The Final Key To Success Is Support.

Until I made the decision to bring Rydel to Columbus, I didn't realize how much I was lacking in support. While my friends and family always had my back, it was nothing like having the support of fellow Parelli people who were going through or had been through the exact same trials and triumphs as I. My first taste of this kind of support was at the first barn I went to in Columbus. The barn owner practiced basic natural horsemanship and would have the barn members over for dinner on sundays to chat and watch the Savvy Club DVDs. At the time, I was satisfied with this as it was heaps more support than I was receiving previously. It was at that barn that I finally started to develop a relationship with my horse, an actual bond which I had never had before. I was happy that Rydel trusted me enough to be her leader and we were able to make a fair amount of progress, but it was far from our potential, and in the back of my mind I knew we were missing something. Nonetheless, I was overjoyed to have some horsey friends that didn't criticize my every move. Even if they didn't follow Parelli to the book, they helped me gain confidence in myself- something I desperately needed when it came to horses. You see, despite my understanding of natural horsemanship, I hadn't had a riding lesson since the 4th grade. I lacked total confidence in my riding and the only thing I feared more than cantering was going out of the arena.

Of course, just as Linda and Dr. Stephanie Burns had said, the only way to truly learn and progress is to step out of your comfort zone; Easier said, than done! Finally, one day my friends told (not asked) me that we were going on a short trail ride down the road. We were going out of the arena, off the property, down the road, to a cornfield and then back. Being the Introvert that I am, I had to make a choice: go and leave the comfort of my arena, or stay and be ALONE! In the end, the prospect of being without my "herd" of friends was too much, and before I knew it I was riding out the gate to the property. Slowly and shakily I rode down the road toward the cornfield complete with passing cars. (At this point, I feel compelled to point out that I was the only one riding in a rope halter.) Before I knew it, we were riding out of the field and back up the road to the property of the barn. I couldn't believe I was actually riding on the road, and my little arabian was handling things like a champ! That was a real turning point for me and my confidence. Later that year I was coerced into applying for clinics at Equine Affaire. Much to my surprise, Rydel and I were accepted for two clinics, riding clinics! After about a week of working with the trailer, Rydel walked in confidently the morning of our clinics. Once there, however, we were both a mess! She was practically flying around the fairgrounds and by the time everyone in our first clinic was on their horse, there I was with Rydel, still not mounted, doing my best to hold back my tears. It took every ounce of courage to put my foot in the stirrup and get on (which I know, was absolutely against better judgment), but I was in front of at least 70 people and it was do or die. Well I did it, and I didn't die. Eventually, I was able to get Rydel thinking about the tasks at hand, weave these cones, follow the rail, maintain gait, and oh yeah, relax! It was a long day but we got though it and I might not have gained any horsemanship skills, but I am extremely proud that I overcame my fear! After all, how could I possibly ask my horse to be confident, if I couldn't learn to do the same!

(Rydel and I at Equine Affaire before our second clinic.)

Throughout that year I continued to be a more confident rider, I learned to relax at the canter, and even started learning to jump. To this day, I definitely don't have show-quality equitation, but I am happy to go out and have a gallop on the trail, and I'm fine with that. Of course, up until this point I still didn't have the support of anyone whose heart was really in Parelli, and that is what I needed most. I began frantically searching the Savvy Club forums for members who live in my area. That is how I found Emily, my Parelli enthused new best friend! Emily was the spark that relit the fire in my heart for Parelli. Even without actually meeting her, she had me excited about Parelli again, and together we promised we would go to a Parelli clinic together. Within a few short weeks of knowing each other we had made plans to go to a Parelli Play Day at Parelli Professional, Jesse Peter's farm. The moment our horses stepped out of the trailer, there was a calm that fell over the place. Everyone was in a thinking frame of mind, the horses were calm, and Emily and I knew we had found exactly what we needed! That day was the beginning of so many breakthroughs for Rydel and me. After a private lesson with Jesse, I had a completely different perspective and I was ready to take on the world! I learned that matching Rydel's energy when she gets right brained minimizes the amount of time she stays that way before she starts asking questions. I also learned how to be a more effective communicator and my new motto: retreat, retreat, retreat! After that day I felt like I had a clear and easy way to deal with Rydel's blow ups, how to make things her idea, and how to build her confidence. I couldn't be more grateful we decided to go to that Play Day!

 (Emily and I with our horses, Rydel and Sonny at the Parelli Play Day.)

It was definitely a new beginning; the start of something great!