Announcing the third edition of J2S - Your Journey to Savvy Group Distance Coaching Program!

Announcing the third edition of the very popular J2S Your Journey to Savvy Group Distance Coaching Program! 

Stay motivated and progressive through the winter months, with support from a Licensed Parelli 3 Star Instructor and a community of like-minded students.

Registrations are now open, four different packages to choose from. Class starts November 1st! Check out the details in on www.vifargent.com/yourjourneytosavvy

WHY

This guided distance coaching program was designed to answer many of my students’ and my own challenges with learning the Parelli program at home.  Many of us feel the need to break through the feeling of isolation, have fun, stay progressive, keep the motivation alive and find ways to continue advancing despite weather, facility or time constraints.  The program will provide accountability and consistency, which are key to reaching your horsemanship objectives.  It is built to help you stay focused, stay on track, spark your imagination and inspire new ideas through regular homework, consistent help and support from a Licensed Parelli Professional, as well as opportunities to connect, share and celebrate your achievements with other members of the group.

WHAT

This is a unique group coaching and support program which does not require you to leave home and allows you to learn under the guidance of a Licensed Parelli Professional; it also provides access to a community of like-minded aspiring natural horsemen and women.  Through homework, weekly group meetings and coaching, you will be able to keep advancing your skills, stay inspired and motivated and share your experience and successes with other students in the program.

Your questions will be answered and you will no longer find yourself ‘stuck’ with no idea on how to start moving forward again.  The homework and challenges will spark your imagination, help you develop your leadership and deepen your relationship with your horse.

It can be done anywhere, anytime and only requires a commitment to learn and the desire to participate (… and an Internet connection).

If your horse is recreation for you, can you be recreation for your horse?

You are not alone!  Join us to stay motivated and get support on your journey to excellence!

Join our Facebook Page for announcements and more student testimonials

Your Journey To Savvy - A Guided Group Learning Program at Home to Advance Your Parelli Journey

Announcing Your Journey To SavvyTM - A Guided Group Learning Program at Home to Advance Your Parelli Journey.

Learn * Experience * Share * Achieve * Celebrate

This program was designed to answer many of my students’ and my own challenges with learning the Parelli program at home.  Many of us feel the need to break through the feeling of isolation, have fun, stay progressive, keep the motivation alive and find ways to continue advancing despite weather, facility or time constraints.  The program will provide accountability and consistency, which are key to reaching your horsemanship objectives.  It is built to help you stay focused, stay on track, spark your imagination and inspire new ideas through regular homework, consistent help and support from a Licensed Parelli Professional, as well as opportunities to connect, share and celebrate your achievements with other members of the group.

Starts January 1st, 2015

For more information or to sign up, visit www.vifargent.com/yourjourneytosavvy

The 7 Keys to Success - Key no. 6 IMAGINATION

Right at the beginning of his Natural Horsemanship book, Pat Parelli introduces his Level 1 theory by outlining the six keys to success.  They are:  Attitude, Knowledge, Tools, Techniques, Time and Imagination. Since the original publication of the book years ago, a seventh key has been added:  Support. 

In my earlier posts, we focused on the first five keys:  Attitude, Knowledge, Tools, Techniques and Time.  In this post, I will introduce the sixth key to success, IMAGINATION.

Key no. 6  IMAGINATION

It’s not about doing circus tricks. The obstacles and toys help us build a conversation and engage our horse’s mind to solve a puzzle.

Did you know horses learn 7 to 10 times faster than humans?  We are the slow ones!  We need to learn to become more imaginative, more sensitive and more creative when we play with our horses. Horses get so easily bored and frustrated by people when it is just the same thing every time, over and over. They need to be positively stimulated at three levels: mental, emotional and physical. They need to play and have fun when they learn.

Over the span of the first four levels in the Parelli Natural Horsemanship program, there are a multitude of tasks laid out to help us take a more imaginative approach to the development of ourselves and our horse.  These steps not only keep us progressive and advancing, but help keep the horse interested in learning and spending time with us. 

Pat Parelli’s rule of thumb is 80% consistency, 20% variety.  Consistency builds confidence, reliability, and trust and solidifies the learning.  Variety is the spice of life!  It keeps things engaging, interesting and fun.  

Being imaginative also means you may have to change your approach and tailor your session to the horse that shows up that day or in that moment.  Only fools keep doing the same thing expecting a different result!  If your technique is not producing the results you are looking for, you may have to come up with a different way of asking the question or helping your horse find the answer.  This is where adding more savvy arrows to your quiver by diligently keeping up your studies of horsemanship will be helpful.  If all you have are one or two ways of doing each exercise, you will soon find yourself out of arrows if those one or two are not working!  Great horsemen know there are many ways to get to an outcome and are able to quickly read the situation and adjust accordingly.

