Africa: Our Journey #42 Renewal in Ohio

How do I begin?  My head is so full of thoughts about this past weekend.  I had the opportunity to be a volunteer for the Columbus Celebration and then attend the Gold Summit on Monday.

I arrived at the Coliseum Friday morning, unaware of what  was about to happen.  The 52-foot Parelli semi-truck was being unloaded with a forklift.  Huge wooden boxes holding the metal tower structures, at least two-dozen pallets of retail items and set-up equipment, as well as totes full of supplies were placed in the arena.  Now what?  If you have ever attended a Parelli Celebration, you know that the whole arena looks inviting. Everything is organized into education, equipment, savvy club, etc. All that organization and set-up takes a full day of hardwork by at least 30 people.  I never worked so hard, in high humidity, to get ready for the Celebration.

By the end of the day, we were assigned our working station for the weekend and had a brief introduction about the computer programs we would be working with.  I chose the Savvy Club area.  Parelli had a deal for Savvy Club newbies and members so all four of us assigned to that area were busy all weekend. 

The employees that came from central office in Colorado were amazing.  They were organized, helpful, encouraging, and supportive.  I can't say enough about my experience working with these people.  I highly recommend volunteering for an event if you get a chance.  You will work hard, but gain a different perspective about teamwork and dedication.

Saturday was full of information for people new to Parelli, while Sunday focused on Savvy Club members.  I always learn something new from the lessons that Pat and Linda give to students.  The highlight from Pat's lesson started me thinking about my effectiveness with the carrot stick.  Pat's said 1 oz. with the reins, 2 ozs. with the legs, and 4 ozs. with the stick.  Using the stick continually at Phase 1 or 2 may create a dull horse, but one effective Phase 4 will send the message and cause your horse to pay more attention.

Linda's session became a lesson about patience.  The horse a student brought went through all the horsenalities before ending in introvesion that took 20 or 30 minutes of patience, and approach and retreat before he was able to move.  You could have heard a pin drop (if all the fans had been off).

The Gold Summit afforded members a chance to talk and ask questions of Pat and Linda in a small setting.  We were told new and exciting things are coming.  Sometimes change can be challenging but it also means moving forward and making this world a better place for horses.

Now how does this effect Africa's journey?  I learned new techiques to try to help him understand what I am asking of him.  I had first-hand experience with the dedication needed to make this a better place for him.  I am renewed and excited!