VifArgent News

VifArgent is going with the times! You can now stay up to date on the news on Savvy Québec Blog, on Twitter, and on my Facebook page! It will be more interactive since you will be able to post your comments and you can sign up to receive feeds in your email. Don't forget to add the link to your favorites. Looking forward to your input!

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July 2010

In this newsletter

Upcoming Clinics and new Regional Coordinator
Recent News
Savvy Club Update
Parelli Saddles Trial Program and New Hybrid Model
To sublet – outdoor board for horses!
Did you know …

To download the entire July newsletter, click here.

What does it take to be a coordinator for a Licensed Parelli Professional? Loyalty, dedication, great organizational and people skills, attention to details, true passion for the Parelli program and its principles, and lots of patience (to deal with the instructor!). Kara-Lee embodies those qualities. She has agreed to help me coordinate clinics and lessons in Eastern Ontario and to represent me, and I am thrilled to be able to work with such a great partner. As they say, two heads are better than one! She has already demonstrated her skills, in addition to being just a great person to be around!

You can reach Kara at klgolota@gmail.com or (613) 255-2805

November 2009

In this newsletter

The summer of ‘09
Book your 2010 clinic!
Winter savvy
Savvy Club update
Riding in the Mastery Program!
Outside board available for sublet
Parelli saddles and the new Levels program
Did you know …

To download the entire November newsletter, click here.

September 2009

First half of October, I will be heading back East towards Quebec after a great summer spent in BC. I will be once again travelling on the Transcanada Highway which crosses BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. I have several stops planned en route and I will be teaching in the various provinces as I make my way back. Please visit my Schedule page for the latest updates on my travels and my availability in the different areas. You will find more details, stories and pictures on my blog. As soon as I arrive to Quebec, I will be leaving again for Gaspésie for a workshop series in New Richmond October 24 and 25. Have a great and savvy summer and fall!

July 2009

15 days on the road, over 5000 km, I have finally arrived and I am setting up for the summer at Day Spring Ranch, a 600 acre piece of paradise hidden amongst the Cascade mountains of Princeton, BC. This place reminds me a lot of Colorado - same abrupt terrain, same rocky ground, intense sun and heat during the day and cold nights, big spaces, wildlife and very beautiful. The days are very long and very hot, and I have at my disposal a vast play area consisting of trails that meander across meadows and bush, climb up mountain faces, natural obstacles (steep hills, creeks, logs, bridgesd) and large hilly pastures. My horses are in heaven with no less than 300 acres to themselves with running water, shady shelters and unlimited grass. They will both have a job for the summer - I am using them to bring in the herd in the morning, to check fences and water across the property and to take the young horses on the trails. They will be good ranch horses once we are done. I have already started to train the 12 horses that belong to the ranch owner and I am in the process of setting up a schedule of workshops and clinics. This site is perfect to host students - we have very comfortable on site accommodation in the guest house with bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen and living room, electricity, and running water everywhere, luxurious barn and pastures for the horses, wash rack, round pens, arena, lots of space for trailers and lots of room to play. I leave you with a few pictures.

June 2009

Starting the third week of June, I will be travelling across Canada heading towards Princeton, BC, where I will be teaching and developing Parelli horses for the summer. I am planning several stops en route to teach lessons in various locations in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Once in Princeton, I will be based at Day Spring Ranch from July to September, a beautiful 600 acre facility belonging to a Parelli student. The ranch has plenty of room to take in outside students, horses, including on site accommodations and training facilities. Please check my schedule for an update on my travels and availability across Canada and in BC, and there will more details on my blog. I am currently taking bookings in Princeton! I will be returning to Quebec in October, with a first set of workshops already booked in New Richmond on the 24th and 25th. I look forward to meeting you on the road!

April 2009

My winter in Florida

Spring is heading back this way, bringing the geese, the warm days and I am heading north as well after over two months spent at the Parelli ranch in Florida. It's been a roller coaster winter, filled with extraordinary moments, unique opportunities, massive obstacles and deep emotion. I am bringing back a wealth of new knowledge, new ideas for teaching and lots of concepts and techniques to help my students progress. I started my stay by attending the Masterclass, the Level 3/4 course now being offered at the centres. I really enjoyed the teaching of the advanced concepts in Finesse, such as flying lead changes in collection, and the focus on Horsenality. I was then able to hone my teaching skills by instructing those same courses as faculty support. I truly loved teaching the higher levels, they are demanding and fascinating at the same time... With a great curriculum developed by Pat, Linda and faculty, we've been able to translate even the most advanced concepts into simple steps and progression ladders that can be learned by anyone studying Parelli.