Imagination will stop your horse from getting bored or burned out by you or the way you train.  The Parelli Levels program will help you get started and build an awesome set of skills on the ground and riding.  It will shape you as a leader for your horse, teach you to plan your sessions, show you patterns to use as exercises and give you some creative goals to aim for, for example, leading your horse by the tail, or teaching him to put all four feet on a pedestal.

You don’t always have to do unusual things.  Just advancing your horsemanship abilities improves your leadership and keeps things appealing for your horse.

Imagination can make all the difference. Your horse will thank you for it!

The round pen needs to be a playground, not a torture pit!  How many things can you think of doing in a round pen?

We would love to hear your comments or questions.  If you enjoyed this post, please don’t hesitate to share with your friends.

You enjoyed this article?  Let us know by submitting your comments and feel free to share with your friends!

For more info on Parelli training, visit www.vifargent.com

The Seven Keys to Success - Key no. 2: Knowledge

This is the second article in my series for ProChaps on the topic The Seven Keys to Success! Right at the beginning of his Natural Horsemanship book, Pat Parelli introduces his Level 1 theory by outlining the six keys to success.  They are:  Attitude, Knowledge, Tools, Techniques, Time and Imagination. Since the original publication of the book years ago, a seventh key has been added:  Support.

Last month we focused on the first key:  Attitude.  In this post, I will introduce the second key to success, Knowledge.

Key 2: Knowledge

For a very long time, most people equated expertise with horses with someone’s ability to ride a horse no matter what.  While this is still the case in many parts of the world, there is now a growing awareness that horsemanship involves way more than just staying on horseback.  Riding is less than half of what you really need to know to be good with horses. There is so much more… how they think, how they learn, what’s important to them, how to communicate with them, how to help them thrive mentally, emotionally and physically, help them reach their own potential and bring out the best in every horse.

Knowledge can be obtained in a number of ways. One of the best features drawing horse lovers to the Parelli Natural Horse.Man.Ship system is the wide array of structured educational material available to support their learning. In addition to the tools that help us to be more effective and to learn feel and timing, Pat and Linda Parelli are constantly producing books, audio and video material to help their students acquire savvy right at home.  This includes a dedicated member site, the Parelli Savvy Club, which offers support, social connection, information and a vast body of learning resources all available for a very affordable membership fee.

Nowadays, thanks to the Internet, you can actually start to learn Level 1 basics on line as a member of the Savvy Club, an option that was not available when I started my natural horsemanship journey in 1999 and would certainly have made my learning so much faster and easier!

Knowledge is also available from Licensed Parelli Professionals.  This passionate group of people dedicate their lives to helping students advance their horsemanship and gain a better and deeper understanding of the materials included in the home study material. Taking lessons and attending clinics keeps students on track and motivated and helps them accelerate their progress.  A qualified instructor helps students recognize when they are repeating the same mistakes over and over, empowers them with new arrows for their quiver and prevents them from practicing the wrong techniques; in other words, they can expertly guide them through the various steps of their learning journey. Working with a LPP is like a super shot of savvy!

Every Licensed Parelli Professionals has been personally and officially approved by Pat Parelli. No one else is. Pat chooses his professionals very carefully and sets a very high standard to ensure that his program is being taught as it should. The training to get this stamp of approval is long and intensive, ensuring that those that teach it have the calibre, the savvy and the human qualities to share the program correctly, safely, fairly, without deviation, empowering their students and horses to learn effectively. Achieving Level 4 horsemanship is a prerequisite for all aspiring Parelli Professionals, which guarantees the students access to a high level of ability and deep understanding of the horse.

There are also other requirements to be admitted into the professional training program, such as experience, horsemanship, the ability to work in teams, interpersonal skills, teaching ability, emotional fitness, work ethic, personal habits, etc. Parelli instructors are not only horsemen and women, they are trained to teach! We have all met someone who is able to do something with a horse but lacks the ability to communicate their knowledge effectively.  Last but not least, we are required to update our skills which are re-evaluated on a yearly basis. This ensures a very high level of competence, currency and consistency with all Parelli instructors.

