Tag Archives: Parelli Natural Horsemanship

Dressage, JRPR

Parelli Natural Horsemanship Helps Two Riders Achieve USDF Bronze and Gold Medals

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Johnny Robb and Zerbino Interagro (Photo courtesy of Susan J Stickle)

Wellington, FL (May 24, 2016) – In many cases, a troubled, difficult horse becomes an ‘at-home’ project, focusing on nothing more than rideability and sometimes setting aside the competition ring altogether. But for riders like Johnny Robb and Micaela Love, who have experienced unimaginable accomplishments through Parelli Natural Horsemanship, limiting their competitive goals was never a consideration. Both riders recently achieved United States Dressage Federation (USDF) medals, riding their so-called “difficult” horses, Zerbino Interagro and Quest.

After meeting Pat and Linda Parelli at the World Equestrian Games in 2010, Adult Amateur dressage rider Johnny Robb began participating in Parelli programs, quickly developing a profound respect for the training techniques and the amazing horse and rider communication and trust that the programs built. With Linda Parelli’s help, Robb introduced her Lusitano gelding Zerbino Interagro, also known as Zillionaire, to the Parelli techniques.

Before Robb and Zerbino began the Parelli program, Zerbino was known for his insecurities in the dressage ring, and fear of the letters. Now, Zerbino boasts two IALHA Grand Prix Reserve National Championship titles and Robb’s USDF Gold Medal. They are now working towards earning the USDF Freestyle Gold Bar.

In addition to the remarkable accomplishments that the pair has achieved in the show ring, Robb and Zerbino’s relationship has developed incredibly, as well. “My partnership with Zill only continues to grow with our Parelli training. The biggest changes I’ve seen is the incredible confidence in Zill now, and the fact that he knows to come to me when he’s scared. We do things that I never thought we’d do,” said Robb.

After seeing what the program did for her horse, the next time Robb saw a horse who was considered ‘too difficult,’ she stopped to take a second look. This horse was a chestnut gelding with a tricky bucking habit. He was called “crazy,” but Robb could see something else in him.

“I brought him home and my friend and trainer Gary Yeager started working with him. Gary’s patience and kindness brought out the very best in the horse,” Robb explained. “In fact, Gary was enjoying him as a schoolmaster to perfect the FEI movements on, but we knew if he were sold to the wrong person his long history of being fearful and resistant would return quickly. I went to Linda Parelli and said, ‘Hey, this horse comes with some baggage, but he is super talented.’ Linda said she knew just the right person for him.”

Micaela Love and Quest (Photo courtesy of Jerome Love)
Micaela Love and Quest (Photo courtesy of Jerome Love)

This is where Robb and Micaela Love’s paths would cross, creating another amazing horse and rider partnership. Love has been a Parelli believer since age 12, but although she always understood the power of natural horsemanship, it wasn’t until meeting Quest that she saw just how much Parelli could do.

Love began working directly with Linda Parelli, implementing her Classical Scale of Training dressage philosophy and knowledge as an equine behaviorist to rehab, train, and unlock Quest’s potential. “Since working with Linda to implement the Parelli program in Quest’s training, he has quickly proven himself as the dream horse I have been looking for over the past five years,” said Love. “Working with Linda has given me hope that proper dressage can be accomplished naturally without sacrificing the horse’s mental, emotional, or physical needs.”

Since beginning their journey, Love and Quest have achieved several successes both in and out of the competition ring. Most recently, the pair earned their USDF Bronze Medal. Love is looking forward to continuing their training with Linda Parelli and competing with Quest at the Grand Prix level one day.

“Parelli offers a clear path to understanding horse behavior and a system to communicate with them through their innate set of values, not ours,” explained Love. “I see no end in sight for Quest and I. I still have to pinch myself regularly to make sure that the fact that I have such a talented horse isn’t a dream.”

Whether riders are struggling with their dressage training, hunter/jumper goals, or just developing a bond with their horses, Robb and Love recommend Parelli Natural Horsemanship to riders of all levels and disciplines.

“You think of natural horsemanship as its own discipline, but in reality it’s horsemanship that can apply to whatever you’re working on. It’s not really about the carrot stick or going over a tarp; it’s building that willingness and trust with the horse,” said Robb.