I learned alot during our Saturday sessions with Linda Parelli. She helped me improve my leadership with my young horse Menina, who she quickly compared to her challenging horse Allure! I had to develop strategies to avoid confrontation while still channeling all of her energy and talent. Linda is a wonderful teacher and what a priviledge to be able to take my own lessons from a Parelli master.

We were also blessed with a visit with Walter Zettl, dressage master, who spent a week at the ranch teaching high level dressage to Pat, Linda, Caton and their best students. I was able to attend most of the week's lessons, and must have taken almost 50 pages of notes! What a fascinating man and great teacher. Walter took time to answer all of our questions and we even took part in a simulation session to help us feel the more advanced maneuvers that Pat and Linda has been doing in the morning. We talked about the significance of the terms travers and renvers and of the lack of respect for the horse exhibited in the modern approach to dressage.

Last, but not least, I started my Mastery Program internship with Pat Parelli. This program is now the only way for Parelli Professionals to advance their star rating and if you are chosen, this is where Pat teaches Levels 5 and up. First invited to prove myself, then to participate, I had the priviledge of spending 2 weeks being coached directly by Pat. I played with and rode a few of his best horses and he also helped me with my training of Menina. My 'list' included Savvy (4 year old Atwood Ranch filly), Little Scamper (yearling featured in Savvy Times), Ready (3 year old son of Liberty Major) and I even got to ride Mango! We did alot of cattle work, a great way to develop the horse's confidence and focus, the rider's leadership and of using the games and principles to a purpose. Menina did great and we really got to a whole new level in our relationship during those intensive two weeks. I was in good company with Emily and Amy, Pat's protégés who achieved Level 4 at 20, Kalley Krickerberg, Level 4 Horse Specialist in charge of the Atwood Ranch Naturally development program, Lauren Barwick, olympic medallist in para equestrian dressage in Hong Kong and Jesse Peters, winner of the 2008 Extreme Mustang Makeover Challenge competition. I plan to continue in the Mastery Program next winter.

My clinic season will be starting end of May, with 4 days in New Richmond in Chaleur Bay (Beginning and Advanced Level 1), and 4 days in St-Lazare (Advanced Level 1 and Beginning Level 2). There are still rider spots available, so hurry! Registration info is listed on the Schedule section. Also check out my new video coaching option for students who cannot make it to a clinic! It's the best way to keep advancing on a regular basis without having to leave home.

Savvylicious (Savvy), one of Pat's favorite mares

Maile, the horse ridden by Lauren to olympic gold and silver at the Para Equestrian Games in Hong Kong

A True Love Story

Around 3:30 pm on April 13th, I said a final goodbye to my beautiful Jolie who went to sleep forever. She would have been 22 years old in a month. She was accompanied by her two herd mates Easter and Menina, and I spoke to her and petted her softly while she went to sleep for the last time. She spent her last winter with me in Florida, living in a beautiful pasture, enjoying the warm sun and good company. Her spirit was still strong, but her body was weakening quickly and could no longer carry her. She had been suffering for several years from a degenerative disease called DSLD or ESPA and was retired since 2004. I came to understand that her days would certainly end here in Florida.

She was my partner and my teacher for over 13 years, and she changed my life. Thanks to her, I found Parelli and I am where I am today. She could read my thoughts and sense my meaning, and our communication was unique. On Easter Monday, Menina and Easter also understood that she was leaving this earth and that her spirit had been released.

An oak tree will be planted in her memory where she was laid to rest. Jolie left with dignity and surrounded by love and compassion. I could not have wanted anything better for this wonderful and very special friend who taught me so much. She will never be forgotten.

Jolie Demoiselle 1987-2009

January 2009

First of all, a Happy New Year to all!

In this newsletter

2009 Clinic schedule
2009 Lessons and clinics -- new formats
2009 Changes to the levels assessments
Soon to be in Florida!
Outdoor board to sublet
New features on www.vifargent.com and Parelli daily blog
Parelli equipment and material – January specials
Did you know...

To download the entire January newsletter, click here.

November 2008

In this newsletter

2009 Clinic schedule
2009 Lessons and clinics -- new formats
2009 Changes to the levels assessments
Briefing on the Savvy Conference
Q&A Using the Theraflex pad
Have you been on the Savvy Club web site recently?
Parelli equipment and material – Holiday specials
Did you know...
2008 Summer in pictures!

