Pat Parelli has carved an indelible mark on the world of horsemanship through his innovative Parelli Natural Horsemanship program. His extensive career, spanning decades, encompasses not only the development of a globally recognized training methodology but also a deep-seated passion for understanding and communicating with horses. This dedication has influenced countless individuals and reshaped approaches to horse training worldwide.
From Rodeo Rings to Natural Horsemanship
Born in Livermore, California, in 1954, Parelli’s affinity for horses was evident from a young age. His early years were characterized by success in rodeo, culminating in the 1972 Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s Bareback Rookie of the Year title. This competitive background provided a unique foundation for his later exploration of horsemanship.
A pivotal moment in Parelli’s journey came when he began training mules, applying the same principles he used with horses. His unconventional approach gained significant attention in the late 1970s and early 1980s when he achieved third place at the National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity riding a mule named Thumper. This achievement is famously associated with a subsequent rule change, often referred to as “The Pat Parelli Rule,” which limited entry to horses only.
His rodeo successes opened doors to invaluable mentorship, most notably with Troy Henry, a distinguished figure in American western horsemanship. For five years, Henry imparted his wisdom, guiding Parelli to become a true horseman, not merely a trainer. Following Henry’s passing, Parelli committed himself to disseminating Henry’s philosophy of authentic horsemanship.
The Genesis of Parelli Natural Horsemanship
March 1, 1982, marked a significant milestone as Pat Parelli conducted his inaugural seminar, an event he recently commemorated its 40th anniversary. Drawing inspiration from influential horsemen such as Ray Hunt, Tom Dorrance, and Ronnie Willis, Parelli cultivated a training philosophy that emphasized working in harmony with a horse’s natural instincts rather than against them.
In 1985, Parelli Natural Horsemanship was officially established as a business. Parelli’s motivation stemmed from a desire to transition from training horses to educating their owners. He observed that while horses responded positively to his training, their progress often regressed once they returned home due to unchanged owner behaviors. This realization solidified his commitment to fostering understanding and communication between humans and horses.
The Parelli Natural Horsemanship program was founded on the principle that effective communication, psychological insight, and mutual understanding are more impactful than force, fear, or intimidation in modifying a horse’s behavior. Since its inception, the organization has achieved global recognition, offering a comprehensive range of educational resources, including courses, online learning, campus programs, events, clinics, and clubs.
A Quarter-Century at Pagosa Springs Ranch
“To help horses, you have to help people understand horses,” Parelli often stated, a guiding principle that led him across hundreds of thousands of miles for clinics. He has presented to over 2 million people, including notable figures like President Ronald Reagan, Tom Selleck, Tony Robbins, and the Queen of England.
The success of Parelli Natural Horsemanship frequently necessitated extensive travel for seminars and events. By 1995, Parelli was living in a motorhome, traversing the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. He sought a location that offered a harmonious blend of natural beauty and distinct seasons, eventually rediscovering Pagosa Springs, Colorado, from a previous visit.
Mayor Ross Aragon, who had assisted Parelli with his horses years earlier, actively promoted Pagosa Springs, encouraging Parelli to relocate the Parelli Natural Horsemanship headquarters from Clements, California. In 1995, Parelli purchased a ranch in Pagosa Springs, establishing a significant hub for his organization.
For 27 years, the Pagosa Springs Ranch served as a cornerstone for the growth of Parelli Natural Horsemanship. It hosted the International Horse Psychology Summit for a quarter of a century, an event so popular that it eventually required downsizing due to the limited accommodation capacity of the small town, which has fewer than 2,000 residents.
Pagosa Springs, nestled in southwest Colorado, is renowned for its natural hot springs and its proximity to the San Juan National Forest, encompassing the Weminuche and South San Juan Wilderness areas. This stunning natural environment has historically attracted explorers and seekers of tranquility.
Despite its small size, Pagosa Springs offers abundant recreational opportunities amidst breathtaking scenery. Parelli particularly cherished the views from the covered arena, which offered panoramic vistas of Pagosa Peak, the San Juan Mountains, and the Weminuche Wilderness.