Parelli Natural Horsemanship uses strategies to help horses and their owners overcome the panic default, thus allowing the horse to become a more willing partner – able to work through nervousness, tension, and fear. To learn more about Parelli Natural Horsemanship, visit www.parelli.com.

Johnny Robb – JRPR
561-290-9668
johnnyrobb@mac.com
www.parelli.com

Training/Clinics

Pat and Linda Parelli Give Olympian Bent Jensen Another Chance

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Pat Parelli of Parelli Natural Horsemanship teaches Chance, a difficult horse owned by dressage Olympian Bent Jensen, to load in a trailer (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (May 2, 2016) – “He’s a completely different horse now,” said dressage Olympian Bent Jensen of his horse, Chance, after an encounter with Pat and Linda Parelli of Parelli Natural Horsemanship.

It was an all-too-typical equestrian scenario. You point your horse toward the trailer, and all forward momentum ceases. Recently, Danish Olympian Bent Jensen, currently based out of Wellington, Florida, decided he would face that struggle for the very last time with his horse Chance. So Jensen decided to take a chance by calling in the experts – Parelli Natural Horsemanship. As it turned out, this was a chance worth taking.

“He had gotten more and more difficult to load. The last time I took him somewhere, it took us an hour and a half to load him,” Jensen explained. “We had to sedate him to get him on the trailer, and going home it was the same. I didn’t think it was the right thing to do for the horse. He’s not a mean horse; he was just confused and scared. It turns out he was claustrophobic.”

After a few short hours with Pat and Linda Parelli, the creators of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, that same horse was walking into the trailer with confidence and ease. Jensen wasn’t sure he could believe it at first, but he was definitely happy to see the result – and, perhaps more importantly, to understand what was happening.

“It made a difference for me because now I understand it and can help my horse myself,” he said.

To achieve the type of results that the Parellis achieved with Chance, the Parellis focus on first understanding the horse, both physically and mentally. By carefully gaining insight into what they call the horse’s “horsenality,” they can diagnose a horse’s problem and teach the horse to develop trust with his rider and motivate the horse to learn new behaviors to overcome this problem.

One of the most important elements of Parelli Natural Horsemanship is the program’s dedication to teaching riders like Jensen. It’s the program’s mission to raise the level of horsemanship worldwide to benefit the equestrian community at large and ensure riders and trainers are taking the necessary steps to truly understanding their equine partners. Everyone, from successful Olympians like Jensen to young beginner riders, can find clearer communication with their horses through Parelli Natural Horsemanship.

Now that Jensen has been exposed to this methodology of training, he says, “I think it’s very important to know and understand horses in this way. Parelli worked for Chance and me, and I definitely encourage other riders to look into this.”

Other riders looking for assistance with any kind of behavioral challenges with their horses can visit www.ParelliSavvyClub.com, where equestrians can find a one-stop shop for training resources, from articles to action plans to videos.

Jensen also encourages riders to make an in-person visit with Pat and Linda Parelli. “You can learn a lot from reading,” he said, “but it was amazing what they could do when they were there and explaining things in person.”

To learn more about Parelli Natural Horsemanship and how it can help you overcome issues with your equine partner, visit www.parelli.com.

Johnny Robb – JRPR
561-290-9668
johnnyrobb@mac.com
www.parelli.com

Community/Charity, Dressage, JRPR, Training/Clinics, Western/Reining

Linda and Pat Parelli Invited to Join Xenophon Society during Successful European Tour

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L-R: Linda Parelli, Pat Parelli, Anabel Balkenhol, and Klaus Balkenhol. (Photo courtesy of Barbara Schnell)

Ocala, FL (May 31, 2011) – Linda and Pat Parelli, the founders of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Inc., recently returned from a successful European tour where they demonstrated their training techniques in front of sold out crowds.  The couple also met with Olympic gold medalist and dressage coach, Klaus Balkenhol, who expressed his approval of the Parellis’ natural horsemanship training by bestowing upon them membership in the Xenophon Society. The society was founded to preserve and promote the classical principles of dressage, and the Parellis were thrilled with their induction as their training methods reflect the basic principles of classical training.

