AMAZING LESSON

I had my regular parelli professional Jen come out for a lesson. Our circling game was a bit broken and also she had a second hand saddle we were going to try on Gem.
Everytime I have a lesson I feel like our relationship is transformed all over again!
Gemma is a very dominant mare and she was controlling the game, so i needed to up my game! We did LOTS of transitions as when she went into a trot it was a crazy all over the place trot and she was not thinking at all. I learnt that to get her to go faster I raise my energy and turn/point in the direction or travel and to slow her down I turn the opposite way of direction and then up my phases until she stops. We did this at a walk and a trot only allowing a few steps before a transition. This got her thinking about what she was doing and asking me more questions. Once she was comfortably giving a few calm trot strides then we went for a little bit longer before a transition. It was amazing to see the change in her from before and after! I was still a bit all over the place with my stick and string but she is  a VERY fast learner and picked it up regardless. Can't wait to play with this some more!

Then i had a quick saddle fit lesson and learnt a bit about shimming and the theraflex pad. Then we went over saddling and mounting with Savvy. THEN i had my first freestyle lesson! yay!!!!
I was so proud of Gem, she was so confident and relaxed and I felt really connected with her.
We did lateral flexion on the ground and then in the saddle. Once again she was being dominant and doing lots of head tossing and trying to bite my show but using passive persistance in the proper position she was making great improvments, we did some hindquarter yields, emergency stopping, finding my balance point and some trotting.
So much to work on but it was such a great first attempt!

I'm just amazed at the millions of hours spent around horses, having lessons etc as a kid/teen at how little I really knew about horses. My instructor never once pointed out the horses body language, or talked about teaching the horse anything, or about how my energy and body language is affecting my horse OR ABOUT ANYTHING REALLY USEFUL!!!!!
When I first rode Gem she was not happy, she was not relaxed, she was not thinking, she was not listening, she was not in control yet I was doing everything I had been taught and had all the recommend 'equipment'... how are people still teaching that stuff!!!!

It's awesome to be riding a horse and for the first time ever i'm not thinking that they really don't want to be there. Gem was happy, relaxed, involved, thinking and NOT completely shut down or out of control. I was in control but not with any equipment, all I had was  halter, but I had her mind... so much safer and so much more fun! The possibilities are endless!
I'm just feeling sorry for those who never get to experience that feeling with their horse

Support

Pat Parelli's 7th Key to Success... SUPPORT.
Over the last month or so I've realised how vital this is, being at a facility that parelli is accepted and the property owner is a parelli student has made a huge difference in our progress. I can play without feeling judged, talk about what happened, ask questions and just share stories and knowledge.
IF ONLY there were more facilities promoting natural horsemanship in aust where people can take their horse and play in a supportive environment.
Having friends and family supporting is important and parelli connect and forums are fantastic but there is nothing quite like having someone to talk to, who's been through the same things and is passionate about the same thing!
One day........