For over fifteen years, I was deeply involved with Parelli Natural Horsemanship, a company renowned for its structured approach to horse training and instructor development. Before discovering Parelli, I had already spent years learning from prominent figures in the equestrian world, including Ray Hunt, John Lyons, and Monty Roberts. When I encountered Parelli, I was drawn to the opportunities it offered for a young professional to hone their skills. My journey began as a student, progressing to an employee, and eventually becoming a franchised instructor. My experience with the company and its founders was largely positive; I felt supported and respected, never mistreated or misunderstood. I even felt my personal relationships with the founders were well-maintained. So, the question remains: why did I leave?
The core reason was a feeling of something essential being absent, a need for the freedom to explore and grow without the constraints of corporate structures and limitations. Parelli, despite its founders’ genuine intentions, sometimes felt akin to a closed system, a place that projected an aura of possessing all the answers. This, while not a negative experience in itself, mirrored aspects of a rigid upbringing, creating a sense of being confined within a specific worldview. I always held an intuitive belief that a vast amount of knowledge and experience existed beyond my immediate circle, held by individuals and techniques outside the “Parelli way.” My nature has always been to explore beyond my comfort zone, a trait that fuels these blog posts and my upcoming podcast appearances.
My loyalty to Parelli hasn’t vanished. I still recommend the program to those seeking guidance. However, I firmly believe it is not the sole or ultimate destination for learning about horses. There is an expansive universe of knowledge to discover. My desire was to bridge the gaps I perceived in the Parelli method and to create a platform for individuals outside the “natural horsemanship bubble” to share their insights on training, horse management, equipment, and various techniques.
Parelli champions “natural horsemanship,” and they do so effectively. Yet, as many equestrians understand, “natural” is not a proprietary technique or a specific style. Philosophically, it signifies a commitment to the horse’s well-being, prioritizing their benefit over purely human gains. “Natural” implies kinder, gentler training methods. It signifies care. It does not, however, exclusively define the Parelli approach. It’s crucial to recognize that one can practice “Parelli” and still employ abusive methods, just as one can be a traditional or performance-oriented rider and still embody “natural” principles.
As a franchised instructor, I often felt my ability to share the wisdom of other respected horse trainers worldwide was restricted. I was unable to freely pursue writing my book, “Leadership and Horses.” Frankly, I experienced burnout. My time with Parelli also included several injuries, which prompted me to re-evaluate and revise my teaching methods to prioritize the safety of both humans and horses. While these injuries could have occurred in many contexts, I learned to be more vigilant in identifying potential hazards and signaling them to my students.
Furthermore, after more than a decade of teaching the Parelli method, I wasn’t achieving the consistent results I envisioned for my students. I found myself continually seeking supplementary resources to enhance their understanding of specific exercises. Many of these valuable insights are now shared in my book, “Leadership and Horses,” and through my online courses.
I am driven by a passion for sharing knowledge and a continuous thirst for learning. I am averse to the “one-size-fits-all” mentality that often pervades the equestrian industry. My goal is to empower individuals to learn without restrictions, to explore, and to perceive the horse beyond their physical form – to understand their minds, their muscles, their posture, their physiology, and their overall health. To achieve this comprehensive understanding, I collaborate with and draw upon the expertise of many exceptional individuals within the horse industry. This includes acknowledging the strengths of programs like Parelli, as well as those of Clinton Anderson, Edward Gal, Philippe Karl, Stacey Westfall, Julie Krone, and countless others who contribute significantly to our understanding of horses.
In essence, my departure from Parelli was a matter of timing and readiness. I had absorbed all the knowledge they had to offer at that stage of my development. I remain open to the possibility of learning more from them in the future. This in no way implies that I possess all the answers; I am, and always will be, a student of the horse. I hold deep respect for the individuals I worked closely with during my tenure at Parelli and harbor no ill will towards my experience. Holding onto negativity is a practice I actively avoid, recognizing its detrimental effects.
I cherish many fond memories from my past. My focus is on progress, happiness, health, and fostering empowering communication – principles that are central to my courses and my book. I hope my commitment to authenticity will inspire you to embrace your own.
Please feel free to share this post and reach out with any questions or topics you’d like us to explore. We are here to support your journey.
God bless!