“Pat and I train with dressage Master Walter Zettl and Walter encouraged us to meet Klaus and his family while we were in Europe. We not only met them but I ended up going to their farm to show how our method helps with behavioral issues,” Linda said. “While we were still in Europe, Klaus made us members of the Xenophon Society which was a huge honor for us.”

The Xenophon Society is named for the famous Greek author of The Art of Horsemanship, an ancient manuscript that describes the proper care and treatment of the horse.  Many of the points made by Xenophon are still considered relevant to horse training today, and the Xenophon Society was founded to uphold these ideas of ethical and classical equestrianism.

Continue reading Linda and Pat Parelli Invited to Join Xenophon Society during Successful European Tour →

Community/Charity, Competitions, Events, JRPR, Para-Equestrian

Parelli Natural Horsemanship Student and Canadian Para-Equestrian Lauren Barwick Judges Special Olympics

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Lauren Barwick judged the Special Olympics Equestrian Games in Tampa, Florida, recently and said the event “put a smile on her face.” (Photo courtesy of Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center)

Tampa, FL (May 27, 2011) – Canadian Para-Equestrian Team member Lauren Barwick, a paraplegic who won Gold and Silver Medals in the Beijing Paralympics in 2008, recently spent the weekend in Tampa, Florida, serving as a judge for the Special Olympics Equestrian Games. Barwick, a Four Star Parelli Instructor and a Senior Protégé in the Mastery program at Linda and Pat Parelli’s Natural Horsemanship Program, said the weekend was not only inspiring for her but “put a big smile on my face.”

Barwick, who broke her back in an accident and is paralyzed from the waist down, said she was impressed with the talent and skills of the riders. “As a Parelli student and Instructor I was pleased with the level of horsemanship and the behavior of the horses,” Barwick said. “If only mainstream competitive horses could present themselves as well!  My favorite entry was a young man who was riding a mule. The mule was great and had such an awesome expression; I would have taken him home if I could have.”

Barwick stayed busy during the Special Olympics, judging four dressage classes on Friday, three showmanship and 23 equitation classes on Saturday. “The horses all were presented great and the riders all looked wonderful, from their shined boots, riding jackets, black helmets or cowboy hats,” she said. “I’m very grateful that there are programs and people who are committed to such a great cause.”

Continue reading Parelli Natural Horsemanship Student and Canadian Para-Equestrian Lauren Barwick Judges Special Olympics →

Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, JRPR, Training/Clinics

Dressage Master Walter Zettl Teams Up with Linda and Pat Parelli to Appear on Dressage Training Online

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Linda Parelli rides one of her own horses in a lesson with dressage master Walter Zettl. (Photo courtesy of Barbara Schnell)

Ocala, FL (May 5, 2011) – Classical Dressage Master Walter Zettl has built his successful dressage career on understanding the relationship between the horse and rider.  Zettl coaches Linda and Pat Parelli, founders of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Inc., and regularly conducts private dressage clinics at the Parellis’ Ocala facility. Zettl recently spent time in Ocala with the Parellis, teaching and being taped for dressage videos which will appear on the Dressage Training Online website.

“The Dressage Training Online website is a wonderful venue for us to be included in,” said Linda Parelli. “Walter is a great bridge for us because he believes in what we are doing in natural horsemanship and he sees how closely our approach relates to the principles of truly classical dressage.”

Zettl taught lessons and was taped for the Dressage Training Online segments with Linda and her horse West Point as well as with Canadian Para-Equestrian Team member Lauren Barwick, a para-equestrian who won Gold and Silver Medals in the Beijing Paralympics in 2008. Barwick is a Four Star Parelli Instructor and a Senior Protégé in the Mastery program of the Parellis’ Natural Horsemanship Program.

Continue reading Dressage Master Walter Zettl Teams Up with Linda and Pat Parelli to Appear on Dressage Training Online →

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, JRPR, Training/Clinics, Western/Reining

Pat & Linda Parelli’s International Tour Features Dressage Stars, Sell-Out Crowds & More!