Speaking of the Parelli levels:   Levels 1 to 4 are designed to teach humans. Teaching horses is quite different and is best achieved after Level 4.  One of the best pieces of information we can share with you is “Green on green makes black and blue”.  The skills, athletic ability and experience required to train a young or challenging horse are extensive, and it may not be something you want to undertake if you are just getting started in horses!  Be smart and realistic when it comes to choosing the equine partner that will help you learn and grow in confidence.

We would love to hear your comments or questions. 

Until next time, keep it natural!

You enjoyed this article?  Let us know by submitting your comments and feel free to share with your friends!

For more info on Parelli training, visit www.vifargent.com

June 2014 News: A Time of Change and New Achievements! Juin 2014: Une période de changements et de nouvelles réalisations!

It has been a while since you have heard from me, and that is because I have been caught up in a whirlwind of unexpected events and change since my last newsletter.... 

Announcing my new certification as an Official Coach for the International Society of Rider Biomechanics!

This month, read about all my changes and travels.  Check out the upcoming event and this month's Savvy Tip.

Click here to read more June 2014 Newsletter

You enjoyed this article?  Let us know by submitting your comments and feel free to share with your friends!

For more info on Parelli training, visit www.vifargent.com

Il y a un bon moment que vous n'avez pas eu de nouvelles par courriel, et c'est dû au fait que j'ai été happée ces derniers mois par un tourbillon d'évènements inattendus et de changement... 

J'annonce ma nouvelle accréditation en tant qu'entraîneur officiel pour l'International Society of Rider Biomechanics!

Ce mois-ci, je relate mes aventures et mes derniers changements.  Vous pourrez consulter le calendrier des évèenements à venir et le Conseil Savvy du mois.

Cliquez ici pour lire l'info-lettre de juin 2014

Vous avez aimé cet article?  Faites-nous en part en écrivant vos commentaires et en le partageant avec vos amis!

Pour plus de détails sur la formation Parelli, consultez www.vifargent.com

The Seven Keys to Success: Key no. 1 Attitude

Geneviève Benoit and Pat Parelli at the Florida Campus in 2007

Check out the first of a series of blog articles I will be doing in the next few months for Prochaps on the topic The Seven Keys to Success!  This week, I am posting about Attitude and what it means to your success with horses (and other life endeavours).

Right at the beginning of his Natural Horsemanship book, Pat Parelli introduces Level 1 theory by outlining the six keys to success.  They are:  Attitude, Knowledge, Tools, Techniques, Time and Imagination. Since the original publication of the book years ago, a seventh key has been added:  Support.

Through this blog series, we will be touching on each one of these keys.  Achieving any horsemanship goal is a journey that requires commitment, perseverance, focus and discipline as well a substantial amount of effort sustained over a long period of time. As in any major endeavour in life, these seven keys, if understood and applied, will help you succeed beyond your expectations. Some may come more easily to you than others; however, to get the formula right, we need to keep our focus on all seven keys.

Key 1: The Horseman’s (Woman’s) Attitude

Can you be natural, positive and progressive all at once, all the time? Most people are either one or the other at any time, sometimes two of these things, but can rarely master all three at once. Some people are natural, and positive, but they get stuck doing the same thing over and over and fail to make progress. Others are very progressive, but may not be taking the time it takes to do it in a natural way; they tend to resort to force and artificial tools to reach their goals. And then there are people that will find wrong with anything and everything, including their own selves; as they strive to achieve their goals, they don’t understand that often they are standing in their own way.

Attitude is a choice that we make every day. How we decide to perceive our life and respond to life’s events is really up to us! We each have the ability to choose our attitude and to view the possibilities in every situation. When things are not working as expected, it can be tempting to blame the horse.  Remember that you picked him and bought him, he did not have a choice!  What are you doing to bring out the best in your horse?  What are you doing to become the best leader for him you can be?  What are you choosing to see?

The Parelli program teaches us to stay calm, cool and collected, which is exactly what we would like to see in our horses! A natural, positive and progressive attitude allows us to focus your energy on our goals, on the good that surrounds us everyday, on the little successes and on the gold nuggets that lie on the path waiting to be found. Trusting the process to get there, even though it may not look like the finished product yet, is another way to define the right attitude of horsemanship.

You enjoyed this article?  Let us know by submitting your comments and feel free to share with your friends!

For more info on Parelli training, visit www.vifargent.com

Info-Lettre Mars 2014: de retour d'un séjour avec Linda Parelli March 2014 News: Back from Linda Land

Geneviève Benoit, Caton Parelli and Aurélie De Mévius at the Parelli ranch L'info-lettre de mars 2014 est publiée!  Ce mois-ci...

