Betsy Carter's Horse Scene

Date published: 9/26/2008

REGISTRATION is now open for the Parelli Natural Horsemanship Clinic at Majestic Meadow Stables in Stevensburg. It is scheduled for Oct. 10-13 with Two Star Parelli Professional Kelly Sigler.

The Parelli method of training starts with ground training using understanding, communication and partnering between human and horse. It teaches owners and riders to communicate with their horses in their own "horse" language, such as one might see horses using out in the pasture with each other.

Those who have taken the time to watch horses interacting in a pasture notice that horses first communicate through touching and nudging. The communication progresses to pushing, squealing, biting and kicking if necessary, all in an attempt to establish the "pecking" order. Once the alpha horse has won his or her position, that horse is the controller.

The Parelli method of training draws on this natural order and on gaining the alpha position for the human. The human slowly and patiently through reward and punishment gains the trust of the horse who then willingly follows the leader's requests.

Several sessions are offered. For more information and directions contact Lydia Moyer at pnhmor
Email: gans@charter.net or call 678/458-9521.

Calendar

Sept. 24-28: USGPL Finals, Culpeper.

Sept. 27: Fox Chase; Camp Mont dressage and CT.

Sept. 28: Silver Star; VAHA district 4 at Rose Mount; Summerduck; Touch Point dressage and CT; TWA Short Circuit, Warrenton; Frying Pan Park; Chestnut Oak dressage; PWHA Western.

Betsy Carter can be reached at The Free Lance-Star, 616 Amelia St., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401; or by fax at 540/373-8455.

Date published: 9/26/2008