Does your horse hate having his ears touched? Does he flip out when someone tries to touch his face? Pat Parelli calls this the “sensitive zone” – from the ears to just above the nostrils. Build your horse’s confidence...
Is your horse afraid of the clippers? Here’s a tip to help him feel completely relaxed when it’s time to clip. Remember that you will build your horse’s confidence more effectively in small incremental steps, as opposed to rushing...
LATERAL FLEXION – Working with your horse in-hand on a lead line, stand at his side at the girth area. Take a few seconds to play the Friendly Game; give your horse a little scratch or a rub to...
1. CARROT STRETCHES – Break a few carrots (or any horse treat) into small pieces so that you have enough to reward about 12 stretches (six on each side). Stand about where your leg would be if you were riding....
Add this to your carrot stretches a couple of times a week. Hold a carrot piece between your horse’s front legs so he has to stretch his head, neck and back to get to it. Start with the carrot...
Wouldn’t it be great if you could simply point at the trailer and get your horse to willingly walk in? Here’s a tip that will put you on the right road to accomplishing just that. Teach your horse to...
What if your horse’s response was so light that you could lead him by the hair of his chin? Teaching a horse to follow a feel at the slightest touch is not only impressive, it’s safe. Start with your...
Spent 10 minutes matching and mirroring your horse. Stand in your horse’s Zone 3 (about where your leg would be if you were riding). Put your hand on his withers, staying close to the shoulder, and move when, where...
Print out several copies of the Parelli Horsenalities chart, but take some time to observe your horse before you write anything. Next, spend 10 minutes filling out one of the charts, carefully considering each aspect of it. Determine how...
Does your fear of falling off prevent you from getting on? Pat Parelli says, “Prior and Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.” Using that concept, take 10 minutes to practice an emergency dismount. Pat also says to “separate, isolate and...