Mon stage avec Linda Parelli Les hauts et les bas des trajets longue distance en hiver Le cours Horsenality/Humanality avec le Dr. Patrick Handley Rencontre avec Christoph Hess et Silke Vallentin Qu'en disent les élèves Opportunité: Coordonnateur d'évènement Le truc savvy du mois Les évènements à venir À Vendre

Click here to read more....

The March 2014 is out!  This month....

Riding with Linda Parelli The ups and downs of long distance hauling in winter The Horsenality/Humanality course with Dr. Patrick Handley Meeting Christoph Hess and Silke Vallentin What the students are saying Opportunity: Event Coordinator This month's savvy tip Upcoming Events For Sale The team at Linda Land - Linda Parelli, Liz Jones, Sean Coleman, Aurélie De Mévius, Iris Kleber, Ryan Pfouts, Sarah Bert - and I am taking the photo! You enjoyed this article?  Let us know by submitting your comments and feel free to share with your friends! For more info on Parelli training, visit www.vifargent.com

What is kicking all about? By Linda Parelli

This article was originally published in the August 2008 issue of Savvy Times magazine. 



Kicking is the most natural thing for a horse, and it’s good to know that the hind legs tend to be the weapon of choice for introverted horses. So why do horses kick? What provokes them? Is it a right-brained or left-brained behavior?

Horses kick when they play (this is left-brained - confident, dominant), and they kick when they are scared (this is right-brained - unconfident, fearful). They also kick when they are defiant (left-brained).

Right-brained horses mostly kick when cornered and surprised or scared. Left-brained horses kick out of defiance, so it is more likely to happen when you are trying to get them to do something. This includes asking them to move when they aren't ready or when they don't want to, and touching them in areas you haven't tested for brace yet.

The potential of getting kicked, bitten, run over or struck at is high anytime you're with a horse who feels cornered, threatened or pressured, if the horse is on adrenaline, or if he or she doesn't respect or trust you. The whole point of being savvy is to stay out of the kick zone, be able to defend your personal space, create undying trust and respect and never put your horse in a position where he feels the need to defend himself against you or attack you or to go to Phase 4 to get his message across.

Horsemen are a lot like the rest of us - they just read horses better! And they know what is apt to happen, so they don't go there. And if they get kicked, the first thing they acknowledge is what they did to cause it.

Click here to read more...

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For more info on Parelli training, visit www.vifargent.com

Pressure motivates and release teaches

This article was originally published in the August 2011 issue of Savvy Times magazine. Recent back-issues of Savvy Times are available for Parelli members in the Resources section of Parelli Connect.

Appropriate Application of Pressure Exquisite Timing of Release-by Linda Parelli

Many years ago, when I first heard Pat say, “Pressure motivates, but the release teaches,” he made it sound so simple. And teaching and training horses really is quite simple, because it involves not much more than the appropriate application of pressure and the exquisite timing of the release. But those adjectives, “appropriate” and “exquisite,” are where the real challenges lie, because these are the very things that make the difference between a horse having trouble, responding obediently, or responding with enthusiasm.

So... how do you apply pressure appropriately and time your release?  Find out below.

Click here to read more...

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For more info on Geneviève Benoit, Licensed Parelli 3 Star Instructor, visit www.vifargent.com

Linda Parelli - Motivating the Lazy Horse

Great tips from Linda Parelli on motivating your Left Brain Introvert

• Be more interesting
• Do the unexpected
• Use reverse psychology
• Ask less until they offer more

You enjoyed this article?  Let us know by submitting your comments and feel free to share with your friends!

For more info on Parelli training, visit www.vifargent.com

What do you mean my horse is my mirror? By Linda Parelli

What to you mean my horse is my mirror?  It’s funny. I never really noticed that all four horses I’ve owned had the same problem…they were highly excitable and were prone to run off with me. All I could think was, “Why do I keep choosing this type of horse?” I know, now, that it was no accident. My horses were trying to teach me something—if only I could be humble enough to listen. I finally did, and here is my story about learning to take responsibility. 

I never thought that there was anything wrong with me if one of my horses dragged me while I was leading him, or if he couldn’t stand still to be groomed…saddled…mounted, or if he wouldn’t get into a trailer. Boy, did I learn a lot. 

Here is a great blast from the past - this is the first article written by Linda Paterson (now Parelli!) about her journey to Natural Horsemanship, published in 1995.

Click to read the whole article!

You enjoyed this article?  Let us know by submitting your comments and feel free to share with your friends!

