>>> it really brought tears to my eyes seeing that young woman in the wheel chair directing the scared, nervous, hesitant, unsure horse around with her carrot stick (I hate marketing terms, its just a longue whip with a .long string)
You know I'm the first to say that you don't HAVE to have the "genuine" Parelli equipment to use his program. BUT, if you are just starting out, the "carrot stick" IS the one thing that I'd recommend that you buy. It really ISN'T just a crop or lunge whip. It's a different weight and stiffness, so it really does do the job better than anything else I've seen. Now, that said, we have lots of training areas here - several paddocks, a round pen, an obstacle course, and a ring, and we have 20+ horses. I'm lazy and forgetful, so I like to leave a few things in each of these areas. I do have some cheap $6 whips that are 48 inches long in different areas, and they will do the job. No way am I going to spend the money to have that many "genuine" carrot sticks around just for my convenience. But, if you only have one or two horses, and are just starting out, I'd recommend the real thing...but there is a lady on ebay who makes and sells really good imitations in cool colors. :) >>>> Its awesome, see it if you can! there were times when she had to pass in front of the horse etc and you would think oh no, the horse is gonna run her down and Parelli was directing her from the sidelines and each time if she did what he said the horse would do the right thing. its like he has such a strong grasp on what a horse is gonna do if put in a certain position... I wish I knew that! It is so much fun to watch him in person. I like Linda's riding better I think, but I don't think she holds a candle to his ability to read a horse. I think he really does know the body language, etc., but I think a lot of his success stems from his self-confidence and his ability to relax and have fun with it. I've seen nutty acting horses visible sigh and relax the very second he takes the lead line from the owner. Horses simply like and trust him. I seriously envy that. I'll never be a great rider, but I think I can work towards getting better on that plane. I was a little disappointed that the new Level 1 is almost all done by Linda. I DO think Linda is a better teacher in some ways, but there's something different about her. Her first career was in marketing I think, and I think she's just a little more geared for competitiveness and "winning" than Pat is...or at least than he is at this point in his life. I like the new Level 1 a lot, but I didn't pick up quite so much "winning" in seeing Pat the first few times, or in the first videos and Level 1. I always picked up more "partnership" and "playing" from him. It's a subtle difference, but noticeable to me. Karen Thomas, NC -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.17.3/642 - Release Date: 1/20/2007 10:31 PM
