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Parelli Party Poopers

Pat and Linda Parelli have made immense contributions to the world of horsemanship.

If we were making a Pros versus Cons chart, all you’d need would be Robin Kroc’s testimony (see articles) to be convinced Parelli is ALL GOOD.

But there are those who disagree.
So in the Parelli tradition of catch phrases and acronyms, let's call them PPP, Parelli Party Poopers.
Here are some snippets from around the NickerNews ibarn:

If I hear or read the word “Savvy” one more time, I’m going to toss my computer out the window!

If you can’t say “Prior and Proper Preparation” five times fast, do you get booted down the Level One? If you don’t cheer “Savvy” at the end of every class do you get kicked out of the program?

I’m going out to feed my horses now, is there a certain Parelli way I should handle it?

Parelli People are awful religious sorts. They follow their leader with vigor and conviction. And no other God will do. So if you pray the right way, are you a better horseman?

I know NickerNews probably feels it benefits readers to hear all about Pat and Linda Parelli’s program and how fantastic it is. But let me tell you, for Yours Truly, it’s over the top. I feel like I’m being dragged along on a pilgrimage!
Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for learning good horsemanship. And we all know Parelli has brought natural horsemanship mainstream and made it accessible to the masses. But all this cheeriness has got me ready to smack someone.

Parelli is the king of catch phrases and logos. Heck, it seems like the horse world is built on them...Clinton Anderson has the No Worries Club... John Lyons has the Replacement Concept (among others)... Chris Cox has “Building Confidence Through Knowledge.” ...Even Maine’s own Chris Lombard has them: "Helping Horses and People to Build Trust at All Levels" ...But how about ‘ Get er done ’? Or, ‘ Be nice, but not too nice.’

View Reader Comments:

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11/18/2009 kim

not one of those criticisms was constructive. are they anti-parelli? or just sick of reading/hearing about it and looking for more to learn about?

11/18/2009 Julie

I personally do not care for all the catch-phrases and acronyms that are so popular with the Parelli's...as well as I also cringe every time I hear the word "savvy," but the Parelli's do reach thousand of folks who need help with the relationship with their horse...and that's what matters most. It is a matter of realizing you need help and then finding a trainer that fits your personality. I do not care to listen to some of the trainers out there...they have turned me off at one point or another...either their wording or their actions or they just plain "bug" me. That's my choice to not listen. In the end, I praise everyone who tries to better themselves so that they can better their horses...no matter who they choose to learn from and follow.

11/18/2009 Joanne

I can see where people would get tired of the "catchy phrases". It can be annoying, but then again, you have the choice to listen or not. My feeling is, no matter who the instructor is, they all have the same basics in mind....improving your relationship with your horse, and it all starts with ground work. I've listened and watched Parelli, Lyons, Anderson, Pony Boy, Lombard, and that's only to name a few, and they all have the same basic concepts, just taught in their own terms. Kudos to them all for helping us horse owners better understand these magnificent animals!

11/19/2009 Molly

On the contrary - I think there was one very constructive critique - "And we all know Parelli has brought natural horsemanship mainstream and made it accessible to the masses. " - However I reserve judgment on Parelli- Don't you think it would be wise to consider,research and try what works and NOT devote you and your horse to one particular way? What happened to just enjoying your horse? I read my boys ALL the time- we have conversations on a daily basis - I always tell my friends "well he told me...." try it - ask them some morning how their night was - I'm sure they get their point across one way or another and you deal with it....

11/20/2009 Name not provided

I have personally seen Pat Parelli and I'm not interested in him. In fact, I saw plenty of Pat at the Tom Dorrance Benefit in Fort Worth, TX. Ray Hunt had to reprimand him twice and Carolyn Hunt also reprimanded him. Do the words, "that's enough Pat, put that colt up" coming from the great Ray Hunt's mouth cause any of you Parelli-ites to wonder about whether Parelli is in it for the money or in it for the horse. I've seen enough for myself. I don't think that Parelli is in it for the horse. I just hope that those of you that are so enamoured with Parelli and his games see enough of those great horseman that are in it for the horse to see the truth.

12/2/2009 rick weinberg

The Parelli system is based on increasing phases of force. To the horse this boils down to "do it, or else". This is a system of domination, forcing the horse to submit. Some horses submit easliy, others rebel. There are ways to get willing cooperation from your horse without force. Just read anything by Leslie Desmond to discover what a real partnership looks like.

4/29/2010 Susan

Pros - Thanks to Parelli people understand the importance of relationship building and communication Con - Parelli videos role model dangerous rider behaviors. I just watched one where the rider rode bareback and bridleless into a 2 horse trailer. No helmet. Just plain dangerous and unnecessary. Novice riders might think this is a 'fun way to play with their horse'.

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