Pat Parelli is world famous for his ability to teach people what horses want and need them to know – savvy. This includes tapping into the equine heart and mind by learning the language of the horse, and how to use it. Pat says that if you can try to understand why horses act the way they do, you’re on the way to knowing how they think, and gaining their trust.
Horse afraid of water
Pat offered to help Fiona with her horse, which became anxious and fearful whenever it went anywhere near water. He explained that when the animal panicked it used the reactionary or right side of the brain, instead of the left, or thinking side. Also that the key to solving this problem involved the following principles:
Approach and retreat Creating confidence in the horse Love – language – respect Teach the horse to use “left brain”; to think rather than react
How it was done
Pat approached the training like a game. He played with the horse, observing her reaction to steady pressure on her halter, followed by the gentle shaking of a horse whip with a plastic bag attached. Bit by bit, he worked the horse closer to the water. At first the animal was very frightened, but gradually it began to lower its head and think about what was happening, instead of reacting with fear. Soon the horse was actually standing in the water, experimenting, splashing and playing. Pat explained that he was using the philosophy of approach and retreat, where the horse decides to take herself into the water, rather than being forced to go in. This sort of training results in a horse that’s calmer, smarter, braver and more athletic. It’s also where love, language and respect come together – if you really love a horse you’ll do what’s necessary to make sure it has a better and easier life in the human environment.
Further information
Pat Parelli’s courses are run Australia-wide under local approved instructors. For details contact:
Parelli Natural Horse-Man-Ship
PO Box 2232, Gosford, NSW, 2250
Phone: 1800 627 404
