Aw, That's Just for Cowboys...

H ave you heard that comment about Parelli, that's is just for Western riders and cowboys?  Or how about the idea that Parelli is for people who Don't Want To Ride?  We can certainly shatter those myths with the Three-Star Parelli Professional and Competitive Eventer KELLY SIGLER.


Kelly's students, Michelle Donlick and Nicola Steffanini recently competed at the FENCE Horse Trials in North Carolina.  Michelle rode two horses with great success, capturing 2nd place with Babe and 4th with Rhapsody (their first Recognized USEA show together).  Nicola rode Maggie to a 4th place; all three horses are now qualified for the Regional Championships.

Kelly was particularly pleased and proud because these were PARELLI students in competition, "Their emotional fitness was evident.  I didn’t have to hold hands, no tears – nothing like before."  Kelly was a 'normal' eventing coach before she was introduced to Parelli and she sees the difference 'before' and 'after.'

Even people at the event took notice.  "Our horses are so calm – everybody notices – even the judges.  The horses come off the trailer, already relaxed – most people are lunging, screaming, using side reins to get their horses under control.  And the warm up ring - horses rushing to the jumps, running off after the jumps - The trainers all know that's not what it's supposed to look like.  And then we come out, play online a little bit, then hop on and ride.  Our horses are loping around, completely relaxed and willing."  Another trainer at the event praised the results, "I'm a genuine fan of Parelli, it really prepares people."

Kelly's group overheard surprising comments about Maggie, "that she looked so well-seasoned, she was a 'packer.'"  Kelly laughs, "It was Maggie's first schooling show!  And anyone who knows her story - she used to run and strike at people.  It took me two years to get her to the point that someone could safely ride her at all."

This easy, relaxed and confident attitude comes from plenty of Prior and Proper Preparation.  Kelly and her students have worked through level 3 with these horses, preparing them, setting them up for success.  The foundation pays off, "When we have to put pressure on, the rapport kicks in and our horses give us everything they've got."

 "As a Parelli instructor there’s so much more that I consider now – looking at the horse and rider's emotions – previously I would have been completely direct-line, just get it done.  Now, with the Horsenalities, I can get into their heads and know almost exactly what they need to stay confident."

Recently, Kelly also brought her students to a USEA workshop, encouraging them to play with the horse that shows up and let their savvy shine, "The instructors were impressed and commented on what great learners they were.  They said, 'We want them to be our students!'  Parelli students have such a good foundation, they really are the Dream Student for any discipline.  They have the emotional fitness, they're puzzle-solvers." 

Kelly doesn't limit herself to eventing, by the way.  She's currently working with a Working cow horse & reining competitor - "I don't actually know much about Reining, but I'm working with her horse, the relationship – helping her with the foundation.  Once you get that in place, you can start putting the Parelli principles to a purpose – whether it’s competition, trail, working - Parelli can be applied to anything!

Yup, it's Way More Than Cowboys!

READ MORE about Kelly's story in an upcoming issue of the Savvy Times Magazine.

photos courtesy of Kelly     blog post by norma

Comments

[regina]

I should've been a cowboy
Should've learned to rope n ride
And do Parelli to be prepared
For a cattle driiiiiive...

[Tessa]

I have some major showing goals like jumping bridleless in a show, riding the Tevis ride, and doing top level dressage. Kelly Sigler is an inspiration to me especially with my high goals! Go Kelly! And thank you Norma for sharing this with us. I have a left-brain introvert who is really hard to get motivated about jumping so it will be an honor the day I can audit one of Kelly's clinics!

[Ninie Perlt]

Great, and very inspirational story.
I love the jumping pic, where it's obvious that the horse and rider are going the same way, with a light rein contact and a very loose noseband. Beautiful!

[DeeDee Levine]

I loved this. It makes it so clear that studying the Parelli approach is foundational for rider and horse. The emotional fitness factor is so critical for real success. Great to be hearing such successes at competitions.
I want to send this to everyone - but have to consider, who will it help get an idea and who will find it pushes them farther away. Need to practice the emotional/mental fitness myself.

Thanks again for these great pieces.

[Dee Wiet]

Great article, Norma. Next, please have another regarding a dressage person whose foundation in Parelli prep'd them for a recognized dressage show. I DON'T need to hear it, but I have friends who need to hear it!!! I can forward the article to them.
I used to be normal, and showed/won big time in dressage before I saw the light and got impassioned in Parelli. Can't say enough of how much PNH has brought my horses and me along. We're just not yet at the point of showing yet, otherwise I'd offer my story for you to tell.