Mary Lou Hawkins, Fort White - Club Coordinator

I was struggling with a young, extreme right-brained horse when I saw Pat's photo in a magazine, jumping a big log with no bridle or saddle on his horse. That moment began my journey in Natural Horsemanship.  I purchased the basic equipment, and after taking a course at the Parelli Center, decided to try to find a few people who wanted to practice on a regular basis.  That was the start of NCFPP.

Many people come to us when they are first starting Parelli.  After several months of studying the program and practicing at our club playdays, we see big changes. It is very gratifying to see them improve and become more safe, comfortable, and most of all, have fun with their horses.  Parelli is good for everyone, no matter what age or experience level.  Our playdays are fun, and members inspire each other to keep going and continue on their Natural Horsemanship Journey.

Danny Buckley, Alachua - Calendar
Creator of Equiplay Obstacles

Janet Clauson, Alachua

Being a novice horse owner, I realized that I needed to learn safety with horses.  I found Parelli for that reason.  Of course after learning Parelli, I found that there is so much more you can accomplish through Love, Language and Leadership. Today, my journey continues.

I had been a horse crazy girl growing up but never had a horse and dreamed of the day when I would have horses of my own. That dream came true when, at the age of 49, I bought my first horse. I bought him because he was beautiful and because his current owner was going to send him to the auction. After bringing him home, I found out why; Renegade was disrespectful, dominant, and aggressive. My horse dream was quickly becoming my horse nightmare and some of my friends tried to convince me to get rid of him “before he kills you”. I struggled for a couple of years with other training methods and even sent him to a “professional horse trainer”. After two months with the trainer, he came home and was o.k. for a while but quickly regressed. I realized then that I was part of the problem; I didn’t know what to do to help him or myself. I was lucky enough to see an advertisement for a Parelli Tour Stop in Ocala, FL, decided to go, and within two hours I was convinced I could “do that” with my horse. I bought the Level 1 kit and the equipment and went home to play with my horse. The problem was I lacked a support system and instructors in the area were few and far between back then. I was lucky enough to connect with a few like minded Parelli people and I’ve not looked back. Renegade and I now have a wonderful partnership and we’re doing things I’ve always dreamed of but was beginning to think were not possible. The further we go in the Parelli program (we’re playing in L3), the more excited I get about all the possibilities opening up for us. I’m living my dream and feel as if anything and everything is possible; we trail ride, go camping, did a Freestyle spotlight at the Rendezvous in October 2010, and have done a couple of ACTHA rides. And…we’re just getting started!!

I’m a member of another play group and it’s been a wonderful experience; we’ve had play days, gone camping and trail riding with our horses, and had learning days when the weather is just too hot. I’m looking forward to being a member and board member of the NCF group and supporting the south area of the territory. Play groups really are the 7th key to success…support!!

Jennifer Hall, Hilliard

The Love, Language, and Leadership was what hooked us!  As a mother of 3 girls, and a 4-H leader of another 12-15 girls, what better program to follow!  I've never met such positive and progressive people as I have through all my time at Parelli shows, clinics and courses.  That is something even my teenager tells non Parelli people. Life is short so why not share it with like minded people following a perfect program!

NO ribbon my daughter ever won before or since Parelli has made her feel as good and proud as all she and her horse has learned through Parelli.  The relationship and bond you earn while following this program is .....so rewarding  words can't describe it.

As level 3 and 4 students now after 3 years we can tell you that the one thing we always walk away saying is, "I thought we were being a strong enough LEADER". Horses don't want a whimpy leader.  So be the leader your horse needs and you both will be much happier!

My goal has always been to keep learning, what can I teach my horse now, how can I get better at that.  I enjoy organizing and attending Parelli play groups and hope to inspire all the new comers and the ones that have been in Parelli for a long time but haven't really followed the program.  It does work if, "you take the time it takes so it will take less time"  Will you be the leader your horse wants you to be?

