Monday, April 20, 2009

Get to be a Parelli Volunteer!


In June, I am heading to Madison, Wisconsin to volunteer at the Parelli Tour stop. I was notifided a couple weeks ago and just really excited to be a part of the event. The Reno stop fell on a bad weekend for me and I knew I would be in the Midwest in June, so I thought "what the heck." I gain so much motivation by going to horse events, being a bigger part of it will really inspire me.
I have been getting back into my Parelli work, hoping I can pass Level 2 and 3 this year. On Thursday, I am filming an audition for my Level 2...wish me luck. I started having Parelli Play Days out at Templeton every other Saturday. I am having a lot of fun with that. Even though I am leaving, I hope the interest remains and I can keep it going. We are having a good time and it is good for me to expand on things I have learned by passing it on to others. I am heading to a new barn at the end of this month, intent on utilizing the nice round pen to work on liberty. So I know after reading this post...many of you will say "Oh Photogchic went and drank some Parelli Kool-aid." I just like things that work...I use tips from every trainer on RFD..I love Clinton Anderson...I even listen to my racetrack father (sometimes:-). But for me, without Parelli...I know I would not still own Maddy. It has changed her, it works for her and it inspires me to work harder and get more creative. So no Kool-Aid drinking, just happy with the results. Any bloggers out there heading to Madison for the Tour? Let me know..would love to see you there.

9 comments:

allhorsestuff said...

Well Jules that is exciting to be able to go and soak it all up in person like!
I know, without Natural horemanship, I too would be nowhere with my mare. It taught me to listen to how she wanted to say things to me and also, to look for the adventure in all of our surroundings!

Can't wait to go to the beach next mo with you!!!
Kac

Anonymous said...

You should do what works for you and not worry too much about what others say - if Parelli works for you, then do it. Enjoy Madison and your experience as a volunteer when you go!

jane augenstein said...

Oh what fun you will have!!! I have never gotten to see Parelli's in person, but have worked with their training, I also believe that you can use a mix of them all to train your horse. I also use some of Clinton Anderson's training and others. They have all helped me in training Gilly.
Have a grand time, take pictures when you can so you can share with all of us when you return!!! :-)
Jane and Gilly

Drillrider said...

I used to watch RFDTV all Winter long and guess what? Almost all the trainers use the same basic techniques only with a little varying "flavor". What I like about Clinton Anderson is that he shows what to do if the horse doesn't cooperate and how to counteract it. Also, he gets results quickly. I worked with our mustang mare on Saturday and then again last night. The results I got from 2 sessions were AMAZING!

The problem with Parelli is that people misinterpret "natural" to mean let the horse walk all over you. The exact opposite is what Clinton teaches. Get the horse to respect your space (or hoolahoop) and move in/out of your space on command. This is what Parelli teaches too, but people who are too timid around horses let horses bully them. Not sure why Parelli folks are more prone to this? I think it is because Parelli doesn't show what to do if the horse is "pushy" and Clinton certainly DOES!

Grey Horse Matters said...

Sounds like you are going to have a blast. If Parelli has worked for you and you like his methods then go for it. Once you're committed to a training method learning more about the philosophy will be enlightening. Have a great time.

photogchic said...

Drillrider..I totally agree. I think Clinton does such a great job commanding respect..and you need that. I think I was at such a standstill for awhile because I thought her behaviors were fear based and I went to some Clinton Anderson clinics and realizes she was exhibiting "disrespect." I came home and we "went to the mat" and haven't looked back. Now the Parelli stuff really works with her, but it took getting her to respect me to make that stuff work. I think Parellis "glaze" over that important part.

Kathy C said...

I am going to see how it matches up with our schedule in June, but I would love to come down for a day and meet you. Madison is just an hour away.. and less than that the way I drive. =) Sounds very exciting. I agree with what others have said. It is what you take away from each instructor, and all the instructors have valuable knowledge to share.

Kathy C said...

Looks like right now I am available on the Saturday to come down. I will let you know as it gets closer. Fun fun!

Beth said...

I probably wont be going to the tour, but I live about an hour east of Madison. If you want to come down and see Roo (if I still have him...) or just hang out...let me know.

Beth