Post by Casper on Feb 19, 2007 13:08:48 GMT -5
Most people want to know how a dressage rider ended up studying with Pat Parelli.
Had I not owned a horse who brought me to the 'end of the road,' I would never have gone to Pat Parelli for advice. But, there I was struggling for two years with a Thoroughbred that I was advised to "sell to a man" or "put a bullet in his head."
I tried all kinds of devices to control him: chambons, martingales, draw reins, nose bands, different bits. But this horse would still go crazy - bolting, rearing, and freaking out. You get the picture. It was pretty miserable and dangerous every time I rode.
When I saw a video of Pat riding bridleless, I figured this cowboy was my last chance.
I went to a Parelli clinic with a list of problems in my hand. I never got to show Pat the list because within five minutes I learned that horses were prey animals, that they lived by their instincts and when feeling threatened, trapped or unsafe, they would do whatever it took to escape.
My horse was not being bad - he was following his instincts. That clinic changed everything between me and my horse.
To this day I can ride him without a saddle or bridle (remember, this was a horse who couldn't be stopped even with $200 worth of gadgets on his head!).
I'm often asked why I don't compete anymore. It's just not important to me right now. I'd rather win my horse's heart and maintain a pure focus on developing my savvy.
I also dedicate most of my time to writing down what Pat teaches so that as many people as possible have access to this life-changing information. I'm having more fun with horses and accomplishing more than I ever thought possible, and I want to share that.
I also want people to know that it doesn't take talent, it doesn't take bravery and it doesn't take years to get there.
It takes heart, desire and access to a phenomenal teacher who's willing to share everything he knows in a way that is simple to understand because it builds, step-by-step, to as high a level as you want to take it.
Here's to happy horses and happy riders!
Had I not owned a horse who brought me to the 'end of the road,' I would never have gone to Pat Parelli for advice. But, there I was struggling for two years with a Thoroughbred that I was advised to "sell to a man" or "put a bullet in his head."
I tried all kinds of devices to control him: chambons, martingales, draw reins, nose bands, different bits. But this horse would still go crazy - bolting, rearing, and freaking out. You get the picture. It was pretty miserable and dangerous every time I rode.
When I saw a video of Pat riding bridleless, I figured this cowboy was my last chance.
I went to a Parelli clinic with a list of problems in my hand. I never got to show Pat the list because within five minutes I learned that horses were prey animals, that they lived by their instincts and when feeling threatened, trapped or unsafe, they would do whatever it took to escape.
My horse was not being bad - he was following his instincts. That clinic changed everything between me and my horse.
To this day I can ride him without a saddle or bridle (remember, this was a horse who couldn't be stopped even with $200 worth of gadgets on his head!).
I'm often asked why I don't compete anymore. It's just not important to me right now. I'd rather win my horse's heart and maintain a pure focus on developing my savvy.
I also dedicate most of my time to writing down what Pat teaches so that as many people as possible have access to this life-changing information. I'm having more fun with horses and accomplishing more than I ever thought possible, and I want to share that.
I also want people to know that it doesn't take talent, it doesn't take bravery and it doesn't take years to get there.
It takes heart, desire and access to a phenomenal teacher who's willing to share everything he knows in a way that is simple to understand because it builds, step-by-step, to as high a level as you want to take it.
Here's to happy horses and happy riders!