Saturday, June 13, 2009

Parelli Celebration

On Wednesday, I flew to Minneapolis and then drove to Madison, WI for my four days of being a volunteer for the Parelli Celebration. On Thursday morning, I arrived at the Alliant Center to an arena filled with trucks and a lot of set up to do. We had 18 volunteers and we divided into groups and got to work. Lots of skirting of tables, setting up banners, hauling boxes, and setting up merchandise. We got things done fairly quick. We went back to our hotels a bit sore, but everyone was excited for the weekend to begin. (me...back row..second one in)Friday, we got there early and got ready for the doors to open. I was assigned to be on the retail floor, answering questions about Parelli equipment. I was outfitted in a Parelli Team vest and an "Ask Me" clipboard. I felt official:-). We had a big rush of people that morning and it was a good experience to meet like minds and talk horses and tack. Being a gear head...there is nothing more I like to do than talk equipment:-)Friday was a day for Parelli students to show their stuff in the four Savvys......On-line, Liberty, Finesse, and Freestyle. This is were the Celebration differs from a Tour stop. It was almost like a showcase. After the students were done with their first song, if they heard a "neigh" they could do another and another. When finished, Pat would offer tips and suggestions to further their training. I took a lot away from it, because I would see things Maddy and I struggle with. To be continued.......wait until you hear my story about Walter Zettl.

9 comments:

Flying Lily said...

Dying to hear the Zettl story!! Lovely work.

Grey Horse Matters said...

Sounds like you had a great time. Can't wait to hear the Zetl post.
The Parelli's really travel in style, that's some camper.

Lori Skoog said...

I too want to hear about Walter Zettl. He will be doing a clinic near here in a couple of weeks and one of the horses from my barn will be going (with her 14 yo owner). How did you become a part of this Parelli team?

jane augenstein said...

Wow!! sounds like you had FUN!!! Great post!
~Jane and Gilly~

Jennifer MacNeill said...

Wow, sounds like a ton of fun! That man works magic with horses:)

Merideth said...

my horse india fractured her coffin bone
but hers was not that bad
she had the special shoes and was on stall rest from october to january
but so far she hasn't had any problems, she isn't allowed to jump yet, but i'm thinking about getting an x-ray to see how it's healed
i'm always paranoid about her, and have been known to run out and take her in if she's running too hard.
by the way, i really enjoy reading about maddy

Callie said...

Hey, You were in my neck of the woods. Hope you had a great time!

Anonymous said...

yup parelli on parade!

GP

Stephanie - Siouxzeegirl Designs said...

very exciting! What a great experience. I am really looking forward to the Zettl post. I think he is quite an amazing teacher.