How I Ended Up Appearing in Someone Else's Book

It has been a while since I have written a personal blog post, and this one is not about really about horsemanship.  It's about connections and reaching out, and how circumstances can sometimes just lead to something you are not necessarily looking for!

The first time I appeared in a book, I did not even know I was going to!  Dr. Robert Miller's Revolution in Horsemanship has just published and while I had purchased a copy, it was still sitting on a shelf waiting to be read.  A friend of mine spotted my picture in the book and told me about it!  It seems I was photographed at an event and they chose that picture of me and Linda Parelli to be included in Dr. Miller's book.  I was not actually named in the book, but I am appearing in it!  This was long before I became a Licensed Parelli Professional.  I was just another raving fan and student of the program at the time.

This latest appearance in a book was also a result of circumstances but was somewhat more coordinated.  This time I actually knew in advance how I was going to be featured and in what context.  Last winter I took a few business classes to improve my marketing and online skills, and signed up for a series of free Internet seminars on using Wordpress to build a web site.  Since I have been on a mission to redo my web site (which is currently a work in progress), I wanted to learn more about the latest technology and platforms.  One of the presentations was from someone named Natalie Sisson, The Suitcase Entrepreneur, and I found it really informative and captivating.  After the class, I signed up to get more info on Natalie, and to my surprise, she actually responded personally with an email!  That does not happen often in the online business world, so she definitely got my attention.  We exchanged a few emails and she asked me about my work.

As a result of this interaction, Natalie, who was in the early process of planning a new book, asked if I would give her permission to feature my story in her book.  After all, I spend a good part of my life living out of a trailer as well as a suitcase.  After a few more exchanges on content and wording, there it was: my story was featured as a real-life example of someone who chose freedom in business and adventure in life!   I think that is pretty awesome.

I am still a looong way from being as successful and as productive on line as Natalie is, but being picked to be part of her book inspired me to look at my lifestyle with new eyes and expand on what I have already created with video coaching services and social media.

It also showed me how reaching outside my own circles and revisiting paradigms can lead to useful discoveries and a mind shift about opportunities.

If you have any interest in choosing a location independent lifestyle and ever wondered if you could do it while running your own business, Natalie's book offers great ideas, inspiration and detailed how-to information.  Check it out at
www.thesuitcaseentrepreneur.com/book!

And in case you were wondering, I have no personal interest in promoting this book, other than the fact that I am thankful for being part of it :-)

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Calm Connected Responsive - The Warm-Up is Everything! By Linda Parelli

This article was originally published in the May 2012 issue of Savvy Times magazine. Recent back-issues of Savvy Times are available for Parelli members in the Resources section of Parelli Connect.

Keeping these three words in mind is a great way to remind yourself what you need to do when warming your horse up or playing with him. It’s so easy to play the Seven Games or do Parelli Patterns but get in a bit of a rut by doing what you usually do, and not really getting your horse in the right frame of mind.

There are three goals you should be looking for when warming up your horse: You need him to be calm, connected and responsive throughout the session.

It’s all about finding personal success in the relationship with your horse by putting the relationship first, which means putting the needs of your horse first. Great horsemen see and know the differences between horses and know that each horse is unique and has specific needs. One of the secrets to success is to give your horse what he or she needs before asking for what you want.

Your warm up is everything.
Success is all about preparation.

Click here to read the whole article

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Read your Horse's Body Language by Linda Parelli

Most people have learned that ears back means watch out, that the horse is going to bite, charge, kick… but reading a horse’s body language is not something many people learn to make an art of. I think it’s vital to become good at reading horses because the sooner you can tell what’s going on, the sooner you can adjust your approach for more positive results.

You need to get to know and learn to read the signs of negative thoughts and emotions in your horse as well as the positive ones, both on the ground and when riding. Know that every horse is capable of having all of these emotions and behaviors given the right situation, so it’s our job to bring out only the positive ones.

Click here to read the whole article

 

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Connaissez-vous votre cheval? Petite revue des HorsenalityTM, ou comment mieux comprendre la personnalité de votre équidé

Le saviez-vous?

Menina est un cheval LBE/LBI complexe!

Les chevaux Cerveau Droit Extroverti (RBE) ont besoin de sentir en SÉCURITÉ avant de pouvoir réfléchir ou apprendre. Ils ont souvent tendance à être très claustrophobes, très attentifs au danger, tendus, résistants et bougent rapidement les pieds. Une fois qu’ils sont calmes et qu’ils se sentent en sécurité, ils sont souvent très contents de faire ce qu’on leur demande et très perceptifs aux aides.

