Basic Parelli question

montanagirl · 02-08-2007, 06:29 PM

Okay, here's a very basic question about the Seven Games. I'd like to start ground work with my new horse tomorrow.

I'll be working in an indoor arena, about the size of two round pens. We should be the only ones there.

Do I keep Rooster with the halter and leadrope on while I do the Friendly Game and Porcupine game? Or, do you take the leadrope off? I don't know how hard he'd be to catch in the arena. He's supposedly an easy catch, but he's new to me and we don't have much of a relationship yet.

Thanks!

Rocking Horse · 02-08-2007, 07:06 PM

When doing Parelli level 1 you always have the halter and lead rope on.

You'll need a 12-15 foot lead rope if you don't have the "Parelli" halter/rope. A dressage whip works well in place of the "Carrot" Stick" also.
My best advice is to get the Parelli Level 1 DVD and/or Book (Natural Horse Man Ship)....

pennyrain · 02-09-2007, 07:05 PM

If I remember correctly, the first step is to spend a half hour of non demanding time in your horse's living space to stimulate his curiosity in you. I recommend you get the pocket guides and dvds. And yes the first games are started online.

Lady_MCSE · 02-09-2007, 07:09 PM

Ditto - halter and lead rope on, for quite some time in fact. You don't graduate to liberty exercises until you've formed a bond with the horse. When you've got the games pretty well down and he's showing you respect with leading, grooming, and paying attention to your body movements, then will be the time to start working off lead-rope.

montanagirl · 02-09-2007, 09:21 PM

Thanks.

I have the pocket guides and am ready with Lesson One tomorrow. I've kind of started out of order and I'm sure it shows.

I don't really have a good hang out space with the horse to be nonthreatening. Can I use the stall?

**taelesean** · 02-09-2007, 10:39 PM

Like everyone has said, work with the line on for starters - But, while you are playing the games, also keep in mind that the goal is to eventually get rid of all the tools while keeping the respect. Work on a game with the stick, and when your horse responds lightly, try it without the stick. If it doesn't work, bring the stick back in. Same goes for all the tools - if you get somthing working well with the rope halter, try it with a nylon halter. Take it easy, one step at a time, or one tool at a time. You can also speed things up with some horses by switching tools - use the carrot stick for awhile, then switch to a lunge whip or driving whip, or even a crop. You can always back up a step and bring a tool back if you need it.

Another way to think of it is that you are trying to get the horse to respond to your directions, not the tools.

If you work this way you will reach liberty much faster.

And don't forget to balance desensitizing with sensitizing - always start and end a session with the freindly game, that way you'll have a much calmer, less spooky horse.

Quote:

Originally Posted by montanagirl

I don't really have a good hang out space with the horse to be nonthreatening. Can I use the stall?

You can use the stall, the barn aisle, any place in the pasture or any place where your horse is comfortable. The best spots will have some grass to graze or a small amount of hay- anything to encourage him to put his head down. Just hang out with your horse on the lead line while he grazes or snoozes.

pennyrain · 02-10-2007, 01:33 PM

The Parelli dvd I have says to spend time in your horse's bedroom, if youcan sit quietly in or just ouside his stall, I think that would work. Also according to my dvdyou ALWAYS use the Parelli halter in level 1 and you ALways have your stick with you in level 1. Try to borrow the latest dvds if you can-they really show people working through the games and how to deal with some problems you might run into.
I was truly amazed at how well the games worked with my " abused by a professional predator" mare. I had worked for years to get her where sometimes I could catch her without but left a leather halter on just in case to being able to walk up to her and rub her all over with halter and lead and put it on her. And that was not long after I'd started. Yes, the rubbing is what Parelli says to do. My horses seem to really enjoy it. I have not finished level 1 yet, but already have seen such improvement! Good luck!
I also recommend going to the Parelli website with questions or even calling their 800 number with anything you don't understand.

02-08-2007, 06:29 PM
montanagirl Yearling Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 591	Basic Parelli question Okay, here's a very basic question about the Seven Games. I'd like to start ground work with my new horse tomorrow. I'll be working in an indoor arena, about the size of two round pens. We should be the only ones there. Do I keep Rooster with the halter and leadrope on while I do the Friendly Game and Porcupine game? Or, do you take the leadrope off? I don't know how hard he'd be to catch in the arena. He's supposedly an easy catch, but he's new to me and we don't have much of a relationship yet. Thanks! __________________ No hour is ever wasted that is spent in the saddle. --Winston Churchill

02-08-2007, 07:06 PM
Rocking Horse Started Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Central Florida Posts: 2,367	When doing Parelli level 1 you always have the halter and lead rope on. You'll need a 12-15 foot lead rope if you don't have the "Parelli" halter/rope. A dressage whip works well in place of the "Carrot" Stick" also. My best advice is to get the Parelli Level 1 DVD and/or Book (Natural Horse Man Ship).... __________________ ~ Too many freaks, not enough circuses ~

02-09-2007, 07:05 PM
pennyrain Yearling Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: minnesota Posts: 683	If I remember correctly, the first step is to spend a half hour of non demanding time in your horse's living space to stimulate his curiosity in you. I recommend you get the pocket guides and dvds. And yes the first games are started online.

02-09-2007, 07:09 PM
Lady_MCSE Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Shytown, IL Posts: 3,642	Ditto - halter and lead rope on, for quite some time in fact. You don't graduate to liberty exercises until you've formed a bond with the horse. When you've got the games pretty well down and he's showing you respect with leading, grooming, and paying attention to your body movements, then will be the time to start working off lead-rope. __________________ A little self-deprecating humor from time to time can be healthy. Just be cautious -- make sure it doesn't turn to self-defecating humor. --LadyM

02-09-2007, 09:21 PM
montanagirl Yearling Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 591	Thanks. I have the pocket guides and am ready with Lesson One tomorrow. I've kind of started out of order and I'm sure it shows. I don't really have a good hang out space with the horse to be nonthreatening. Can I use the stall? __________________ No hour is ever wasted that is spent in the saddle. --Winston Churchill

02-10-2007, 01:33 PM
pennyrain Yearling Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: minnesota Posts: 683	The Parelli dvd I have says to spend time in your horse's bedroom, if youcan sit quietly in or just ouside his stall, I think that would work. Also according to my dvdyou ALWAYS use the Parelli halter in level 1 and you ALways have your stick with you in level 1. Try to borrow the latest dvds if you can-they really show people working through the games and how to deal with some problems you might run into. I was truly amazed at how well the games worked with my " abused by a professional predator" mare. I had worked for years to get her where sometimes I could catch her without but left a leather halter on just in case to being able to walk up to her and rub her all over with halter and lead and put it on her. And that was not long after I'd started. Yes, the rubbing is what Parelli says to do. My horses seem to really enjoy it. I have not finished level 1 yet, but already have seen such improvement! Good luck! I also recommend going to the Parelli website with questions or even calling their 800 number with anything you don't understand.