Parelli - What Do You Think

[hoofhearted]

Have been talking to a friend about Parelli training, she raves about it! Just wondered how many of you use Parelli and whether it has worked for you and your horse.

Thanks :D

[michelle c]

i have been doing parelli for about a year! i turned to it when a person came to my yard who was studying it! i am quite open to new things if i see logic to it, and she explained the games and why she did them (to establish leadership) so i decided to just learn the games of her instyead of getting into it and finding it didnt work!!!! after about three weeks the change in my pony was tremendus and im not eggagerating!!!! she started to look at me in a different way INTERESTED in what i wanted her to do!! even looking at me which she never used to do!!
this is what she used to be like before parelli:
didnt stand still while mounting, saddling or when i got on (impatient)
pulled me about and refused to walk when leading,
wouldnt ride out on her own (we are now doiung this bit by bit)
wouldnt load into a trailer( i can do this on my own now)
impulsive
shying
and im sure there is more but ive for gotten, but its worth it you should try it!!!

[hoofhearted]

Thanks Michelle C, I am interested in trying it on our pony, he doesn't really seem to have much interest in us (unless we have food!), he pushes us around with his head, occasionally nips and has once bitten quite hard. He is also (verynappy when ridden ). He must have his good points but can't quite think of them at the moment! :( Do you think Parelli would help with all this, it would be really nice to get some response from him, have a lot of affection for him but it doesn't seem to be returned.

[michelle c]

definatley!!! your leadership has to get better, this will help with the nipping, he thinks it is a game "can i nip you and get out of the way before you smack me" also he will get much better with leading BUT dont just expect miracles in the first few weeks, it depends how your pony is every one is different,my pony tock a good 4 mionths to realise i was calling the shots now and that she couldnt walk over me like she used to!! the levels are to train you to be a better person for your horse and if you can prove your leadership through the 7 games your pony will change

[jUmPingIsLifE]

I started Parelli over the winter, i wanted to do something with Tahoe and had watched a couple parelli episodes on RFDTV and quite liked what i saw. Last spring tahoe would rear AT ME, drag me and run into me while leading (pent up winter energy) but he really had no respect for me and my space and really looked at me as a play buddy and didn't relize that he CANT play with a human like he can play with another horse.

this spring, yes he still had some jumps in him, but after standing around all winter not being able to move because of icey pastures who wouldn't. however he keeps his space and even though he might run off the second he feels the pressure from his halter he stops and backs off from it. he has so much more respect for my space, he listens to me so much more and it was a great oppertunity for us to do more bonding and have a more trusting relationship. i couldn't say enough good things about parelli and the differances it made in my horse. My best friend who does parelli has had a huge change in her yearling from doing parelli. i have seen great results just all around on differant types of horses.

[Yann]

Just to say that any kind of groundwork done properly will usually change the way your horse views you and make them more respectful of your space and settled. What Parelli have done is to put it into a comprehensive and easy to follow package.

[baxter]

I'm off to watch a Parelli demo on Friday Night, hoping it'll give me some ideas, will let you know what i think.

[MeMe]

Where are you watching that Baxter? Locally?

[baxter]

towerlands, tickets still available....

[michelle c]

yann:

i agree with you on that one!! i like parelli coz it explains how to do the exercises and if it doesnt go right it also tells you how to correct things! im very forgetful and like the fact that you can take the pocket guide with you so you dont get lost!! i also like the fact that you get certificates because it shows if you go in to a horsy job that you have qualifications in it!!

[Jacquie]

My TB has been transformed thanks to Parelli.

18 months ago he was a 'typical thoroughbred'. Although he had excellent manners in the stable he tended to be very flighty, nervous and a total drama queen when ridden.

He's now a much braver and pleasant horse to be around. We have broken down the prey-preditor barrier and formed a true partnership based on mutual respect.

We passed the L1 assessment in spring 2004 and are currently studying L2 ridden and L3 on line and liberty.

I can thoroughly recommend PNH. :)

[Supercali]

I have just had a lesson from a local trainer who teaches 'natural horsemanship' skills. If you have read my recent posts then you will know that I have been having problems with my new cob (dragging, barging, nipping, general disrespect)

After a couple of lessons he is a changed horse. He would not stand still and would shoulder his way into my space. Now, with a wiggle of a rope, he walks back and stands like an angel! I can use an ordinary headcollar to move him from stable to field - impossible a week ago!

I definitely recommend this to most people, especially with bolshy horses. I have been lucky with my previous horse as she always did what I asked of her but this one has been a shock to my system :D but we are getting there. We still have a long way to go (it has only been 11 days) but we have progressed a huge amount in a short time.

[Esther.D]

As Yann saya, any form of the NH type ground work will benefit your horse, I like Parelli because with 6 horses we often do not have much time and it condenses it into an easy to follow package where you can mark where you are up to with each pony! We have had great success with it with two 'problem' horses, one of whom has gone from being terrified of people to a big sweetheart and the other was withdrawn, nippy and bargy and now is remarked on for how gentle and well behaved he is.