Les chevaux Cerveau Droit Introverti (RBI) ont besoin de se sentir en sécurité et en CONFIANCE avant de pouvoir réfléchir ou apprendre. Ils ont tendance à geler sur place lorsqu’ils sont inquiets ou apeurés, pour ensuite exploser si la pression augmente, ce qui leur donne la réputation d’être imprévisibles. Ce sont habituellement des chevaux timides, sensibles et émotifs, mais ils ne le manifestent que très subtilement, et on peut facilement les méprendre pour des chevaux ‘calmes’. Une fois qu’ils ont confiance en leur leader et en eux-mêmes, ils sont souvent très obéissants et veulent faire plaisir, et ils commencent alors à offrir beaucoup à leur humain.

Les chevaux Cerveau Gauche Extroverti (LBE) sont habituellement très confiants en eux-mêmes et ne s’effraient pas facilement. Ils sont souvent aussi très dominants avec les humains et peu enclins à être OBÉISSANTS, à moins d'avoir une très haute opinion de leur partenaire. Ils n’ont pas peur de nous, mais ils n’acceptent pas facilement notre leadership et ne nous font pas volontairement confiance. Ils préfèrent bien souvent prendre le contrôle! En fait, ils ont surtout peur de perdre leur dignité. Ce sont des chevaux qui ont besoins de bouger beaucoup et de jouer avant de pouvoir se concentrer et apprendre. Par contre, une fois prêts mentalemenet, ils apprennent très facilement et très rapidement. Ce sont des chevaux qui ont beaucoup d’énergie et qui aiment les défis, en autant que ceux-ci leur soient présentés en tant que jeu stimulant et intéressant et que ce soit autant leur idée que la nôtre. N’essayez pas de les forcer à faire quelque chose, vous risquez de vous retrouver avec toute une bataille à gérer!

Les chevaux Cerveau Gauche Introverti (LBI) sont généralement calmes et difficiles à MOTIVER. Ils sont souvent perçus comme ‘paresseux’ et n’aimant pas faire ce qu’on leur demande. Par contre, ils vont consacrer beaucoup d’efforts à faire le contraire de ce que veux leur humain, ou à faire quelque chose qui leur apportera une récompense (de la nourriture, par exemple). Ce sont des chevaux qui pensent beaucoup, et ils ont besoin d’être captivés mentalement par le jeu avant de vouloir y participer et de faire des choses pour nous. Sinon, ils dépensent leur énergie à nous déjouer et à nous faire travailler plus fort qu’eux. Une fois que ces chevaux décident que nos idées en valent la peine, ils démontrent alors beaucoup d’exubérance et de désir à participer. Il faut d’abord demander peu et user de psychologie inversée avec eux, jusqu’à ce qu’ils soient disposés à offrir plus d’efforts.

Ceci dit, n’oubliez pas que tous les chevaux sont différents et qu’ils peuvent à n’importe quel moment et dans différentes circonstances, agir selon les quatre quadrants.
Il vaut mieux dire «mon cheval agit comme un XXX» en ce moment, car, tout comme nous, sa personnalité va évoluer et changer avec le temps, l’entraînement et en réponse aux facteurs présents dans son environnement.

Pour en savoir plus sur le modèle HorsenalitiesTM élaboré par Linda Parelli, consultez les documents suivants:
• Complétez le profil HorsenalityTM de votre cheval, disponible à la section Téléchargements de mon site www.vifargent.com
• Étudiez le DVD HorsenalityTM DVD (Success Series). Il est disponible en version multilingue.  Vous trouverez un lien vers la boutique Parelli sur la page d'acceuil de mon site.
• Le Savvy Times a publié plusieurs bons articles écrits par Linda Parelli sur le sujet, que vous retrouverez dans la rubrique Resources de Parelli Connect (site réservé aux membres).
• Parelli Connect contient beaucoup d’information sur les Horsenalities et les
stratégies à adopter. Consultez la rubrique Resources et utilisez le filtre Horsenality.

Being present

Being present, on being in the moment, is a critical part of horsemanship as well as leadership.  We can't expect our horses to be 100% attentive to us if we are not able to be 100% attentive to what they are telling us in the moment.  Focus, timing and feel come from cultivating the art of being present.

The following exemplifies what is meant by this concept and how it affects the quality of your interaction with your horse - and people around you.

«Being present means quieting your static. You allow yourself to be fully in the moment. You are focused not on what you were doing a second ago or what you need to do tomorrow. You're thinking only about the now. When you quiet the static, you let go of feelings that may interfere with clear thinking.