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Linda Parelli, Pat Parelli, Anabel Balkenhol, and Klaus Balkenhol at Equitana in Germany. (Photo courtesy of Parelli Natural Horsemanship)

Ocala, FL (April 6, 2011) – Pat and Linda Parelli, founders of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, are in the midst of a European tour that is drawing the attention of dressage stars, sell-out crowds and die-hard Parelli enthusiasts from around the world. The Parellis recently wrapped up several days at Equitana in Germany and will now head to the Parelli Celebration at the LG Arena in Birmingham, U.K., April 9-10.

“During Equitana I had the chance to meet with Olympic Gold Medalist Klaus Balkenhol and his daughter Anabel,” Linda Parelli said. “It was exciting to share our natural horsemanship training methods that utilize equine psychology, or what we coin Horsenality, with Klaus, who along with being an Olympic Gold Medalist in dressage was also the very successful former coach of the German and U.S. dressage teams. Not surprisingly the common sense communication techniques that help the horses and riders achieve success are universal at all levels.” Linda is scheduling the last few days of the April tour in Germany with the Balkenhols to share some behavior balancing natural horsemanship techniques with Anabel Balkenhol.

Linda added that the Balkenhols are not the only world-class dressage riders who have taken an interest in the Parelli Natural Horsemanship program and incorporated the system into their training. “After the Parelli Celebration in the U.K., I will head to France and then to Spain where I will again have the opportunity to train and exchange ideas with dressage great Luis Lucio,” she said. “I really appreciate the talent and dedication of competitive dressage riders and have seen so many dressage riders overcome behavior issues that impeded their success by being open minded and incorporating natural horse training into their training program.  This trip I am looking forward to riding with Luis on his dressage horses and working on my dressage skills, too.”

Continue reading Pat & Linda Parelli’s International Tour Features Dressage Stars, Sell-Out Crowds & More! →

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, JRPR, Para-Equestrian

Canadian Para-Equestrian Lauren Barwick Shines at 2011 Dressage Affaire CPED13*

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Lauren Barwick dominated the Grade II division at the 2011 Dressage Affaire at the Del Mar Horsepark during the CPED13* Para-Equestrian Dressage competition on her two horses Off to Paris (shown here) and Ferdonia 2 (below). (Photos courtesy of Lindsay Y McCall)

Parelli Natural Horsemanship Student Excels

Del Mar, CA (March 23, 2011) – Canadian Para-Equestrian Team member Lauren Barwick dominated the Grade II division at the 2011 Dressage Affaire at the Del Mar Horsepark during the CPED13* Para-Equestrian Dressage competition, riding away with the blue ribbon on Off To Paris and the red on Ferdonia 2 in the Individual Test. Barwick also took home top honors in the Freestyle, riding Ferdonia 2 to first place with a high score of 75.167% and earning second on Off To Paris with a 73.333.

Barwick’s success in the Para-Dressage spotlight has been aided by mentor and coach Pat Parelli, founder of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Inc. Barwick is a Senior Protégé and mentor in the Parelli Natural Horsemanship’s Mastery Program.

“Lauren is an outstanding horsewoman and has the ability to easily connect with her horses,” Parelli said. “At the Dressage Affaire in Del Mar, Lauren had only been riding Off to Paris and Ferdonia for 10 days so it was quite an accomplishment to win first and second in both classes. Lauren knows that building a relationship and developing a great partnership with each horse is paramount, and she is dedicated to putting the horse’s needs first which shows each time she rides.”

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Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, JRPR, Training/Clinics

Classical Dressage Master Walter Zettl Teaches Private Clinic at Pat Parelli University

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Classical Dressage Master Walter Zettl taught a private dressage clinic at Pat Parelli University in Ocala, Florida. Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Inc., founded by Pat and Linda Parelli, uses the same gentle and common sense techniques that Zettl uses in his approach to teaching dressage. (Photos courtesy of Coco Photography)

Ocala, FL (February 17, 2011) – Classical Dressage Master Walter Zettl has spent his life on the forefront of the dressage world, from coaching Olympic riders to producing DVDs and books that have become staples in dressage libraries the world over. Zettl has joined forces with Pat and Linda Parelli, founders of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Inc., and recently taught a private dressage clinic at the Parellis’ Ocala facility.

