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Four Savvys in Four Levels

Teaching Sequences for Professionals

090114 Parelli Four Savvys In Four Levels Teaching Sequences for Professionals

Contents

Level 1 L1 On Line ...... 2

Level 2 L2 On Line ...... 4 Liberty (Preparation) ...... 6

L2 FreeStyle...... 8

Level 3 L3 On Line ...... 10 L3 Liberty...... 12

L3 FreeStyle...... 14

L3 Finesse ...... 16

Level 4 L4 On Line ...... 18 L4 Liberty...... 20

L4 FreeStyle...... 22

L4 Finesse – Part 1...... 24

L4 Finesse – Part 2...... 26

Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship 1 LEVEL 1 ON LINE • • Correctly forwards • Safety, basic skills, and an introduction approach horse, touch withers (under arm, over elbow, into palm, to the Parelli Program. Keep things • • simple and tell relatable stories. touch it extension of arm, especially for places Driving Game • Theory Rhythmic pressure. Follow “suggestion.” Give examples/discuss: • Like an Indian drumming with phases. • Prey/Predator Relationship; praise, • • • • • safety, comfort, play. • • – are • • Sideways Game predators want. Better the horse goes backwards • Zoneology • and sideways, the better they do • • Drive HQ away – start with a step or two everything else. Tools • • , 12-foot Line, Carrot Stick and , Savvy String. Why we use nautical particular at this level Porcupine Game Steady pressure, following a “feel.” • Drive FQ away in a circle – ideally • Pressure motivates, release teaches. Put forwards , arms in Haltering/Knots/Simulations/Blocks pressure on slowly, reward slightest try. shape of “L” • Haltering • at this level bone), rub • Squeeze Game • Knots Helps horse not be so claustrophobic. • Simulations • Purpose Games 4-7 • away from fence: lead Putting the Principle Games to use. Yo-Yo Game Patterns move FQ Teaches horse to be straight; balances forwards and backwards. Ideally horse Touch it object). to move HQ. Safety tip: tip nose would be straight but do not be too • • Blocks towards you particular at this level. the feet • Approach • Lower head with hand, retreat to withers • – Behind drive line, counter turns touch withers: what they are, why and • • to object when to use 1. Comb rope – hands open – Introduce trailer • Power Position time with feet) • Quick Draw 2. Start to close hands • HQ yield – use rope to tip nose towards 3. Close hands more (feel heat in hands) Figure 8 Principle Games 1-3 4. Close hands, hold and wait for a few • Good for mental, emotional and The ABC’s: “foundation games.” Establish physical balance in horses, and relationship and pecking order. Both a the same pressure step to the side to particular at this level coordination in humans communication and a diagnostic system. help free up horse’s feet • FQ yield – hands on shoulder and Friendly Game Circling Game Horse learns responsibilities; creates the eyes. draw; the clock. and retreat. Friendly vs. driving hand. not be too particular at this level • 2 Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship 3 LEVEL 2 ON LINE • Be more particular about parts: Begin to understand how to win the up to two revolutions Seven Games (without making the horse • in rope feel wrong or like a loser); have fun and • Friendly Game in motion • • to two revolutions • • Theory Porcupine Game • Zoneology Introduce idea of getting in time with • line, and its effects. How pressure in the feet, build to more steps. Begin with draw concept) • hands, progress to ropes, halter, leg, • , anything that is touching the horse. neutral, counter turns to put nose • Introduce idea of RRC, not required at Tools All about following a “feel” and steady on object this level • • Sideways Game is a safety net. All the horse’s Zones line up. 10+ feet Simulations/Knots • • With a fence – up to 10+ feet • Level 2 is about taking it up a notch, or fence • hold both ends of the rope and pause challenging the student, farther distances, faster moves, more obstacles. distance • • With fence – Sideways to Squeeze in Bowline, wrap the person is in neutral in motion) • Sideways towards obstacle, comfort at • the halter • obstacle • Principle Games 1-3 Get this GOOD! Squeeze Game Winning the Seven Games: use more • Begin to understand the idea of what objects, barrels, pedestals, logs, etc. Purpose Games 4-7 Principles put to purpose. line and get horse to act like a partner. Friendly Game • Yo-Yo Game • More willing responses, increasing • Over jumps, ditches; under tarps, should cross. Get in time with feet. 361 distance, different Zones (i.e. Zone 3) • and giving it a purpose. Emphasize • • straightness, get two eyes. Back and forth Patterns • in straight lines equally (i.e. transitions). Use 22-foot Line. to ride) Looking for lighter phases. Porcupine Game • • • • Driving Game • • helicopter Introduce the idea of drive and draw. around obstacles Follow a “suggestion,” rhythmic pressure • Stop half way over a pole • • from farther away. How pressure in front • Approach – faster, from farther away, Circling Game Trailer Loading Builds responsibilities. Human does • It’s about partnership, not the trailer. less, horse gives more, very important • • • psychologically for the horse. Calm, between eyes. Increase distance connected, responsive. Does not need to and speed • be straight on a circle. Just begin to get out of trailer • Introduce Green Ball – touch it, push it student to start noticing shape. •