Linda Bell Harrell, Cedar Key

Two Socks (Twoey) spent 4 years of her life in a pen with 2 geldings who tried to love her to death. She was so scared, she threw 2 good horseback riders off. After I learned the basic Parelli methods, my Right-brain introvert is becoming confident & acting (mostly) like a left-brain calm horse. The more Parelli methods I learn, the better horse she becomes. We still have a long way to go, but both my partner & I are enjoying the journey.

Debra Hughes, Newberry - Email Communications

Pat and Linda Parelli are the reason I still have horses.

Barbara Martin, Keystone Heights - Event Coordinator

I have inherited five horses with horrible manners. I did not know what to do. I spent 6 weeks with Monty Roberts and got a really good education into the mind of horses but that was not enough. I had a friend who had heard of Parelli and we signed on to the site and found free tickets to their next gathering in Ocala. I went and was hooked in the first 30 minutes. It has been the saving grace that I needed to work with my horses. I have given at least 5 horses to others and they never seem to be able to say enough about their horse friends.

I could write all day and not say enough. Thanks Linda and Pat for all you have done for the world of horses and their owners.

Mary Sue Mistler, Reddick

Parelli Natural Horsemanship has made a huge impact on my relationship with my horses.  After finally having the opportunity to have horses in my life, my dream began to fall apart when I realized that the techniques and horse handling methods commonly used were simply not working.  But with Parelli I've found genuine, sensible ways to communicate and enjoy each of my horses and appreciate their uniqueness. I'm grateful for the incredible changes that have occurred in my ability to work with, play with, and share such an awesome bond with all of my horses.

Megan Olson, Fort White

I have always used natural principles with the horses. Parelli refined those and opened the door to the endless possibilities that can be accomplished with  the horses and how effortless it can all be.  The gentleness of a touch, the softness of a look.  Parelli also taught me to look at and listen to the horses  to see what they are telling me.   I never rush in any more because I am in a hurry.  I stop, wait, and watch first.  What a difference it can make!  I have learned so much just by watching them interact with one another.   Parelli  has taught me that everything means something.  Stop, wait, watch, listen and learn.  Horses can teach us so much.

Kathy Pennenga, Gainesville - Facebook Page Administrator

Parelli has opened doors to a new and better relationship with my horse - doors that I thought were closed a long time ago. If not for Parelli, I would have sat on the fence and stared longingly at my best friend, wishing for something unattainable. Now my mare and I have a future, and we are shooting for the stars!

Lisa Renshaw, Archer - Website

I've been involved with horses for quite some time, mostly riding and a little bit of training.  In 2002, I met Astar and he became my very first horse.  A good friend of mine and riding instructor had rescued him and said to me on a visit to her house - "I have the perfect horse for you".   To be honest, I wasn't so sure about that at the time.  He was so scared and didn't even want a halter put on his head.  We worked with him gently and he found his way into my heart...there was just something about him that spoke to me.  I was sold on him.... even with his little issues. We all have issues so that wasn't anything new to me.

Well, he and I are pals for life and we've had our ups and downs because of his abusive past.  But I have never given up.  Two steps forward and twenty steps back - that's what it's been like for the last 8 years.  In November of 2008 we wanted to take him to a training and tried to load him our way and we weren't mean or anything, he just was not interested - we didn't know the Parelli system at that time and therefore were completely unsuccessful.   And after that he didn't speak to me for almost 9 months!  I was heartbroken.

In 2009, I met Susan Mason and we got to talking horses.  She told me about this great horse club and all about the Parelli system of training.... how wonderful it is and perhaps there might be someone to help us or at least I could learn some of the games and try them with Astar.  She encouraged me to join and here I am.  Now, with the help of Jen Hall (of Ocala), and the Parelli system we are healing his heart and mine and changing his mind about people.  He's having fun, actually inviting ME out the field to play and I'm finding that he has quite a sense of humor!    I have found out how true it is that your horse is your mirror.... how he really IS and always has been the "perfect horse for me".  It's been an amazing journey already and I am very excited about the years and months to come with Parelli and all the wonderful people of the club!!

Clara Shepherd, Chiefland