Forget everything you thought you knew about horse training. The commands, the force, the endless circles in a dusty arena—what if there was a better way? A way to communicate, not just command? This is the world Pat Parelli opened up with his Natural Horsemanship method, and at its heart are the Parelli Horse Training 7 Games. This isn’t just a series of exercises; it’s a language built on the way horses naturally interact with each other. It’s a foundational system designed to build a partnership so strong, it feels like telepathy.
Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or just starting your journey, the 7 Games provide a blueprint for a safer, more enjoyable, and deeply connected relationship with your equine partner. It’s about understanding the psychology of the horse as a prey animal and becoming the leader they instinctively seek. This system teaches you to be that leader—calm, trustworthy, and clear in your communication.
The Philosophy Behind the 7 Games
Before diving into the games themselves, it’s crucial to understand the “why.” Horses in a herd establish hierarchy and communicate through a series of rituals—games of pressure, release, and respect. The Parelli 7 Games are modeled directly on this natural behavior. By playing these games, you are stepping into your horse’s world and speaking a language they already understand.
The system is divided into two categories: the first three are “Principle Games,” which form the alphabet of your new language. The last four are “Purpose Games,” which combine these letters to form words and sentences, applying the principles to practical situations. The games should be learned in order, as each one builds upon the last.
The First Three: The Principle Games
These initial games are the bedrock of the entire Parelli program, teaching your horse to overcome their natural prey-animal instincts and look to you for guidance.
1. The Friendly Game
The most important game of all is the Friendly Game. Its purpose is simple but profound: to prove to your horse that you are not a predator and can be trusted. It involves desensitizing your horse by touching them all over their body with your hands, a rope, or a “Carrot Stick” (a special training stick). The key is rhythm, relaxation, and retreat. If the horse becomes nervous, you retreat to a comfortable spot before trying again. This game builds confidence and shows the horse that you mean no harm, making them more receptive to learning.
2. The Porcupine Game
Horses have a natural opposition reflex; they push back against steady pressure. The Porcupine Game teaches them to yield to it instead. This is taught using four phases of increasing pressure, from a light touch on the hair to a firm press on the muscle. For example, you might press your fingertips on their side to ask them to move their hindquarters over. The instant the horse shifts their weight or takes a step away, you release the pressure. This immediate reward teaches them that yielding is the comfortable and correct answer.
3. The Driving Game
While the Porcupine Game uses steady, direct pressure, the Driving Game teaches the horse to move away from rhythmic, indirect pressure. Think of it as influencing their personal space. You might swing a rope or tap the air in a rhythmic motion towards their shoulder to ask them to move forward. The goal is to get the horse to respond to the suggestion of pressure before you ever have to make contact. This game is fundamental for developing lightness and responsiveness from a distance.
The Final Four: The Purpose Games
With the foundation laid, the Purpose Games apply these principles to more complex movements that are essential for both groundwork and riding.
4. The Yo-Yo Game
This game is all about balance—teaching the horse to move backward and forward in a straight line with equal ease. To ask the horse to back up (the “yo”), you might wiggle your finger, then the rope, increasing the energy until they take a step back. To ask them to come forward (the “yo-yo back”), you release the pressure and invite them back into your space. The Yo-Yo Game improves straightness and develops a better stop.
5. The Circling Game
This is not mindless lunging. In the Parelli Circling Game, the horse has three responsibilities: to maintain the gait you ask for, keep the direction of travel, and stay tuned in to you. You “send” the horse out on the circle, “allow” them to travel on it while maintaining their responsibilities, and then “bring” them back. It’s a mental exercise as much as a physical one, teaching the horse to be a responsible partner.
6. The Sideways Game
Asking a horse to move laterally is an excellent way to improve their athleticism and coordination. The Sideways Game combines the principles of the Porcupine and Driving Games to ask the horse to cross their legs and move sideways along a fence or wall. This maneuver is incredibly useful for navigating gates, trailer loading, and preparing for advanced riding movements.
“The ability to move a horse’s body parts independently—sideways, forwards, backwards—is the key to unlocking true athletic potential and harmony,” notes Dr. Sarah Miller, a leading equine behaviorist. “The Parelli 7 Games provide a systematic way for any rider to develop this level of communication.”
7. The Squeeze Game
By nature, horses are claustrophobic and fear tight spaces, a survival instinct for a prey animal. The Squeeze Game helps them overcome this fear. It involves asking the horse to walk through a narrow space, perhaps between a fence and a barrel, or even into a trailer. By making the tight space a comfortable and rewarding place to be, you build a braver, more confident horse who trusts your leadership in stressful situations.
Why the 7 Games Are Essential for Horsemanship
The beauty of the Parelli horse training 7 games is that they are more than just groundwork; they are the foundation for everything you will ever do with your horse. They create a partner who is calm, smart, brave, and athletic. When you pick up the reins, you’re not just steering a large animal; you’re communicating with a partner who already understands pressure, release, and your intention. This shared language reduces frustration, prevents behavioral problems, and creates a level of safety and trust that is priceless.
Frequently Asked Questions about Parelli Horse Training 7 Games
What order should I play the games in?
The games are designed to be played in order from 1 to 7. The Friendly Game is always first to establish trust, and each subsequent game builds on the skills learned in the previous ones.
How long should a training session last?
Keep sessions short and positive, especially at the beginning. It’s better to have a 15-minute session where the horse learns and succeeds than a frustrating hour-long drill. Always end on a good note.
Can I play the 7 Games with any horse?
Yes! The 7 Games are beneficial for horses of all ages, breeds, and disciplines. The principles are universal to equine psychology, whether you have a young foal, a rescued horse, or a seasoned performance champion.
What tools do I need for the Parelli 7 Games?
The essential tools include a halter, a 12-foot lead rope, and a Carrot Stick with a Savvy String. These tools are designed to be extensions of your body, allowing you to communicate clearly and safely from a distance.
Is this the only way to train a horse?
Parelli Natural Horsemanship is one of many respected methods. However, its systematic, game-based approach makes it incredibly accessible and effective for building a strong foundation of communication that benefits any equestrian discipline.
Conclusion: It’s More Than Just a Game
Ultimately, the Parelli horse training 7 games are a journey of discovery for both you and your horse. They will challenge you to become a better leader, a clearer communicator, and a more empathetic partner. By investing the time to learn this language, you are unlocking a deeper, more rewarding relationship that goes far beyond the saddle. You are not just training your horse; you are building a lifelong connection based on mutual respect and understanding.