4 Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship 5 LIBERTY PREPARATION Liberty Preparation Principle Games Purpose Games 4-5 Start to get inside the horse’s heart and On Line with belly of rope on the ground. Safety net is now the round pen and the (Games 6-7 are for Level 3 and above) brain; On Line and Liberty savvys build to When On Line pretend you are at Liberty, Catching Game. Yo-Yo Game FreeStyle and Finesse. when at Liberty pretend you are On Line: – Rope is a safety net Friendly Game A good Yo-Yo gives the person more Theory • respect by getting horse out of their space. Preparation to go out on a circle; • Liberty is the truth test – Prior, proper, preparation is key • Rub horse all over with halter and rope preparation for side-pass; preparation • Does horse accept human as a friend – Balance drive and draw. • for backing up and waiting to see what • the person wants. • Porcupine Game instead of coercion • • • Prerequisites Circling Game Well into Level 3 in On Line; all Seven • • Connection is more important Games with belly of rope on the ground; • than anything. know the power of HQ yields. • • • • • • • • • • • Sideways with rail • • • Concept that ropes are a safety net • Squeeze with rail • • • • Tools • • Notes • Low panels Driving Game • • • • FQ yield • If the horse leaves repeatedly, • •

6 Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship 7 LEVEL 2 FREESTYLE Pre-Flight Checks Use the Effectively Riding and Guiding • • Porcupine Game in the saddle Riding safe, have fun, get better balance. Learn • • horse is soft and cooperative • rein positions and the ability to recognize (wrap) around HQ (then around cantle) • when a horse is relaxed and ready to ride. • Inactive Rein Theory • Controlled Catastrophe – If you can’t bend to a stop from the • • Active Rein: Indirect Rein • Helps horses become calmer, smarter HQ (Porcupine Game) and braver • • • bend and lots of control. Controls the Guiding • HQ, owns the whole horse. • Follow the rail Saddling between and over a jump • Active Rein: Direct Rein • Prepare horse for saddling – frame of – If horse is cooperative, ride – if not, rail (Indirect) don’t ride • – Full turn: Indirect to Direct saddle (touch it with nose) • Bridling outside of turn it on the horse, horse participates in the • practice. – one rein at a time is most powerful • • Impulsion Purpose middle, little Go and whoa in its simplest form. • • • – Casual Rein Mounting and Dismounting promise • Push on withers as you pull up • • (half hitch or in belt) into a squeeze, smooch if you please, • Push and pull horse laterally, so horse • Bullseye • Should be able to saddle from • • both sides • • Patterns Horses are pattern animals. Lateral Flexion • • Inactive Rein or Fixed Rein position from the saddle – wait for relaxation, • smaller circles – Importance of Power Position (hand • on horn or pommel) the Weave, Indirect Rein for ends. Circle horse’s feet need to be still middle.