To download the entire November newsletter, click here.

2009 Calendar - Jolie and I in support of DSLD/ESPA research

Jolie (my first Level 3 horse) illustrates the January page of this equine calendar featuring horses that are all affected by DSLD/ESPA. The profits from the sale of the calendar will be used to finance research on this horrible disease that targets horses of all breeds and ages and about which very little is known. DSLD - Degenerative Suspensor Ligament Disease or ESPA - Equine Systemic Proteoglycan Accumulation. This is a metabolic disorder that targets all soft tissues in the horse, ligaments, tendons, muscles and organs. In the advanced stages, it becomes apparent through the permanent swelling and hardening of the suspensory ligaments on two and sometimes four legs, sometimes resulting in dropped pasterns and fetlocks, muscle atrophy and chronic lameness. Some horses will have heart failures or develop pulmonary issues related to the disease. Jolie has been suffering from DSLD/ESPA since 2003, and it caused her early retirement. DSLD/ESPA is a chronic degenerative metabolic disease and there is no cure. A few veterinarians, like Dr. Kellon, are conducting field studies on an experimental treatment that seems to help improve the condition and the comfort of the affected horses. Jolie started the treatment a few weeks ago and I hope to delay the inevitable loss and suffering that are part of the disease. The picture was taken at the Parelli Ranch at the end of 2003, just as I received my Level 3 string from Pat Parelli. It was one of my last rides on her; she got sick right after we got back from the ranch.

You can browse and purchase the calendar at http://www.cafepress.com/dsld.334324518

For more info on DSLD/ESPA, go to http://dsldequine.info/

The horses thank you for your support!

August 2008

NEW! The latest knowledge tool, the Parelli Patterns is now available. This is Pat and Linda's blueprint for developing horses and riders over four savvies in four levels... Horses are pattern animals. In their natural environment, they eat, drink, sleep and play at the sames times every day. Using this natural tendency to train horses in not new, but it's easy to bore some horses with unnecessary repetition or blow them up by advancing too quickly. Parelli Patterns offers the perfect plan of what to do, but more importantly, they develop the horse's responsibility rather than making him into a mindless puppet.

The DVDs - Watch Pat Parelli bring the patterns to life. You'll get a clear visual of each pattern at each level. The video sessions are kept short to promote accelerated learning through repetition.

The Books - Beautifully designed to keep on your coffee table, you need to flip through them regularly to keep focused on the big picture and on where you want to go.

The Maps - It takes four to seven sessions for a horse to learn a pattern. The maps show all the patterns at a glance and provide a system to track your progress.

The Pocket Guides - Take the handy pocket guide with you so you can refer to the pattern at the level you are doing and keep your sessions on track.

The Parelli Patterns set contains the four savvies (on line, liberty, freestyle, finesse) for levels 1 through 4. It is translated in four languages - French, Spanish, Italian and German. The DVDs are subtitled according to your language selection (including English for the hearing impaired) and the books contain the text in all languages.

Parelli Patterns are now available on the Web Shop at a special introductory price for Savvy Club members.

In this newsletter

2008 Clinic Calendar
An exciting summer!
News on Easter's progress
Parelli is about to launch its newest educational package - in several languages!
Parelli equipment and material
Did you know...

To download the entire August newsletter, click here.

July 2008

Congratulations to Denyse Rousselet of Dollard-des-Ormeaux and Lynda Constant of St-Lazare who have passed Level 1!

May 2008

In this newsletter:

2008 Clinic Calendar
Looking for a volunteer to help at Parelli clinics
Parelli workshop days
Good news - handling of Level Awards for non members
Pat and Linda on tour in West Springfield – I had to cancel my appearance
Easter’s health
Dressage Naturally with Karen Rohlf
Equipment and DVDs
Level 1 assessment – are you ready?
Did you know…

To download the entire May newsletter, click here.

April 2008

For all of you who will be travelling to Massachussetts this weekend to see Pat and Linda Parelli live, I wish you an excellent trip and a wonderful stay filled with inspiration, education et great encounters. It's with great regret that I have to announce that I must cancel my participation in the tour stop, due to the sudden onset of illness. I was looking forward to seeing some of you again and to say hi, and to meet everyone else, and I'm sure some of you were looking forward to seeing me perform with my horses. This is one of those times when life just gets in the way. I am fighting a severe viral infection of the liver that leaves me very weak and unable to function normally for the moment. I had to make a last minute decision and prioritize my recovery since my clinic season is starting and will be very busy. I'll see you next time, and have a lot of fun down there! Say hi to Pat and Linda for me!