Are you still aggravated about what happened at breakfast that morning? Are you worried about the parent conference later today?

How you're feeling affects what you will say and do in an interaction. Remember, what you say and do as you interact affects how children feel about themselves and about learning. Clearing your mind of static allows you to focus on the child and give him your full attention. You're more in control of your words and your actions.»

Dombro, A., Jablon, J. & Stetson, C. (2012). Powerful Interactions: How to Connect with Children to Extend Their Learning. NAYCE.

Meet Geneviève Benoit, 3-Star Parelli Instructor and Mastery Student from Canada

This was published on the Parelli Central blog some time ago, but I found it again after several recent discussions with students about balance in horsemanship. I thought you might find it an interesting read!  Let me know what you think!

Meet Geneviève Benoit, 3-Star Parelli Instructor and Mastery Student from Canada

Achieving your horsemanship goals

I thought I would share the following article by Dr. Stephanie Burns.  This one was written in the context of setting health goals, but the very same applies to horsemanship.
If you don't know Stephanie Burns, she is a leading expert on adult learning and was instrumental in developing the Level 1 and 2 red and blue packs (the version preceding the current brown sets), that are still considered by many today the best home study material released by Parelli to learn the levels.

 Have a read, and for more info on Dr. Burns, visit her web site and Facebook Page.

The one thing to remember about all goals, no matter how large, is that they only require small actions in any given moment. Books are written one word at a time. Getting fit is done one day at a time. Clearing our debts takes making small payments regularly. Therefore, goal achievement is about having the ability to initiate small actions and sustain them over time... People who succeed in achieving their goals do not let not being able to do a lot be a good enough reason to do nothing. -- Dr. Stephanie Burns

http://mrvitaminsnews.com.au/goal-achievement/why-is-it-that-achieving-goals-related-to-our-health-are-so-bloody-hard

The Problem is not the Problem....

With permission from Karen Rohlf, I am reposting this great article about learning and attitude published in the January 2013 Dressage Naturally newsletter.  

We have all been faced with situations where we have felt out of comfort zone and the pressure of being watched.  The attitude we set as a learner is an important key to being open to new things and to allow the learning process to take place.  But it does take a bit of work on our part!  Fear is often what prevents us from signing up for that great clinic or from showing up at the special event or the gathering - fear of making mistakes, of being watched, of not being as good as everyone else, of not being perfect or just of being in the unknown.  We can't control what we feel, but we can sure take control of how we choose to interpret those feelings and the meaning we give them.  The same goes for the time we spend with our horses and our progress through the program we choose to follow.

«If we want to be the best we can be, the path is not always one of absolute ease and levity. But I think we can find joy, curiosity and happiness there as well.» ~SH

Shelby reminded me that me that we met in a class at the Parelli Ranch in 2006.  She rode a fancy Lusitano and we connected since I am very fond of the breed.  From there, she has moved on to study with Karen Rohlf and is now an endorsed D,N instructor.
I hope you will enjoy the article!  Geneviève Benoit
 
“The Problem Is Not The Problem...”

D,N Endorsed Clinician Shelby Hume has some words of wisdom for anyone who has experienced the challenge of being in a lesson or clinic where you and your horse are learning new things.

Happy New Year!  I have decided to challenge myself with more writing this year. I don’t know what “more” means or will result in, and I don’t even know if my name and writing really know each other.  But I always tell myself (and friends) “stretch and grow”!  Still, I am fearful; I have always admired great writers (like Karen!) But, how does one start “writing”? What do you write about? How do you write? Talk about paralysis through analysis! So, I have decided to use some of my favorite quotes to shape my writing experience.

I find for me, there is nothing like a good quote to help me through the day or an experience. This one seems to match my new challenge. . . “The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem.  Do you understand?” ... and I can picture Johnny Depp’s  now infamous portrayal of the all-knowing swash buckling poetic pirate thinking this simple statement is so very applicable to horsemanship, life, relationships anything you can think of!

I don’t even really “like” the word PROBLEM. I would rather challenge or opportunity. But since reality may often find our minds creeping there, and in essence of using the true quote, we will stick with it.
Let’s look at it in the light of horsemanship alone (knowing the assimilations and applications are
endless). How do you approach learning a new “maneuver”? At first is one excited? But then, as we try
to proceed, are we willing to keep our attitude about the “problem” surrounded by a light of curiosity, determination, and happiness?

