Using "Horsenality" As A Tool Rather Than An Excuse

Ok, we've all been there...A quick login on the computer to check email suddenly turns into hours of watching Parelli and other horse related Youtube videos. Along with these videos comes feelings of inspiration, encouragement, and sometimes jealousy and frustration. It doesn't have to be frustrating but sometimes it's hard to fight back that natural human emotion. In 2007, Linda Parelli brilliantly launched her new concept of "Horsenality" which gave her students the tools necessary to put their horses into categories that would allow them to tailor their horsemanship to meet the needs of their horse's specific "Horsenality" or innate social attributes. Horsenality seemed to be the missing link for Parelli students, and since learning about how to best provide incentive and reward for my Right Brained Introvert, our relationship and level of progress has soared!

Despite all the perks of knowing the theory behind Horsenality, lately I have found myself using it to make excuses. For example, when watching a video of a Parelli student who taught their horse a cool trick, I'll find myself saying "Rydel and I could never do that, especially since she's RBI", or "That seems like it would be only possible with a Left Brained horse." While I believe that LB horses might catch on to certain things more quickly than RB horses, simply because lack of confidence or trust is  not an issue, this is no reason for me to make excuses for myself or my horse! We may have to take things a lot more slowly but it doesn't mean we can't one day accomplish these higher level tasks and tricks. No more excuses! As long as I use Horsenality as a tool for success and not an excuse, I know we can do anything!

To get your mind going, here is a quick explanation of what each Horsenality needs from HorseChannel.com. 

The Right Brain Extrovert needs safety. Never push him past the threshold until he's calm. You will need to retreat and to interrupt the pattern. You must have a strong focus and must match the horse's high energy level. Give him a job to accomplish to replace his fear with something positive. He must think of you as his "safe place."

The Right Brain Introvert needs comfort. The worst thing you can do is push this horse before he's confident. You'll ruin his trust in you if you push him before he's ready. Taking your time is important because you'll need to wait on this horse to process things. He needs to believe in you.

The Left Brain Extrovert needs play. He craves creative, imaginative tasks and can't stand to be forced into anything. Because he hates to be bored, you'll need to speed things up, be enthusiastic and come up with variety in your lessons.

The Left Brain Introvert needs incentive. There are plenty of ways to offer incentive without "bribing" him. (Think rest, grazing, treats, scratches.) This horse needs to have a purpose and wants to go somewhere. Riding circles in an area with this horse will lead to resistance and defiance. Use reverse psychology for best results