February 2008

The first qualities of a horseman (and horsewoman) are heart and desire. As a result, nothing stands in the way of a motivated student. The record snow fall and bitter colds are not preventing people from the Saguenay from continuing to advance their Savvy. I maneuvered around two snow storms to join them for three days of instruction in the Chicoutimi region. Thank goodness, we had the indoor arena to shelter us from the winds! First of all, I was extremely pleased to see that everyone there had really improved since my last trip in October. Which really demonstrates that everyone can succeed by using the tools and staying positive, natural and progressive! This last adjective is often misunderstood by Parelli students. Horses learn 7 times faster than humans. It is really important that we keep getting better and improve with each play session! Otherwise, your horse will lose respect and incentive. Imagine that you are rowing upstream in a canoe - what happens if you stop rowing? You end up travelling backwards! Same thing with horses. Always think about being a little bit better than last time, use your imagination, and do a little bit more each day. Your horse will thank you!

Here are a few pictures of a great weekend.

Doria's challenge - his Arab mare Azur, Left Brain Extrovert. Doria is studying Level 2. Here is a horse that has a huge play drive, lots of ideas and tons of energy. Not always easy for a senior man because things can start moving really fast. Thanks to the strategies learned in the program, Doria was able to transform a very (!) active play session into a productive one with an obedient and connected horse. Under saddle, the patterns and transitions games allowed Doria to cause his horse to understand his energy and synchronize with it. The day ended with smiles all around. Good work!

Play, dominance, defiance and energy - defining characteristics of the LB Extrovert!!!

Practicing transitions on the ground, then using an obstacle to put principle to purpose

Two happy partners finding harmony!

Bernard and his Thoroughbred Tuxedo have just made the transition from normal to natural. They have only been here a few months, and already a more natural way of life (living in a herd and outside) and the Parelli Level 1 ground games have transformed this horse. Bernard swears he is 'really discovering his horse'. Bernard has made great progress in Level 1 and has already passed his ground tasks. He only needs to complete the ridden portion of Level 1 to earn his red string. Tuxedo, who had become a scared horse, was agressive in the stall and very tense under saddle, is quickly becoming quite Left Brain and is showing his true Horsenality - he is a quick learner with a heart of gold. He seems very happy in his new environment, even though his is no longer shiny clean and is missing a few pieces of hide!

Going Right Brain - he really needs to move his feet at the moment, but with a bit of leadership, he calms down quickly!

Reviewing the lateral flexion technique - already I can see a lovely partnership developing

Judith is always saying that her mare Dédé is perfect! How can we improve a little bit on perfect? Dédé's nature is to be Right Brain Introvert. Under an apparently calm and slow demeanor, she is a very sensitive mare, alert to the slightest potential of danger and she explodes under pressure. Judith, who is studying Level 2, is really succeeding on the ground but had a new challenge in mind: learning to canter. We started by helping Dédé get more confident and trusting, then we we explored transitions and cantering on line. 'Does this horse look rideable?' If the answer is no, stay on the ground! Thanks to a solid preparation using lots of patience and retreat, Judith achieved her objective, and to boot, managed a little jump without losing her rhythm and smile! What a lovely ending to the lesson!

Dédé is always perceptive to the potential of danger - she needs little steps to build her confidence

Does this horse look rideable? Finally we're getting there. Ending with a little jump. So much fun!

Christine, the owner of Ferme Harmonie and a student of Level 3, understands the importance of providing a great natural start to her 20 month old Appaloosa filly, Zig. I took advantage of my stay to progress her foundation on the ground, preparing for her first ride. Levels 1, 2 and 3 on the ground, confidence, respect, focus, accepting the human and his tools. I had my first introduction to Zig this fall. She had then explored and accepted handling of the feet, the 7 games and trailer loading. Christine did an excellent job of following up in between. I checked that the foundation was still solid, then we moved on - prepping for the vet, the 7 games at Level 2 and 3, preparing for her first cinching experience. With young horses, we must preserve their confidence, curiosity, sensitivity and dignity at all cost. It is important to always play for and with the horse, never to dictate our ideas and do things to him. Colts and fillies are perfect at birth. They need a lot of feel, understanding and savvy because they learn so fast and are so easy to spoil with bad hands. This is why Pat recommends waiting until you have Level 3 before attempting to teach a young horse. Only then do you start to acquire a mastery of the formula Love, Language and Leadership in equal doses!