nmclean's blog

I am finally on a little break from the University of Illinois and can now return to share parelli blog....I have added a current runner to the herd for a little R & R.  He is my Winter parelli project that will return to the track this Spring.  I can't wait for Christmas Day to unwrap a Level 1/2 DVD.  I have watched the Savvy Club videos but have never ordered a Levels course until now.  Looking forward to it!

The current Savvy Times has a great article on rythym with horse and rider.  I have always had a more relaxed ride with music playing in the background.  I think it helps me to relax and therefore relaxes my horse.  On the racetrack I always have a song in my head I can sing or hum while riding and it really helps the horses that are prone to tying up.  I can let them roll right along without cranking down on them and maybe the sound of a voice in melody relaxes them also (even though I am not the best singer).  Anyway, check out this article and get your

Worked with all three of my Thoroughbreds at Liberty today.  If the foundation for the 7 games online is good the transition to liberty is fairly easy. Especially in a large round pen (65 ft.).  All three seemed to catch on quickly.  Time for Auditions ! (Level 1 online...I didn't realize how ready we were until we did so well at Liberty.)  I am really impressed on how fluently the change in direction creates control.  When I sense right brain behavior is beginning...change direction...lip licking begins and control is regained.

Here in the St.

I like following the Parelli Goals using love, language and leadership. These skills seem to create consistency, control and contentment for me and my horses.  I think the bottom line is mutual respect ! 

Hi All, 

I am reading a great book entitled " Think Harmony With Horses" by Ray Hunt, edited by Milly Hunt.  I found this book in a box with various other racing memorabilia in a second hand store on Cherokee Street in South City -St. Louis, Mo.  What a find !  This book reads so easy...like Ray Hunt is having a conversation with you.  A definite addition to my savvy info! 

Last night one of my "charges" was running in the fifth race.  During our detention time I began playing a modified version of the seven games with her in the stall (Very carefully).  When it came time to head up to the paddock she was totally into performing.  An angel in the paddock, prancing in the post parade, and winning by 6 1/4 lengths.  She was so full of herself after the race.  What a way to "break her maiden."  The distance was 6 furlongs on the dirt. 

"Change" seems to be in everyone's vocabulary these days.  I recently read a shareparelli blog where the blogger said, " Parelli has changed my life."  I started thinking on that and realized that learning the Parelli methods of communicating with your horse does change your life and your horses life.  It is not superficial change.

I've got three off the track thoroughbreds.  Two I groomed, exercised, and trained on the track.  The third one was a rescue.  She was three and was extremely slow when I took her in.  Now at eight she is 17.1 hands and has a beautiful stride.  Miss Mary is quiet and the lowest on the totem pole in the herd dynamics.  Confidence has always been her issue, so I am using Parelli to boost her self esteem.  When I first started saddling her she would get so nervous she would shake.  I think her groom scared her by slamming the saddle on her back