us more forward energy. Pat had me hold the reins in two hands and have them touching the fingers.
To have her slow down, Pat had me turn her shoulders by keeping my hands as a solid unit, having her circle, and dropping my seat. He did not have me use my legs to turn her as he wanted Maggie to slow herself down. When she slowed to the speed I wanted her at, which was a walk, he had me put my reins on her neck and let her stretch down.
Remember, the release of pressure, i.e., the reins on her neck and contact with her mouth, is the most important part of this.
You have to time it just right and give the release for even the slightest try when you are first doing this. My friend Bethany and her horse, Harold, are demonstrating in the pictures.
It was so cool to see Maggie catch on so quickly to the rhythm of the pattern. It was I that needed to have a quicker release! Pat eventually had me do this without using any reins and just my body cues. One of the coolest parts was how much of a change the crowd could see in Maggie as the clinic progressed. Pat had me work on the barrel pattern and use the body position/cues he had taught me to help Maggie and I put our new skills to use. Lastly, Pat showed me an interesting way to have her back up too! Instead of pulling back on my reins, he had me lift the reins to have her back up. Her response was outstanding! These basic steps are fundamental to having a solid training program. I am forever grateful for the time spent and lessons learned from Pat Parelli.
To learn more about Parelli
Natural Horsemanship, visit
their website or find them on
Social Media!
Amanda Ellis enjoying a "bucket list" moment in the Equidome after being interviewed by Pat Parelli