigh Park, which is also home to British Dressage, British Eventing and BSJA, and plans to run natural horsemanship courses on site, starting next year.

H&H are interested to hear your views on Parelli, and it's move into Stoneleigh, either by email to hhletters@ipcmedia.com or through this thread.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've always preferred Dunlop myself

 

[TheBlackMoth]

God they are very wordy these parelli people aren't they. I want to read it - I am even slightly interested but I cannot face big blocks of text with now breaks!

 

[Rambo]

[ QUOTE ]
God they are very wordy these parelli people aren't they. I want to read it - I am even slightly interested but I cannot face big blocks of text with now breaks!

[/ QUOTE ]

I think Admin are trying to boost the site ratings..............have you seen how many *new* members there are contributing to this thread

 

[TheBlackMoth]

I think they've all run over from a Parelli forum - there must be a thread over there saying HHOers dissing Parelli - need support!!!

 

[Shilasdair]

Wasps in a jar...
S

 

[Bess]

[ QUOTE ]
I think they've all run over from a Parelli forum - there must be a thread over there saying HHOers dissing Parelli - need support!!!

[/ QUOTE ]Yes you are right I've counted 23 new users on this thread who have registered either yesterday or today. So the word must have gone out, rush over to HHO and defend the Parelli system.

And why would I count them? Its because .... I quote Nuala again
"God they are very wordy these parelli people aren't they. I want to read it - I am even slightly interested but I cannot face big blocks of text with no breaks!"

 

[mystiandsunny]

You only need to read one really - they all say roughly the same thing. I was beginning to wonder if they were just one person with multiple e-mail addresses, registering as different users to make it look like lots of people love Parelli - cynical aren't I?!!

There are other, less expensive ways to learn basic horsemanship, but then again, some people only believe a thing will work if they have paid a lot for it.....

 

[RCAWilson]

Hi all,
I would just like to say this:
I am not in a Parelli 'cult', nor am I a Parelli 'evangelical',
I apologise to anyone who has felt my posts 'belittleing', I sincerely never ment this, I have only tried my hardest to defend two people who I love and respect, in the begining of a rather one-sided onslought of 'Parelli bashing' or whatever you want to call it.
I do not think Parelli is 'the best thing since sliced bread',
how can I think this when for centuries and centuries, all over the world, there have been people who have 'done Parelli', and no I don't mean flailing carrot sticks around and jumping bareback and bridleless 'showing off'.
I do not think Parelli is 'the only and best way',
as I have mentioned before, there are people who I greatly admire who don't 'do' Parelli, from The Spanish Riding School of Vienna to the gauchos of South America, so this simply is just not the case.
My post with the large respose to the many 'Parelli is just common sense' comments was supposed to be examples of what can be achieved by using Parelli, I was'nt saying you can only do this if you do Parelli, again I was just trying to defend Pat and Linda. I am sorry that I was'nt clearer.
Nothing I have said has been meant as personal attacks on anyone, I realise this is how many have interpreted it, my posts have just been to try to explain and defend the Parelli program, and since this thread is about Parelli, this is why I have talked about Parelli and not other methods or 'styles' of horsemanship.
Please understand that I am not saying everyone who does'nt do Parelli is crap and can't have a good relationship with their horse. Just because I say Parelli is great does'nt mean I say everyone else in the world is not.
I just wish more people would ask more questions and delve a little deeper into what Parelli actually is, and look more at the wonderful and strong relationships those who have practised Parelli have achieved with their horses, and there are so many examples, it does'nt take much to find them.

I am passionate about the horse, so anyone I come across who does what they can to understand more about them and help others to do so and thus make the horse a happier horse, whether they are the Parellis, or they practise Parelli Horse.man.ship, or if they don't do Parelli at all, then you have my respect and we are all on the same side, are we not?

And by the way, the reason I got into Parelli is not because I had any problems with my horse, my horse and I got on just fine, but I wanted something more, and I found people who helped me get that 'something more', and there is no one here or anywhere that can deny me that. If my horse could talk he would tell you this, if fact he tells me this every day.
Thanks.

 

[Kate_13]

My horse says 'buy some more hay, you've run out'!

He also says, "if I wanted a carrot I would eat one, not be poked by one!"

* sorry couldn't resist*

 

[CASP3R]

I am guessing the reason for so many new registrations ( yes, me as well ) is because this months e-news from Parelli has a link to horse and hound. Hope that clears up the mystery.

 

[Lucy001]

Hi,

You are right to think that the Parelli fans are contacting each other and saying there's a forum for discussion but, in my case, it was a Parelli instructor saying not "Back-up is needed" but that people might be interested to hear about our experiences.

So I'm sad to see so many negative coments - and some of them pretty rude.

I came on to say that, yes, I have found Parelli a great system but I did have quite a lot of experience before I started. I was injured, couldn't ride my horse & was looking for something interesting to do.

If you are a novice there is the potential to misinterpret the home study information & create problems with your horse but the training packs have been revamped to try to avoid this.

Overall, I've spent about £500 on kit (ropes, halters, carrot sticks, bridle and the training materials). Like many, I thought it was really expensive initially so bought ropes, halters & sticks from another source in America at about half the price and my first pack off Ebay.

I now wouldn't baulk at spending a bit more on the kit as I know how useful it is. I used to spend £30 a week on lessons and was always buying the latest bits & bobs!

By the way, you could use a lunge whip but the extra weight of the "carrot stick" is much better for the job. Normal lead/lunge ropes are not heavy or long enough.

I have to agree there are some Parelli followers who are closed to other methods and a bit OTT over Pat & Linda but I think that they have probably had life-changing experiences with their horses.

I'm not averse to other methods, being trained the BHS way, and I often use clicker training to solve certain problems but I have to say that, in the long run, Parelli is the best training system I've come across for happy horses.

 

[Tina33]

You can expect to hear from lots of Parelli supporters. They send a weekly e-news letter to thousands of supporters. The following was in this weeks edition. It included a link to this forum.

From the e-news:
An announcement of our evolving presence and commitment to the growth of natural horsemanship in the UK—interestingly it says that Pat will be teaching clinics at Stoneleigh himself....which is news to us!! How interesting—but it never hurts to put it out there! What is exciting, they are asking for YOUR opinion on WHAT you think about Parelli? So please post your views on www.horseandhound.co.uk/parelli

So far the poll is only two hours live and there are 136 postings....lets show how much WE CARE about increasing knowledge around horse human relationships! Thanks for sharing the journey with us all!

 

[Bess]

Thank you for explaining that to us.