This can be very hard when we are a human learning the maneuver for the very first time. In addition, we are often riding a partner who is trying to learn the maneuver for the very first time. Furthermore we are in front of an instructor who we admire and value trying to do the very best we can and often times we are not comfortable with being uncomfortable in front of them. The complications and challenges are innumerable.
In theory this can be understood. In the moment it can be very hard to exercise. I think the following are some steps that would help any of us:
• Arrive as prepared as possible. Do your homework! (Both you and your partner)
•Choose a mentor that you trust and can have dialogue with.
•In the moment try to channel playfulness in response to pressure.

Remember learning was HARD when we were in school, things were not always “easy” and it seems the older we get, the less comfortable we are with that, and the greater fear we have of imposing unrealistic expectations on our partners. But, as long as we proceed with what is fair, reasonable and possible (where have we heard that?) don’t be afraid to roll your sleeves up and have some fun!
If we have not been down the path of developing a horse to the level of our dreams before, trust that it is not easy!


Even if someone has had the opportunity to ride amazing “school masters” the process of developing our own horse is a completely different experience and one I WANT to learn. We will be in new and uncharted waters for our horsemanship and as we stated earlier; often times for both you and the horse. So why would we expect this to proceed without a few minor “growing pains?” This seems unrealistic doesn’t it? I know the more I have considered my horse in this journey the more I can be certain of two things: I will make good choices in who helps us, and I always consider his welfare to the best of my abilities. That does not mean I sacrifice believing in what I and my horse can accomplish. Remember, a lesson or a clinic is a moment in time where you are out of your comfort zone, the experience of that lesson or clinic is often times one of more pressure and exposure then you typically experience in the comfort of your own facilities.

Going away from that experience and using the skills that were uncomfortable at that time but making them “your own” upon returning home is what will really build us as individuals. If we want to be the best we can be, the path is not always one of absolute ease and levity. But I think we can find joy, curiosity and happiness there as well. In the end, it will come down to how we want to focus our energy towards our own personal “sweet spot” in the frame of learning new skills. I cannot wait for the new year and what it brings!

~ Shelby Hume

Renewing my commitment to my life mission

Take a look at this eerily beautiful photo taken by international photographer Matthieu Paley. It shows a horse crossing the frozen waters of Lake Baikal in Siberia.

As the New Year gets on its way, I sit down quietly with some paper to take stock of the year passed and to write down my goals, objectives and wishes for the coming year.  It’s a way to give myself a focus and to formalize the ideas that swirl around in my head, and to help them become real. 

In 2010, after much soul searching, introspection and practical exercises designed to help me clarify my values, goals and priorities, for the first time in my life, I actually came up with my personal mission statement.  It spells out how I choose to live my life, what is important to me and what I hope to accomplish.  Three years later, as I review it again, I find that all that I have set out to accomplish is still true today, which means it is truly meaningful and authentic.  Once again, I thought it might be appropriate to share it so it is out there in the world and becomes more ‘real’ as a result.  It is always a work in progress, but having it as a guiding light helps me find my way when I get lost.

Geneviève’s Personal Mission

My mission is to live freely, autonomously and serenely; to become an excellent horsewoman and to touch others’ lives by teaching them the principles and the life philosophy of good horsemanship:

• Put the relationship first
• Foundation before specialization and versatility
• Never-ending self improvement

I want to shine by example, and to be a role model for others as well as a sincere, efficient, passionate and progressive coach that operates with utter integrity.

My life will be centered on my own core values and principles, on never-ending personal development, on sincere and enriching relationships with others, on improving the well being of horses and hopefully some day, on a loving partner that is generous, passionate and loyal.  I want to serve the people that share in my passion for horses and for life and that truly want to grow and learn.

I wish to attain a state of financial independence that will give me the resources to continue achieving my goals as well as give me the freedom to help my students and loved ones achieve theirs. 

I choose to live freely and passionately, to stay healthy, and to move through life with courage and determination; on this path, I will continue to marvel at the beauties of nature and the gifts of life.

 

My priorities/key objectives

• Health and energy
• Love and connection
• Horsemanship
• Financial autonomy
• Enriching work that touches others
• Personal development
• Spirituality

Not all of this is actually part of my current reality yet, but since I have written it down, I have been able to move closer to this mission than ever before.  I also review it once in a while and make any adjustments as my beliefs and priorities evolve over time.  It has given me a stronger sense of who I am and who I want to become.  I also write down more specific goals and objectives for my career, personal life, finances and relationships, statements that are more tangible and measurable.

Do you have a statement of what you think your life should look like?  Do you set out goals?  How do you go about it?