Relaxation and Rhythm on the Trail

Written by Anne Evans, Level 3 Parelli student

It was with much excitement and anticipation that I waited for the Trail Riding Clinic with 4-Star Parelli Instructor, Carmen Smith. It was being held at the beautiful Tepon Equestrian Grounds, Wondecla, on the beautiful Atherton Tablelands, Far North Queensland. 

The whole riding group lined up

We were treated to stunning weather with sunny, warm days, and lovely, mild nights. I desperately needed help with my extreme right brain extrovert (RBE) Arabian gelding, Falak, as he was quite unpredictable and very unconfident out on trails. I had owned Falak several years earlier but soon sold him when I realised he was too much horse for me and I didn’t have the confidence or experience to help him at the time. After passing Level Two and feeling I now had enough quivers in my bow, I was given the opportunity to own Falak again and we have been playing at Level Three for seven months now.

Falak, practising his patience and relaxation

The Clinic was run over three days and was just what Falak and I needed. Carmen’s ability to communicate and get her message across clearly and precisely was nothing short of fantastic. Her knowledge was gratefully received by everyone and the change and improvement in both horses and riders was lovely to see. Carmen transformed our group of overexcited, nervous horses (and riders) - some with huge bubbles - into lovely, relaxed, evenly spaced joys to ride.

 

Our aim for the weekend was relaxation and rhythm. We started each day online, emotionally and mentally assessing our horses. After sorting the impulsive from the less impulsive, we headed off with the slowest in the lead. We played games such as Leap Frog, where two or three horses rode single file with the last horse walking or trotting up past the others and settling in the lead where “leap frog” was called and the last horse would then commence their way up to the front. This was teaching our horses calmness and not to be impulsive and chase horses.

Riding up and down hills

Rock Slide was another fun game we played. Imagine a dozen horses all reversing up a dusty country road then all in unison, disengaging the hindquarters, then side passing, then directing the forehand and reversing again. How clever were we?

Another challenge from Carmen was to partner up and share a single savvy string between two riders and not to release our grip while performing a myriad of tasks. My partner, Alison, and I were challenged to reverse a circle without letting go of our string, which we proudly achieved. All the while we were noticing our horses were becoming quieter and braver as they were given tasks to occupy their minds. We played the seven games with a purpose, often using obstacles, and causing them to flow together. We were taught the importance of release.

Some horses experienced their very first creek crossings. I’m sure a couple of these horses thought a crocodile would get them if their feet got wet but with passive persistence in the proper position they all eventually crossed to the other side. We were all taught to respect our horse’s thresholds and not push until they were ready.

Davina and Anne taking a break

We were faced with all types of traffic as well with some motorists being very considerate but also having to deal with the not so savvy and the downright rude! A fun game we played with Carmen was cutting the cars! As a car approached we all placed zone 1 on it and as it passed we all followed it. I wonder what the drivers thought? 

Our horses learnt to cope with friendly horses in paddocks, a very cute little Shetland pony and an extremely “out there Arabian” that was hell bent on showing all our horses how athletic and fleet of foot she was. What a show she put on, all the while our horses stood calmly.

Enjoying lunch out on the trail

Carmen taught us some knot savvy, which came in really handy later in the day when we were having lunch at a picturesque spot. Falak was tied up with the “bank robber’s” knot when all of a sudden, three trail bikes appeared out of nowhere. Falak went right brain immediately but luckily didn’t pull back and my knot survived his extreme reaction until I was able to get to his side and untie him and move him to a safe place.

We all enjoyed the weekend so much. The fantastic company, the laughs, the achievements -big and small - were all greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much, Carmen. Thank you, Pat and Linda Parelli, for developing such a program attainable to all.   

Posted by Sharon Parbery, Regional Correspondent – Australia/NZ (volunteer)