8 Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship 9 LEVEL 3 ON LINE • Ball on horse • Get more quality – use Game 3 to Sideways Game Prepare for Liberty and to create more • Expand to over obstacles and communication that develops into a • Combine Game 1 and 2 – lower head increase speed. Purpose Games 4-7 • This is where wow begins and the harmony, mastering our own energy, and partnership starts to come together. becoming more aware of our intentions. Porcupine Game Yo-Yo Game • From farther away Theory Different Zones from different distances. Concept of new lengths, REALLY • Over obstacles, to obstacles Concept of not accepting heaviness or Want appropriate response with respect, emphasize straightness. Associate • lack of relaxation in the horse. without fear. All about steady pressure. comfort with obstacles. Perspective of • Always “rub, hesitate, press, rub” • When On Line pretend you are at going backwards, North and South, i.e. Squeeze Game Liberty, when at Liberty pretend you are South of a canter is . Concept of using more creativity. Feel, Game 1). timing, balance. At this level the stop turn • • Lead by ear, jaw, tail, lower and raise and face should be ALL about a HQ yield, • use it as a safety net. • Be more particular about the difference • between rhythmic motion and rhythmic with rope. different distances, at trot • Over a jump to you pressure. Horse needs to read your • • • body. • • • on the hip until it comes in with effort. and responsive. • • front. on the lead, 1 ton of willpower and • • Patterns and 10’s in all responses to be prepared Use 45-foot Line. Horse does more, Circling Game (use phases). for Level 4. human does less and from farther away. Concept of straight on the circle with Introduce idea of pattern integration. rhythm, relaxation and contact. Maintain Tools Driving Game • responsibilities longer. More balance and • Equalizing drive and draw and the suspension. safety, power position, etc. Get really 45-foot Line as a safety net. The response • is off suggestion, not the tool. Rhythmic • horse with it. pressure. Managing horse’s energy • • through time and space. (Tip: Rhythmic • until after Level 4. pressure increases, rhythmic motion responsibilities • decreases.) • Principle Games 1-3 • downward transitions • Friendly Game • Spiral Circle Pattern: one coil at a time • More scope and depth, exposure and serpentine. • Trailer Loading experience, teach horse to manage • Get creative, have a conversation. Use emotions in more extreme situations. • (turn with direction of travel) • • • Isolate, separate and recombine. front, each side, behind horse. • • • Want horse calm, connected, • Drive FQ – be more aware of relaxation responsive. and connection • • • • of rope. •

10 Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship 11 LEVEL 3 LIBERTY Porcupine Game Purpose Games Squeeze Game “Really” get all Seven Games with Purpose gives meaning. horse calm, connected and responsive. ready for this level. Yo-Yo Game Get better habits and skills, put • At this level, it should be really straight purpose to Games. • Lead horse with hands on poll and chin important – one of the most useful things and on very light phases. Really pay • Use hands to lower head you can do to help the horse. Theory attention to two eyes. Transitions are just • • a Yo-Yo Game from a different angle. At this level you will see how much of barrels • a Horseman you are and how much your • • • horse will be able to teach you. • hurry up and relax • • Smaller spaces then FQ with hands. Both sides. • • Build to diameter of round pen Patterns • Line) • • 50-foot round pen, all with rhythm, with respect without fear Driving Game relaxation and contact. Develop Very important for Liberty. Must create a whoa hand (turn into direction of travel). conversations. Get intention across with Tools strong connection with the horse. just your energy and manage your energy. • Circling Game • • Liberty Dance – HQ to FQ yields Build to more laps with RRC. • Low panels • • • fundamental move in Liberty. • Weave • Principle Games In this level human must be aware of their • Friendly Game • Get in time with the feet Want to start off with connection, stay • • Upward and downward transitions on connected, and end connected. It’s not as above the circle about desensitizing. It’s about how willing • Send at different speeds • much effort horse puts into discerning if you are using rhythmic pressure Sideways Game or motion. Own the HQ. • • circle around you, from rail to rail (Own • the HQ exercise) • • front of you, then lay behind you on • • In front of a pole • • rhythmic motion • With and without a fence • • all over

12 Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship 13 LEVEL 3 FREESTYLE Building Riding and Guiding Skills Beginning Bridle-less Riding Patterns with Carrot Stick The objective for Level 3 FreeStyle is all • • • • Follow the rail, transitions, full turns the horse and the rider. Start feeling the for safety. toward rail and 180’s away from rail, horse’s frame of mind. for circles • • Theory • up), then sideways, then move HQ, then – Difference between Rhythmic pressure • • FQ, release reins then sit still. Repeat. and rhythmic motion • – Good for impulsive and under then start Weave. Stop in middle. balance impulsive horses • Obstacles – approach and retreat for • Corners Game • Transitions • maybe feet. Push HQ around • Follow the rail – move HQ, lead FQ supports Porcupine Game questions • – Indirect and Direct Reins in isolation barrels (focus up) • Lateral Flexion to Indirect to Direct, rub • Sideways Box one • • – Balance and counter balance to slow) • Clover Leaf • is calm and connected in the arena you • Bend to rail to slow down, same hand • touches hip to speed up a stop • the arena. Box. • in reins) Skills and Knowledge for the Rider • • 4 Responsibilities for the Human • • 4 Responsibilities of the Horse rope over head to other side. Bend to • you feel. It’s how the horse synchronizes • On rail, move HQ (shoulder down) to the inside. • why important • • • • the rail • Casual to Concentrated Rein – Do all above

