Another lesson from the Harrisburg Celebration - and Pat Parelli spoke of this in several ways, in several of the demonstrations:
The Power of Doing Nothing.
He encouraged us to Stop Moving Our Feet - remember, "he who moves his feet, loses" in the dominance-based world of horse psychology. If we will plant our feet, it will also force us to improve our rope handling - just 'by the way.' And who couldn't stand to get better with those darn ropes! When we stop moving our feet, we're able to access the Power of Neutral. Going to Neutral will improve the circling game incredibly, if only because we're allowing our horse to uphold his responsibilities.
Assess yourself - how Powerful is your Neutral?
It's also important to teach our horses to Just Stand There. It's helpful to have a target, when working with a horse that has challenges about standing still. Pat used a tarp in one demonstration, but you could also use a cone, a barrel, a piece of wood, anything that lets you say specifically, "This is a great place to stop, stand and just hang out." It will help your horse manage his own emotions as well. Send him to your target and ask him to wait. You can build to having him stay longer, while you are further and further away. Give it a try - how good is your horse at Just Standing There?
blog post by norma
This Week with Your Horse
April 26, 2009
March 27, 2009
Nose, Neck, Maaaaaaaaybe the Feet
In just under two minutes YOU (if you're a Savvy Club Member) can watch this VIDEO to see Pat Parelli demonstrate his concept of affecting the nose, the neck and maybe the horse's feet to build confidence, communication, leadership and relationship.
Pat makes a point of the precise timing of pressure and no pressure - to make it clear to the horse that he's got something in mind - he plays "you're getting colder" - creates curiosity - and with patient persistence, this horse (or YOUR horse) can respond with confidence. DO try this at home!
March 22, 2009
The Pinky Test
Looking for something to work on with your horse this week? How about leading your horse with nothing more than your pinky finger in the loop of the rope halter?!
Here's a great - SHORT - video all about it. Check it out on the Savvy Club Website!
Look under VIDEOS, Liberty, Level 3 - it's only about 9 minutes long. Pat Parelli talks about how to achieve lightness and Positive Response. Check it out!
ANSWER: "Put your horse away like he is Your Best Fishing Rod"
March 14, 2009
Seven Games with a New Horse... and an Idea
A few people have asked if Pat & Linda would produce a video where they play the 7 Games with a horse who has never been introduced to them before. Guess what! They DID. In 2003! And the video is available right now on the Savvy Club Website in the Video Vault. How do you find it? Go to the Savvy Club website and log in - if you're not a Savvy Club member, this is a great reason to become one! Once you've logged in, look at the column on the LEFT and find VIDEOS. Click on that and it will open up the 4 Savvys: Online, Liberty, FreeStyle and Finesse. Click on the Online Folder and it will open up and reveal Levels 1 - 4. Click on Level 1 and you will see a list of ALL the videos relating to Level 1, Online skills and challenges. The 3rd video on the list is titled "Seven Games with a New Horse." You'll be able to see Pat work with ALLURE as he learns the 7 Games for the first time!
Here's an idea --
Under the Video heading you can find several of the 'Parelli Puzzles' presentations from the Tour Stops.
Watch a few of them so you get the idea - 4 Tasks in 4 Minutes.
Next time you are stumped about what to do with your horse, set yourself up with a Parelli Puzzle.
Work at whatever is your current Level - with a 12', 22', 45' line or at Liberty. Some of the tasks were to back your horse between two barrels, go sideways over a line of barrels, load into a trailer, figure 8 around two pedestals (you can use any obstacles you like), jump a barrel each direction then turn and face - there's a lot more. Giving yourself a Specific Challenge (4 tasks in 4 minutes) is going to give you MEASURABLE results, plus you'll have a plan.
Check out more of the HOURS of video that is currently available to Savvy Club Members online now!
Atten....Hut! Prepare your horse before asking
Have you ever driven with a navigator in the passenger seat, when suddenly they look up and shout, “Turn left! Turn left! Right now!” How do you react? A typical response would be to
panic, over-react and lose trust in the navigator’s ability to get you
where you’re going.
Now, how often do we treat our horses the same way? Without warning, we say, “Go! Stop! Move!” What if we gave our horse a little “advance notice” before we ask him to do something? This is exactly what a drill sergeant in the Army does whenever he says, “Company!...” That means, “Pay attention!” This is called a Preparatory Command - as in, Prepare!
Try this: For ten minutes, be fully aware of everything you intend to do with your horse and stop for two seconds before you actually do it. Bring up your 'life,' which means engage your energy, your intent and put a vision of what you want in your mind’s eye, be sure you have your horse’s attention, and only then ask him to do what you want. Make this a habit on the ground and it will spill over into your riding.
The thought process alone will actually cause changes in your muscles and body language, serving as a preparatory command that your horse will sense. Remember, Pat says,"Horses know what happens before what happens happens." So before you ask your horse to move a hoof, practice this technique. Bring up your life, focus on your intent, make sure you have his attention and then make the request.
blog post by norma
March 12, 2009
10-Minute Abs!
W
e all want abs of steel or even just a strong, flat stomach. Strong
abdominal muscles support your back and maintain correct posture.
Strong abs are important for your horse’s back as well. Here’s the 'horse version' of the stomach crunch.
Stand in Zone 3, about where your
leg would fall if you were riding. Watch for your horse’s reaction as
you reach under his belly, about a hand’s width behind where the girth
would be, and scratch gently with your fingers. If your horse is comfortable
with this, form your fingers into a “claw” and scratch more firmly, adding a bit of pressure
until your horse lifts his back slightly. Pay attention if your horse is the sensitive type and doesn't care for this new 'work out.' Once he lifts his back, keep up the pressure for a few seconds, then release. Let him drop his back again - it's very slight, by the way. Repeat this scratch-lift-and-release process about four times. Once
your horse is comfortable with this exercise, include it every time you
groom your horse. Your partner will develop abs of steel in no time!
photo by coco blog post by norma
February 26, 2009
Pop Quiz, Hot Shot!
What are the three things that Pat Parelli says you can NEVER do too much of with your horse?....
....And have you done them today?....
photo by coco pop quiz by norma
February 19, 2009
Seven Keys to Success - #1 Attitude... and a test....
Pat Parelli defines the right attitude as being "Positive, Progressive and Natural." So let's break it down over a few days and start with -
Positive.
There are several definitions for positive, but generally we understand
it to be affirmative, constructive in intention, showing optimism and
confidence. I'll bet that most of us would say, "oh, yeah, sure, I'm a
positive person."
And then notice if your horses notice.
My bet is that they do.
COMING SOON! Look forward to the story of the Next Rescue Horse - She'll be at the Sydney, Australia CELEBRATION! And she's a Real Honey!
MEANWHILE - Check out this YouTube Video of BEAU, the Franklin, TN Rescue Horse - get your tissues handy!
NOW - Here's your TEST
What percentage of a horse's weight is distributed where in each gait: halt, walk, trot, canter, gallop, back up?
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