This document provides an overview of the Parelli Natural Horsemanship program. It describes the program's focus on building trust and communication between horses and humans through a set of "Seven Games" without force or intimidation. It outlines the four levels of training - On Line, At Liberty, Freestyle, and Finesse. Key principles of the program emphasize mutual responsibility and understanding between horses and humans. The document also describes learning materials, support resources, and pathways for participants to progress in the program and potentially become instructors.
2. What is Parelli?
Program founded in 1981 by Pat Parelli based on his observations of
horse behavior, psychology, and communication
Teaches success with horses based on the way that horses naturally
communicate with the “Seven Games”
Eliminates anthropomorphism
In favor of relationship, communication, and trustworthiness rather
than intimidation, coercion, or mechanical training aids
Focus on relationship above all else
Four Savvys to work with:
On line: Groundwork builds the foundation of communication
At liberty: Groundwork with the horse, free of physical restraint.
This savvy proves the relationship that has developed between
horse and human on line
Freestyle: Riding with a loose rein, or bridle-less and bareback as
you progress
Finesse: Riding with contact, refinement, and precision (Ex.
Dressage)
3. The Seven 1. Friendly Game: Build trust and relaxation
Games 3. 2. Porcupine Game: Teach to respond and yield to physical pressure
Driving Game: Yield to rhythmic pressure without touching
4. Yo-Yo Game: Equalize backwards & forwards. Drive and draw.
5. Circling Game: Teach transitions and gain respect
6. Squeeze Game: Help your horse overcome fear of narrow spaces
7. Sideways Game: Teach horse to move sideways
Friendly Game
Sideways Game
Yo-Yo Game
Porcupine Game
Squeeze Game
Circling Game
Driving Game
4. The 8 Principles of Horse Training
4 Responsibilities of a Horse
1. Don’t act like a prey animal. Become
more mentally, emotionally, and
physically fit
1. Horsemanship is natural 2. Maintain direction
2. Don’t make or teach assumptions 3. Maintain gait
3. Communication is two or more individuals 4. Look where you are going
sharing and understanding an idea
4. Horses and humans have mutual
responsibilities
5. The attitude of justice is effective
6. Body language is universal 4 Responsibilities of a Human
7. Horses teach humans and humans teach 1. Act like a partner, not a predator.
horses Become more mentally, emotionally,
8. Principles, purpose, and time are the tools and physically fit
of teaching 2. Have independent feet, therefore an
independent seat
3. Think like a horse
4. Use the natural power of focus
5. Horsenality
Understanding horse nature
and psychology is the key to
training and developing a
relationship with a horse. This
chart helps to identify the
“horsenality” of each horse
and to distinguish its unique
characteristics, needs, wants,
desires, behaviors, and
motivators. Selecting training
strategies dependent on these
elements strengthen the bond
between horse and human by
creating rapport and
understanding as the
foundation for progress.
6. Learning Materials
• Parelli Connect: Social networking site to communicate with other Parelli
students/instructors, record updates, receive feedback, and record “savvy
hours” spent training with each horse.
• E-learning Modules: Theory sections, hands-on activities, reflection, self-
assessment tasks to measure your progress.
• Training DVDs: Mailed monthly to members and stored in database on
Parelli Connect
• “Savvy Times” Magazines: Mailed quarterly to members and stored in
database on Parelli Connect
• Levels Pathway: Level 1 teaches safety, level 2 teaches confidence, level 3
teaches skill, level 4 teaches expertise within the DVD packs.
• Books: These books tell the story of Pat
Parelli’s journey through life, and
the theory behind all natural
horsemanship.
8. Support and Networking
Able to locate other
members throughout the
world and network within
your community. This map
is often used to find places
to stay with your horse
overnight when traveling
long distances.
10. Right Now
I will continue to take lessons with my 2* instructor, Zach Lahring
I am attending “Ride with John and Kathy Barr” day on December 11th in
Georgetown, KY (4* and 5* instructors)
11. June 2-3 Columbus, Ohio
October 27-28 Murfreesboro, Tennessee
I will be an ambassador for and volunteer at the Horse and Soul USA tour at
nearby cities where I will help to set up, help new customers understand how
Parelli can transform their horse/human relationship, and be a part of the Parelli
team.
I will volunteer at the Pagosa Springs, Colorado ranch over the summer and
increase my savvy to level four before I take my “Fast Track” course toward
becoming an instructor
15. Parelli - isms
Release pressure at the slightest try
Green and green equals
black and blue.Horses are natural born skeptics,
cowards and panic-aholics, in varying
degrees.
If you always do what you've always
done, then you'll continue to get
what you've always got.
Cause the wrong thing to be difficult and allow the
right thing to be easy.
Take the time it takes, so that it takes less time.