14 Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship 15 LEVEL 3 FINESSE Connecting to The Horse’s Feet Sideways Success The objective for L3 Finesse is to build • Casual to Concentrated Rein Get the message to the feet. Better you go sideways and backwards a bridge and transition from FreeStyle • Fixed, active and inactive reins • the better you do everything else. to Finesse. • • left hind Tools • Left rein responsible for left front and • spurs) • • Focus and open hand simultaneously. or Western, Horseman’s Reins and • Reins connect to the horse’s feet – Indirect Rein • Outside rein impedes forward • Learn about footfalls and rein – Direct Rein movement. responsibilities Trotting Yo-Yos • Offensive maneuver – horse’s nose is in • – Active Rein Importance of straightness. direction of travel. – Fixed Rein • • Defensive maneuver – horse’s nose is • away from direction of travel. Are You Ready for Finesse • • Zero Brace • from offensive to defensive. Put your heart in your hands and touch your horse with your heart. • • • • • Horse needs to be mentally, emotionally • and physically under control. • Techniques • • Remember the Parelli Formula • Rapport-Respect-Impulsion-Flexion, and • Leverage vs. non-leverage bits and then two reins • . • Casual to Concentrated • jointed or not), for control in Finesse, the answer may be in • FreeStyle, Liberty or On Line at a time. and comfortable in a frame, not trapped. • – If horse is emotional in Finesse, • Leverage bits Soft Feel. – Step 7 is Soft Feel FreeStyle, Liberty or On Line. communication seat connection not the reins elevation. • • slide) • • trot, and canter, then Soft Feel at halt

16 Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship 17 LEVEL 4 ON LINE Porcupine Game Purpose Games Sideways Game Left and right need to be equal. How In Level 4 the objective is that rapport, Yo-Yo Game elegant. Want response, not reaction. horse leaves is how they will stop. Be • HQ – front feet stay in space size of It’s all about straightness. On a straight more particular. Mental, emotional and together. It is setting the stage line and for the maneuver (straight on a for performance. It is more than physical connection. Working towards too critical. circle). How little does it take, how far lateral maneuvers. communication, it is about having a can you go, drive and draw are balanced • FQ – hind feet stay in space size of • conversation. and straight. from a distance, faster. Theory too critical. • Horse can stand still, do transitions, • come towards you • • • Over barrels • • • • Concept of the rope truly as a safety • Balance one sideways towards with at • Keep in mind, the more the halter net. Preparation for Liberty and the idea least three sideways away. that the patterns become the habit and • the habit builds into the next Savvy. • Straddle pole • • Lead (not drive) horse into a trot, canter • Tools circles, transitions, leads • Stand behind withers and lead • • Balance one sideways towards with at between barrels Simulations least three sideways away • • Driving Game horse Yield at slightest suggestion, should – Side Pass and Half Pass appear invisible. Always start and end • Principle Games Squeeze Game • Use psychology to get horse to go out Friendly Game • of his way for your idea. Be creative. It’s Circling Game the silence between the notes. Using Get the horse even better at its Horse should be calm, smart, brave • psychology makes it a game. responsibilities. Get balanced and precise and athletic. Use more exposure and • changes of direction with FLC’s, help horse learn how to be straight on a circle. • Rhythm, relaxation and retreat – types • Creative ways to trailer load • of retreat • • active • • • Bounce ball on horse spiral in and out to you • • Wrap around to send on the circle Patterns them up destinations • From Zone 5. • With elbow on top of HQ, lift tail and • • direction, there’s more communication, • • • you will have a conversation. transitions • Weave • • Snappy draw to you • • the rope FQ and HQ yields without • way out • • clippers •

18 Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship 19 LEVEL 4 LIBERTY Porcupine Game Purpose Games Squeeze Game Level 4 is the WOW Level. The objective All pressure starts making sense. Trailer load at Liberty, jumps and turn and • Yo-Yo Game face, jump half way, stop and side pass is to learn to be black and white and clear Snappy transitions – i.e. canter-halt, on the difference of our intentions. off. canter-back. To and fro balanced. • Theory • • • • From different distances – farther away • Squeeze over barrels increase the • and parallel on circle corral or in the open. Fundamentals • Jump barrels half way, then sideways Circling Game off barrels Close range and far away, change of • direction with FLC’s. Good circles = RRC Patterns and straight on a circle. Tools Driving Game • • Short range, rapport and respect balance. • areas • • and FLC Principle Games • • • direction Friendly Game Mental, emotional and physical collection. • • Introduce voice cues left. More extreme Friendly in more Zones, • Weave • Sideways Game especially Zones 4, 5 and behind. Ask more, experiment with obstacles. • As the connection between the horse and around you. • • Sideways towards (For every one be contained by a fenced perimeter. sideways towards, do at least three away) • Sideways more distance away – feet still • Use fence Sideways away to stand still • Without a fence, sideways away then towards • sideways around you (mini sideways)