[TeeBrown]

Can someone give me a brief account of what Parelli is? or maybe a web page? the answers above sound interesting.

[Jacquie]

Can someone give me a brief account of what Parelli is? or maybe a web page? the answers above sound interesting.

Here's a link to theParelli website: :)

http://www.parelli.biz/PNH/Groups

[Heidi HI]

Hey!! the owner of the horse i have does parelli. She has got a youngster who misbehaved alot. Since she started parelli he's a differant hore. Im looking into doin it myself!!! i think its amazing!! I feel ne1 thinkin of doin it then go for it!! :D ;)

[Greentchr]

Can someone give me a brief account of what Parelli is? or maybe a web page? the answers above sound interesting.

The best explanation on the different Natural Horsemanship trainers (including Pat Parelli) that I have found -thanks to a Harry Hobbs recomendation- is the book "The Revolution in Horsemanship" by Robert M. Miller, DVM. I heartily recommend the book to anyone curious about Natural Horsemanship!

[Bay Mare]

I'm in the minority here in that I don't like Parelli. I find it too focussed on the 'alpha' and I don't like the way that it is packaged so that everyone follows the same exercises in the same format. I find it TOO structured for me. I know that it works for a lot of people but I just don't, CAN'T work like that. I did look into it but there's a lot about it that I, personally, don't like.

I prefer a mix of different techniques, primarily IH and Mark Rashid (who I've only started reading recently but whose methods I do agree with). I've used an RA and am a lot more comfortable with their way of working.

The only way of knowing, though, is to try it.

[hackedoff]

I dont do Parrelli per se but I use the term as a catch-all for any time of NH/IH work (naughty me) I'm a big Mark rashid and Steve Halfpenny fan. The stuff I've done with my young gelding has given me a true bond and he is focused on me when we are together, unlike my Shetland who doesnt give a damn! so I may be in the market for a teeny tiny rope halter.......

[Jenks]

I just got Level 1. I only wish I'd known I needed the carrot stick and rope! Now I have to order that! :rolleyes:

[michelle c]

jenks:
welcome to the parelli training, you will love it!!! :D

[Jenks]

Thanks Michelle! I've already begun with what I've got, and I can see a difference already.

[michelle c]

i know, its amazing, the things i can do now its great i cant imagine what il be doing in l2 and 3 :D . i have had my pony about 8 years and battled with her for 6, when i started parelli it was like she said " oh you understand me now and what i have been screaming at you for the past 6 years, maybe we can work things out now"!!!! :p

[jroz]

IMO, I think some people idolize (the only word that comes to mind) Parelli methods too much. All they are is a combo of repetition and common sense thrown together...so if you are capable of those two things, you don't need Parelli to tell you how to communicate with a horse.

[Jumping Genius]

Parelli is awsome. Im learning it in my 4-h group and it is just awesome! you WILL love IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I PROMISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[michelle c]

jroz:

"IMO, I think some people idolize (the only word that comes to mind) Parelli methods too much. All they are is a combo of repetition and common sense thrown together...so if you are capable of those two things, you don't need Parelli to tell you how to communicate with a horse.
Today 12:15 AM "

i have alot of common sense but traditional methods didnt work with my pony and i just didnt know what to do with her!! i do need parelli because when things go wrong and i dont know what to do, the booklets help and so do the instructors also its about achieving things ive never been able to do, and through this meg has become braver, she now looks at me different, in a good way, instead of turning away when i approach! i dont do showing so doing this, i can work towards getting a certificate and achieving something, and before anyone says that i shouldnt be goal oreinteered, it took me a year to complete level 1 because i wanted to take as much time as she and i needed, afterall the programme is designed to change you because the horse already knows what to do!!!!! (p.s. we side tracked alot with doing adventurous things with plastic bags balls, red and white tape, tarps , standing on blocks etc.) also she has became smarter, braiver (sp?) and more athletic!

[Jenks]

jroz- So you've seen the Parelli methods and gone through their program? :cool: Riiiigght. They do things in Parelli I've not seen before, but I hear what your saying, I recognize things that are indeed traditional, and common sense, and also some traditional old school methods in Parelli-but alot that I've not thought of. Maybe you have, and know it all, but I need it. Methods of training are not always common sense, they're methods. Depends on what you've been taught to that point. The fact that they have such an organized, supportive program is a huge selling point. Clinton Anderson's might be just as good, I haven't had the opportunity to see his yet, but I plan on it and every other one I can get my hands on until I find what I need to fix my Arab.

