What is Parelli Natural Horse.Man.Ship?

We all got into horses because of a dream... the dream to ride as one, to have that special friend, to win - or to excel, and to find that part of ourselves that is brought out when we are with a horse...

Unfortunately for most people, this dream is never realized!  What happens?  Why do we have so many problems and frustrations?  Why do people keep having to sell horses?  Why is there so much resistance?  Why are strong bits and artificial aids so prevalent?

« Horsemanship can be obtained naturally through psychology, communication, and understanding, versus mechanics, fear and intimidation. » -- Pat Parelli

This is the first sentence used when Pat Parelli conducted his very first seminar over twenty-five years ago, and is still used to this day in seminars throughout the world.

Pat coined the phrase 'Natural Horsemanship' over 20 years ago.  Pat and Linda Parelli are now the most influential horsemen and teachers in the world today and they are the worlwide leaders of this global movement.  Parelli has brought a systematic, intelligent and savvy way for people to be with horses and has helped hundreds of thousands of people around the globe develop a partnership with their horses.  The Parelli system teaches people to think so they can individualize the results with all kinds of horses and situations.

To watch Pat in action is to be put in touch with your dream, to know that what you dreamed about is reachable.  All that was missing was the path, the instructions.  Breaking the discipline barrier and touching every aspect of the horse world - English, Western, Racing, all breeds and activities, it is his passion to share his hard earned knowledge with everyone who seeks excellence with horses.

By studying how horses communicate in their natural herd environment, Pat identified seven games which horses use to establish friendship and dominance.  When a human learns this 'language' with horses, the changes are phenomenal.

Imagine what it would be like for the horse.  He understands others in his herd, but can't for the life of him understand what the human is trying to communicate.  It's like living in a foreign country for years, struggling to understand others, then overhearing someone speaking your native language - you're instinctively drawn to them because it means instant communication and understanding.

This is why people find their horses respond to this method of communication very quickly, reporting dramatic, lasting changes even within the first hour of applying these principles.

Would you like a horse that is tuned in, happy, gives his best and takes responsibility for things like controlling his emotions, maintaining gait and direction, self carriage, and looking where he is going.  What about a horse who is responsive, willing, calm, brave and athletic?

This system is designed to develop the horse on three levels:  mental, emotional and physical.  The results?  Great resilience, greater performance under pressure, and a reduced tendency to falter mentally, emotionally and physically.

Parelli Natural Horse.Man.Ship is firstly about self development.  The first 4 levels are designed specifically to teach the human and can be studied through a self-study program in your own back yard.  If you wish, you can accelerate your results through coaching or attending clinics with his Licensed Instructors.

Levels 1 through 4 will prepare the horse for very advanced maneuvers.  The foundation is put in place for spins, flying changes, slide stops, jumps, cutting, polo, barrel racing, dressage and much more.

Think about what you would like to accomplish with your horse.  Is it a safer trail ride?  More communication and understanding?  Fix problem behaviors?  Achieve a competitive level with a happy, willing, responsive horse?  Have a versatile horse?  Have a reliable horse?  Understand why horses do what they do?

Students are drawn to Pat's system for many reasons:  relationship, communication, fun, safety, horse psychology, competitive goals, and the list goes on.  The first and foremost goal of the Parelli philosophy is to develop a trusting and cooperative horse.  Whatever your goal, Pat Parelli's system can help you begin moving toward it, and will support you every step of the way.

Level 1  Safety and communication

In Level 1, the first step in the Parelli Natural Horsemanship program, you are going to learn the essential skills for safety and communication, and it all starts on the ground.  Playing with horses On Line, the first of the four Savvys, teaches you how to read horses and to build a strong, trusting and growing relationship based on love, language and leadership.

You will be introduced to those concepts and you will learn the secret of teaching horses through the Seven GamesTM.  These games are the key to understanding how horses communicate with each other so you can understand and solve every day problems, plus lay the groundwork for everything you ever wanted to do with your horse.

Level 2  Confidence and fun

In this level, you are going to take what you learned in Level 1 and learn how to build confidence in both you and your horse, how to have more fun on the ground!  Then you will be introduced to the second of the four Savvys, Freestyle, where you will see how riding without contact helps horses become more responsible, self-controlled, confident and relaxed.  As a rider, you will become more balanced, fluid, confident and develop a deeply connected seat.

Level 3  Excellence

In this level, you will learn the essential skills that will take your horsemanship to a level of excellence most people only dream about.  This is where you will take a giant step towards becoming a horseman, someone who truly understands horses from the inside out and possesses significant skills. 

You will delve into more advanced On Line and Freestyle concepts, then be introduced to Liberty, the third element of the four Savvys - the ultimate test of the trust, truth and bond.

The relationship you develop through this program will lead you to the thrill of playing with your horse in freedom, at Liberty and the harmony you develeop when riding will help you reach a new level of Savvy and refinement.

Level 4  Fundamentals of performance

In this level, you are going to learn the fundamentals of performance.  It brings all four Savvys together to a spectacular expression of expertise.  Sports such as dressage, jumping, eventing, reining, cow-working, endurance, driving, etc. demand a high level of trust and skill from you and your horse. 

Learning how to prepare your horse naturally with a solid foundation will take you to the highest levels without the stress so normally experienced by horse and rider when striving for excellence.

You will continue to develop your On Line, Freestyle and Liberty expertise, and then explore the last of the Four Savvys, Finesse.  Riding with Finesse is one of the most challenging things to do well because horses are naturally claustrophobic.  The Parelli program will teach you the careful process of building contact and collection, naturally.

Here is some of the philosophy behind Parelli Natural Horse.Man.Ship.  

Excerpt from the Harmony Level Savvy System By Pat et Linda Parelli