Natural Horse Training: The Parelli Controversy – and some evidence
Everyone who has ever ridden a horse knows how easily they can be “spooked”.
Why is this?
Well, remember that historically the horse has always been preyed upon. Its natural state is to be on edge. Even domesticated it will flinch at sudden movements, passing cars, rustles in the hedges, debris blowing in the wind –a puddle of water.
How, then, did man train the horse? Not always by kindness. Man resorted to force and intimidation – painful bitted bridles arean obvious example.
Pat Parelli believes there is another way. You might think it somewhat spiritual. “It’s about helping horses understand humans, and helping humans understand horses.”
So is this really the approach we’ve been missing?
Parelli’s method takes your horse through four levels of natural training.
It delves into your horse’s personality.
It doesn’t rely on punishment and reward, but on understanding your horse’s instincts as a wild animal.
And it doesn’t accept any such thing as a ‘badly behaved horse’. This is more about human training, helping you relate to the animal.
Some owners express disbelief. But Parelli groundwork has been known to solve a number of problems in the saddle – and out. Not least the rewards of a calm horse while trimming the hooves.
amen to that ❗
Thanks so much for the great video. I am just getting back into riding after 25 years and want to connect with the hose first,and then become true partners that listen to each other when we ride. I have a lot to learn!
where can i buy the book in England please
please send me the updates, i havent been receiving them for a while — miss them !!
I was about to go “But you are still pulling your horse’s head in!”
Then I watched the rest of the video.
Very good.
I was riding my horses around the streets with a piece of baling twine around their necks when I was a kid. Most I had to ride bitless as their mouths had been so torn apart!
But yes, you must be balanced and aware when using Bosals or Hackamores – I have seen a horse put down because the rider was too rough on the horse riding in a Hackamore and broke it’s nasal bone.
Take note of the video! Wether it or bitless, BALANCE and COMMUNICATION is the key!
~ I am so at a loss I need help….I didn’t know where to put this….I have a miniature horse a year and a half and I have recently acquired his full brother when he also was old enough to leave his mom like I have all the other 7 miniatures (one being a miniature donkey) Well, Snickers the new baby and Miracle the 1 1/2 yr old and a two year old which are the smallest mini’s I have are all together in the pasture & stalls separate rooms but they all can see each other. My question is a few weeks ago Miracle (the very last baby boy before the newest one btw) kicked up with both back feet and scared me to pieces I have never had any of them ever do that before? He did it quickly and like 3 times in a row! I was in SHOCK to say the least! He was even all alone eating Yes I had just fed them….he does it now I can walk away and he will come over to me to kick at me? He kind of freaked me out one night I was in the stall and I didn’t know how to get him to stop ….I was frantic? Please help! Today I was in the pasture and I can tell if he is preparing to kick at me….he didn’t but I don’t know why he stopped I know the other night the little baby mini who is about 5 months now was standing right beside me it’s like he didn’t because he didn’t want to hurt him? I love this little baby boy and I need help I have had all my babies since they were 15 weeks old and Have Never had this issue Ever….Knock on Wood right?
Thank you so much please Help a country girl out,
these are absolutely my little babies I have never had children but they are IT now! They are the brightest part of our lives 🙂 we are in heaven and I can’t have this little devil with angel wings acting out like this! He actually has angel wings for real on his back ….my husband says you still think he is your little angel…lol
A worried mom,
Brenda Ward
Baily-Ward Farms
I don’t know if you’ve gotten a reply already, but here’s my answer:
Even though a horse is small, it is still a horse and should be treated as such. They need discipline and a clear line of right and wrong.
This little guy obviously thinks he’s in charge, and he needs a wake-up call. That doesn’t mean being harsh or cruel, just assertive, and only as much as he needs.
The worst thing you can do to a horse besides abuse and neglect is spoiling him. It is not fair to a horse to be deprived of human company and care because he’s acting the way he was taught is okay–even if you didn’t mean to teach him that. He doesn’t know that he’s doing something wrong: kicking and biting are natural ways for a horse to assert themselves, he just needs to know that you are in charge and that is not acceptable.
A thing you might consider starting with is stop hand-feeding, if you are in the first place. Some horses are fine being hand-fed, but if you are hand-feeding this guy he obviously is not.
Hand feeding can be harmful because when they take the food OUT of your hand, they consider it “taking” the food from you–thus putting them in charge, so the horse thinks he’s on the top of the pecking order.
When feeding treats from now on, put them in a bucket or on the ground.
Is he halter broke? If so, start leading him around and when he tries to bite or kick, spank him with the end of the rope–this is not being cruel, just telling him that his behavior is not acceptable. You don’t need to spank him any harder than what will make him understand, usually the equivalent of a horse nipping another.
Another thing that will help is lunging and ground driving: these are good ways to gain respect from your horse and let him know that not only are you his leader, but he can trust you as well. Being a leader doesn’t just mean being in charge, it means being a protector and someone he can trust.
Hello everyone, we just got a 4 1/2 month old little boy, our vet came to give shots etc. She told us our little boy has a bad heart murmur. Has anyone gone thru this. We dont want to put him down not sure if he will make even a pleasure horse. Any advice?
Thanks
Brilliant, I am practising this and getting results. re Parelli film.
I have a pony I have had for 20 years. He is light on his feet, responsive to all aids to include voice, responds to pressure, all kinds of rein aids, the seat, weight etc. He is well mannered and by in large sees me as in charge. However, there is this thing inside of his head called a will of his own. He is a self assured boy. When in front of him is a big open grass field all polite conversation goes out the window. He understands all aids but chooses not to listen. I guess his desire to tank across it as fast as he can is just too much. In a bridle I have control…with my lunge cavesson I discovered I do not! The lunge cavesson is fine for everything else I do at the moment. My bitless Dr Cook bridle is on its way. Is it actually realistic to expect to be able to control him at a gallop without better control than nose pressure?
just started riding bitless a few months ago and I love it ! I*m sure the horse does as well .