“Walter has been working with us for several years and is very natural in his approach and says teaching Parelli students is a luxury because so much is already in place, even if some of the students ride in a western saddle,” said Linda Parelli, adding that she and her husband Pat and several Mastery Students rode in the clinic with Zettl. “Walter really likes it that Pat and I take part in his clinics and ride in lessons with him. He likes it that we are constantly furthering our education.”

While the Parellis have built their Natural Horsemanship program based on in-depth equine psychology and common sense communication techniques between the horse and rider, which ultimately leads to success, these are the same principles Zettl has been using for years. “Walter puts the horse’s needs first and figures out if the horse needs calming, or motivation and energy, when being ridden,” Linda said. “Walter uses psychology and zero force, and tries to understand things from the horse’s point of view. He is always saying ‘gentle, gentle’ and loves that Parelli people already have a great relationship with their horse.”

Continue reading Classical Dressage Master Walter Zettl Teaches Private Clinic at Pat Parelli University →

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Equine Assisted Therapy, Events, Fundraisers, JRPR

Pat Parelli Joins Star-Studded Line-Up of Judges for Vinceremos “Buck Off” Mechanical Bull Riding Contest

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Pat Parelli will put his rodeo knowledge to work for a great cause when he joins Robert Dover, Margie Engle, and other judges during VTRC’s Mechanical Bull Riding Contest. (Photo by Hubbell Photography)

Wellington, FL (February 16, 2011) – There’s no bull about it that Pat Parelli, the founder of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, understands the relationship between a horse and rider. As a former rodeo bareback bronc rider, Parelli will put his rodeo knowledge to work for a great cause when he joins Robert Dover, Margie Engle, and an esteemed panel of judges during the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center’s Mechanical Bull Riding Contest.

Parelli, who won the Bareback Rookie of the Year title in 1972, will help judge the “Final Buck Off” during the Vinceremos Dinner and Auction at the International Polo Club on February 18th. The “Buck Off” competition will take place during a Vinceremos benefit and auction entitled “My First Pony”.

Vinceremos, located in Loxahatchee near the famed grounds of the Winter Equestrian Festival, uses horses and therapy to enhance the lives of special needs people in Palm Beach County.

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Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, JRPR, Training/Clinics, Western/Reining

Parelli Rider Dominates the Show Ring Thanks to Natural Horsemanship Skills

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Florida rider Leslie Ann Weiler put her eight years of Parelli Natural Horsemanship training to good use in 2010 when she rode her Andalusian mare, Lucea BR, to the US National Grand Champion Andalusian Mare title in the Amateur division. Weiler is a Parelli Level 2 graduate and recommends the Parelli Natural Horsemanship program for riders of all disciplines and levels. (Photo courtesy of Cheri Prill)

Ocala, FL (January 19, 2011) – Florida rider Leslie Ann Weiler put her eight years of Parelli Natural Horsemanship training to good use in 2010 when she showed her Andalusian mare, Lucea BR, to the US National Grand Champion Andalusian Mare Amateur title. Weiler and Lucea didn’t stop there, but dominated the show ring throughout the year to ride away with as the US National Grand Champion Western Amateur, the US National Grand Champion Western Pleasure Vintage Rider, the US National Grand Champion Hunt Seat Pleasure Amateur and the USEF National Reserve Champion Amateur Horse of the Year.

Weiler, who rides with trainer Gareth Selwood in Newberry, Florida, praises Selwood for helping her throughout the show year but also acknowledges she couldn’t have done it without her Parelli background. “My success with Lucea shows what a Parelli rider can do with a solid foundation of natural horsemanship, a great horse and a dedicated trainer,” Weiler said. “For riders who aren’t familiar with Parelli, they will find that natural horsemanship helps the rider and horse develop a great relationship. I think everyone should try it and they will find out that it is addicting to have a relationship with your horse!”

Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Inc., was founded by Pat and Linda Parelli with the goal of helping all horse owners achieve success without force while developing a natural and harmonious relationship with their horse. “Parelli gives riders a necessary foundation from which they can move confidently into the competitive horse show world,” Selwood said, when asked about Weiler’s success and how natural horsemanship affected it. “The Parelli system prepares riders so they can excel in all disciplines. It certainly makes my life as a coach much easier if my students have a good start in natural horsemanship.”

Continue reading Parelli Rider Dominates the Show Ring Thanks to Natural Horsemanship Skills →