What is Parelli?

[racipaci]

I know I sound completely ignorant asking this but i've been looking through the NR website and everyone seems to be raving about Parelli? I was just wondering what it actually is, what it involves and the benefits to the horse and rider?

Sorry to seem completely ignorant but need to build up the trust between myself and my horse Dave, I've had him for six months and we didn't really have the best of starts as he was kicked in the field a week after I got him resulting in him having an operation....I think he blames the whole event on me!

Can anyone tell me first hand what it is like?

[zoki]

It's a funny cowboy who found the way to earn some money with some cheap circus tricks....

[JOJOBA]

Here (http://parelli.parellinet.net/info_page.php?page=knowledge&lit_num=1&title=The%20Parelli%20Program&t=OnePic)
Try that, I did a quick internet search for you. My stables does a lot of parelli.
xxx

[Esther.D]

Or the method that saved our Clydesdale X from being put to sleep as dangerous....

[Alibi]

You sound a bit sour Zoki!

Racipaci - Parelli is Natural Horsemanship, there are lots of Natural Horsemen and women out there, Pat Parelli being one of them, but you may have heard of Monty Roberts, Kelly Marks, Mark Rashid to name a few.

Like Esther D, we've had excellent result with Parelli, and in particular it has helped my little TB not be so depressed and taught him that he can be a horse again with out getting punished (which is what he past owners must have done to him as he was in a state when we bought him, mentally, emotionally and physically).

Its a great way to build up trust with new horses and create a mutual respect.

The UK website is www.parelli.biz if you would like more info.

[racipaci]

Thanks for those more constructive comments!

I've just had a quick look at that site, it all seems fairly confusing, I'm not sure how Dave would cope with it all...it might all be too much...although thinking about it I don't think anything I do surprises him anymore!

[Esther.D]

It really isn't all that confusing, it is quite simple when you have the pack and follow the lessons through. It all begins to make sense as you work through it. Both Pablo (our Clydesdale X) and Rupert (my new forest, who had similar issues to Alibi's TB) have benefitted hugely from the programme. I am now breaking Rupert to drive, where previously he was so hard to handle and nappy I could never have considered it. And Pablo who was so terrified of being ridden that he could not be caught, shook when he saw a saddle and threw my o/h very badly the only time he mounted him has now calmed down so much through Parelli that we are able to pinpoint the origin of the trouble (a longterm back problem) that was previously so disguised in amongst all his fear issues that no vet could identify it. Now this whip and rope shy horse will let you swing ropes over his head and rub a stick all over his body without any concern at all.

[Harry Hobbes]

I've just had a quick look at that site, it all seems fairly confusing, I'm not sure how Dave would cope with it all...it might all be too much... Don't take this personal; but, Parelli and the other natural horsemanship methods are all about training the person to effectively work with his/her horse. The horse is merely the object of the application of the learned knowledge and skills. How the horse responds to the training is very much under the control of the trainer, if the trainer chooses to affect that response.

You having Dave doing "circus tricks" (or whatever) on command is a demonstration (and validation) of your proficiency at working with and training horses. The horse doesn't learn all of those unnatural movements (such as doing things for a handler/rider) on its own; that requires a knowledgeable and skillful trainer.

This is what Parelli is developing (and selling).

Best regards,
Harry

[decibelle]

I was wonderng what Parelli involved too, until I picked up a copy of October's Your Horse magazine. It's got a fantastic article about Parelli and what you need to start and some of the basic activities. It's the first article of a series, so no doubt there's loads more information to come! I'd really recomend it, especially if you want to give it a go without splashing out mega cash.

[bramptonbrumbie]

I started Parelli in November of last year and i have found it very difficult. My horse has become very confused and as a result very aggressive. Parelli can be great in the right hands but unfortunately at the moment there isnt enough support in this country for us "beginners". I think if you know people who do Parelli who have done it successfully and can help you then go ahead but if you are on your own the Parelli organisation isnt equipped to help you yet. They just dont have the manpower in this country.
This is only my opinion based on my own experience.
I havent given up on Parelli but in the meantime i have a problem horse which i have created in my attempts to bond with him using the Parelli techniques.

[Esther.D]

I assume you are in an area of the country with no Parelli community or you are not a member of the 'savvy club' - I have found the local community immensely helpful and Parelli's central staff are also very willing to help (albeit rather keen on getting you on their courses). It is a real pity you have had such a bad experience and I would urge anyone else to stop any method if they were not feeling happy and confident in it - and also if you are not comfortable with what anyone else is doing with your horse, don't let them do it! (I have heard of some sad cases where an inexperienced person has set up to 'instruct' Parelli and ended up creating problem horses..while the owners stood by and assumed the 'instructor' knew what they were doing - the Parelli website has a list of accredited instructors..if they are not on there then they are not approved by Parelli or qualified to teach the method). I have found Parelli very helpful with our horses and they have gained a tremendous amount of confidence and are much happier around us as a result.

[bramptonbrumbie]

Esther i have sent you a PM.
Dont misunderstand me people, i think Parelli is absolutely fantastic, but it hasnt worked for me. Pat Parelli is not a cowboy with a few tricks up his sleeve. I believe he is a very gifted man who is successfully passing on his techniques and benefitting a lot of horses.
I havent given up and i am hopefully attending a workshop in November. If there is anyone out there interested in attending a workshop on the Bucks/Oxon border on 22nd November please let me know.
In the meantime i have a horse with issues i cant deal with on my own and Parelli doesnt have the manpower yet to help me. They will have: the organisation is growing in this country rapidly.
However, i heard Monty Roberts interviewed on the radio last week, went on to his web site, and i have already arranged for one of his people to come out to see us on 3rd November. I will keep you posted.
If anyone is in my area ie Northants/Bucks/Oxon/Beds and would like to see any of the Parelli video/DVD's i have most of them and would be pleased to loan them out.

[Esther.D]

I have replied to your pm - thanks :) Sorry I was rather brusque in my response, it was not intended:( Hope everything works out :)