20 Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship 21 LEVEL 4 FREESTYLE Gallop Advanced Carrot Stick Riding (2 Sticks) Bridle-less Riding The objective for Level 4 is to build • Don’t take bridle off until very sure about The truth. Don’t have to take the bridle the area you are in. off. Test is to have arms folded. and human plus an independent seat in • • Lateral Flexion • the human. • HQ yield • • Advancing Riding and Guiding Skills • sideways. Shoot the bad guy Rein Responsibilities – reins connected • • • Activate inside rein to the feet: Indirect, Direct and • Circles, downward transitions by Supporting reins. • Rollback • Left Direct Rein connected to – Weave • • Square turns Left front foot • • Left Indirect rein connected to Jumping • • • Follow the rail, transitions, square and • • round turns Bareback Riding • – Pay attention to feet and horse’s frame One hour a week suggested. and left hind foot. of mind • • • • Bowties, Direct Rein, Indirect Rein • • foot that can move. Fix the rein for the Follow the rail Flying Lead Change • other foot. Lateral move. • Feel the feet • • • • • • Forwards and Sideways • • Spin • Snappy departures • where we want it. • • Bowtie • • Zones • At trot push horse sideways • • • – Row your boat – Horse needs to yield to and from pressure Guitar formula Preparation for Bridle-less Riding • • Rhythmic pressure and steady pressure Riding with Neck string – important not to teach the horse to push through Unbridle and bridle while mounted the string. • • • position (on the shoulders). If they are the saddle • Go forward to halt • Use lead rope as safety net and isolate • steps • HQ and FQ • Sideways and Backwards • different tools • • •

22 Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship 23 LEVEL 4 FINESSE – PART 1 • Feeling Where The Weight Is • • of travel gone before. Isolate, separate, recombine they will respond but are ready to • correct, not one more than the other. • HQ around • • in FreeStyle. horse over Building Lateral Movements • Isolate, separate and recombine • • Theory • Circles, serpentines, transitions, be and could be and where horse’s feet want nose to travel We are after progress and precision are, should be and could be. • – not perfection. • • Only two types of play – constructive and destructive Moving Within A Frame • • • Want horse to shorten body and • closest to our willpower • Shoulder In body and spirit and so must the human. • • • Understanding Soft Touch and Soft Feel • Half pass • • Hands that close slowly and open Psychology: What’s in it for the Horse? • Casual to Concentrated – Friendly and allow reins to slide to Bunny Rabbit motivates and release teaches. • Release and comfort Game • Concentrate on Steps 1, 3 and 7 of • Canter Yo-Yos • • • of rein • • downward transition– may need to lift • • • relaxation in attitude, and contact • • imperceptible. • Feeling For The Feet • Leads and Lead Changes • • Light with hands, strong with legs. with contact • • Counter canter • release to Step 3. Step 7 is the • Correct lead has more to do with HQ and the horse • preparatory position. • • – “A stride or two, then two or more, Monkey Riding • • • • – Canter departs • • • Canter transitions on same lead. Use • Sideways with hind feet on a line to shorter behind. • • • body (Fluidity) • • • Dynamic and static at the same time that rein. (i.e. left lead, left rein) hind end around so FQ hardly moves • Sideways and Flexion Exercises • Bowtie with Finesse • Be more provocative. • Serpentine • • • Side pass is an offensive move, horse • • a transition” • what hands do) • • – Lift inside rein, if needed • Sideways and forwards, then sideways • Only use one “active” rein at a time • 24 Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship 25 LEVEL 4 FINESSE – PART 2 • Precision Pen • Push a ball • • from A to C and B to D • arena Four Savvys in Four Levels • • (or 66’ x 198’) – (6) 10 meter slots never mind the human’s ambition. – (3) 20 meter slots • • Quarter lines the relationship and connection the • horse has with us poor predators.

Provocative Patterns • turns: – Casual to concentrated • – Clover Leaf – Circle Pattern – Question Box – Point to Point – Corners Game – Six Barrel Pattern

26 Copyright ©1990-2014 Parelli Natural Horsemanship