Skye: I though your Parelli question was reasonable. I like the Parelli system and most of it works well for me, but I do pair all my training with clicking and I do many things other than Parelli. The revamped system that Linda and Stephanie (an expert on how people, especially adults learn) worked on are well done and address problem solving. The rope swinging (yo-yo game) can be and is often done incorrectly. They are very clear about escalating pressure slowly and using the least amount of pressure necessary to get the horse to move back. As Judy, mentioned, when you pair it with clicker training you never get to the higher levels of pressure. Any training system can be abused. I think the programs that progress more slowly are hard for some people that are in a hurry and instead of going from point A to B to C to D they go from A to D. Also some people see a single clip or see someone else doing a small part of the program and go there instead of following the recommended progression. Others have a difficult time learning when to release the pressure and keep asking after the horse has tried. People learn differently and there isn't one program out there that is perfect for everyone. If any part of anyone's training program makes me uncomfortable, I find another way.
Cherie
