Parelli Horse Training Method
Parelli Horse Training Method
Pat Parelli designed a type of natural horsemanship that centers around the simple philosophy: the horse wants to be comfortable all the time. According to the Parelli horse training method you will increase a horse’s response time to your cues if you increase the animal’s discomfort because of their need to return to their original comfort zone. While this technique was first started by Parelli, it is a technique that is widely used in other natural horsemanship training forms as well. The goal of the Parelli horse training method is to show horses that no matter how threatening you look, you are in fact someone the horse can trust.
Equipment
The Parelli horse training method requires very little equipment. All you need is a rope, a hand and a wand. Once the horse is done with these three stages it is recommended that you introduce the horse to other objects for the ideal desensitizing exercises. In order to gain positive results you should shouldn’t move on to the next step until the horse is completely accustomed to the first step.
The Parelli Method
You should start the training process by placing your horse on a twelve-foot lead. Rub your hand over a sensitive part of the horse’s body like the shoulder. Next, move to a more delicate area like the ears. As long as the horse stands still you can keep moving on, but if the horse evades you then you should keep your hand on the same spot. Keep the horse in a tight circle and have them walk until they get tired. Once the horse stops, take your hand away and reward them for doing good.
After a few moments repeat the process. Eventually your horse will learn that they have nothing to be afraid of and that the game of running around you trying to get away is boring and dull. They will realize that as the trainer you aren’t forcing them to do something. You are just providing them with the option to stand comfortable still, accept your touch or strain trying to evade being touched. After the horse realizes it is easier to go along with it then the rest of the training will be much easier.
After your horse has stopped responding unfavorably then you can move to the next step. Here you will do the same process as the first step, but use a wand instead of your hand. Before you touch the horse with the wand, let him inspect it leisurely to eliminate the object as a potential threat. After the horse is comfortable with the wand you can move on to the last step in the Parelli horse training method.
Lastly, you want to introduce the rope. Repeat the same procedure, but be sure to go at a slow pace. Roll the rope over the face, ears and legs. This will desensitize the horse and will also mimic saddling procedures so you can prepare the horse for future saddle training. Another option is to roll it over the girth and barrel while slowly loosening and tightening the rope.
The Parelli horse training method is a very versatile desensitizing techniques so you can easily make adjustments to it in order to meet your individual training needs. Consider introducing some funny or strange objects to your horse, something that you may use in your stable and training that others wouldn’t use. Perhaps you could introduce him to a pair of clippers so they won’t fear them when it is time to groom the horse. Introduce your horse to anything that will teach them to trust you and not react strangely to new stimuli. This makes it easier to ride a responsive horse that is well trained.