I had to try something new, local trainers (non natural horsemen and women's !) methods got my Arabian PMU mare bitting and saddled, lunging, etc. but she would still not accept a rider and never became comfortable. You could lay across her, but god forbid you eased your leg over. Bucking bronco city. Still jumpy, and in fear for her life all the time. We'll see how it goes. I'm using some of what I've learned so far on my dominant lead paint mare who I sometimes had to bribe out of the pasture. I learned what I needed right off the bat in Parelli. And I've only just started Parelli. I still believe in round penning and lots of traditional means. I just don't think that every "type" of training works for every horse. Nor do I think you should close your mind to learning all you can, even if it's commercialized and raved about to the point you're sick of hearing about it. I think I'll be trying everything I've learned, (not just Parelli) with every horse until I see a click. Know what I'm saying? Some Parelli people are downright pushy and know-it-all ish. But then so are a lot of horse people who don't practice Parelli. ;) Ya know?

michelle-it's good to know that it worked for you. Gives me hope. I've been told to "forget it" with my arab mare so many times I want to choke those people!

[Jenks]

Here she is, the black marks/spots on her are actually hairless scars if that tells you anything about how fearful she is of people. But she is 500% better now than when I got her! My daughter hugs her and can lay with her.

[ponytude]

We had a instructor in town recently teaching a clinic and I went and viewed it...WOW :) It is amazing what you can do natrually. I wish more people would give Parelli a try

[michelle c]

wow, she is lovley. it shows that she is becoming more trustful of people if she lets your daughter lay with her!!! just ignore other people and carry on with what you are doing, i can tell you from experience you are on the right tracks!!! :D

[Jenks]

Thank you! I will!

[Cheeky]

Hmm ... I am tempted to try his methods, as I have watched the videos many times, and my mare DID pick up on the "move bum" and a few others ... but defantly not the back up lol!

The thing is I noticed that in the videos, the horses become quite edgy and a little nervous. Yes they are engaged with wat u wanna do, but they seem almost a bit spooked and nervous to fail...

But his methods seem to work :) I really really like join up with Monty .. that works a treat :) And the riding that Pat does is pretty good with the "Smile with ALL ** cheeks haha" ... but has anyone else found this:
Pressure and release = do it or ill hurt you?
I thought about it while watching the video ... some things make the horses uncomfy so they move, but what if u were riding in ** bush, and ** horse felt 'uncomfy' so they ran out of that zone - techniqually u culdnt punish them coz thats wat u trained them to do ... lol but some stuff is good lol :) I might try level one ... I just dont wanna spoil a horses nautre lol :) Cyawaddo u guys think?

[Jenks]

I don't think Pressure and release is do it, or I'll hurt you.....but even if it did, that's the way a lead mare treats the rest of the herd, right? And mine will kick. My hand could not apply that much pressure! ;) I've not had to press very hard to begin with.


My arab is nervous to begin with. What I've noticed out of some people practicing Parelli is sheer boredom of the horses. I think there's a point you should move on when that happens. Some people spend too much time on one thing which Parelli discourages, yet it still happens.

[Greentchr]

... but has anyone else found this:
Pressure and release = do it or ill hurt you?

It took me quite a while to truly understand the pressure/release bit. I finally figuered it out with a wild pony, as she reacted quicker and more obviously than my riding horse. I found I have to be extremly aware of subtle communication from the ponies and horse. The idea is not to push the horse (MAKE her accept), but to gradually accustom her to the stimulus, backing off JUST before she reacts. For example, with the wild pony, in order to halter her for the first time (which took 15 minutes AFTER round pen work for several hours), I approached her at first from 10 feet away which was as close as she was comfortable with. After 5 seconds there, I stepped back (releasing the pressure). After 10 seconds of release, I stepped a bit closer and just before her ears flicked, stopped and held for 5 seconds before stepping back (pressure/release). This I continued until I could reach out and touch her forehead without fear ( which I did several times, stepping back one step each time). Then I put the halter on her forehead in the same manner (not moving my feet this time, just moving the halter forward and backwards), until I could put the rope on her neck, touch her all over the head/neck with the halter (always releasing the pressure BEFORE she was uncomfortable), and then without any problem, put the halter on and off.

With the pressure/release, it is not a matter of "do it or else", but a case of "see, it won't hurt you". The trick is to become so sensitive to the horse's body language that you are able to release BEFORE the pressure becomes scary enough for the horse to feel it is being forced.

I hope this makes you more comfortable with the pressure/release idea. Although I read about it in Clinton Anderson's , Lyon's, and Miller's books, and watched it on the Parelli DVDs, it still did not click until I experienced success with it. I am sold on it now!

[Volvic]

I started Parelli in January with Cloudy, the pony I used to loan. It improved our relationship no end. She learnt that she couldnt push me around, which helped her to respect me & our relationship became much stronger as a result.

Unfortunately she had to be put down before I could deal with all of her issues (she was mistreated as a youngster), but I would definately recommend Parelli & I will be using it with any other horse that I get.

I have also found that other horses who have been trained using BHS methods have responded better to me since I have been interested in Parelli as Level 1 is more about teaching the human than teaching the horse.

Good luck in your Parelli :D