Mastering the 7 Parelli Games

The bond between a horse and its rider is a unique and profound connection, built on trust, understanding, and mutual respect. For those seeking to deepen this relationship, the Parelli Natural Horsemanship (PNH) method offers a structured yet intuitive approach. At the heart of this philosophy lie the '7 Parelli Games', a series of exercises designed to foster communication and partnership. This article delves into the essence of these games, their origins, principles, and how they can transform your horsemanship journey.

Understanding Pat Parelli and Natural Horsemanship

Pat Parelli, born in 1954, has dedicated his life to understanding and working with horses. With decades of experience in the equestrian world, he developed the Parelli Natural Horsemanship method, often referred to as 'whisperer' training in the United States. Parelli's approach is rooted in the horse's natural instincts as a prey animal, viewing humans as potential predators. The core principle is for the human to establish themselves as a calm, confident leader, creating a safe and trusting environment for the horse.

The PNH method emphasizes partnership over dominance, aiming for a relationship free from stress. It's about working in unison, with both horse and rider understanding their roles and responsibilities. The horse is encouraged to be self-reliant, maintaining requested gaits and directions without constant prompting. The rider, in turn, must focus, anticipate, and think like a horse, offering clear, progressive, and never brutal, guidance. This method is not just about the 7 games; it encompasses a comprehensive progression of levels, from Partnership (Level 1) to Supreme Unity (Level 10), each building upon the foundational understanding established in the initial stages.

The 7 Parelli Games: Building Blocks of Partnership

The 7 Parelli Games are the cornerstone of Level 1, focusing on building trust and a shared language. These games can initially be practiced on a longe line, gradually progressing to free work in a round pen or a larger arena. The essential equipment is a rope halter (often called an 'ethological halter') and a 'carrot stick', a long stick with a string or string-like attachment that extends the rider's arm and aids in communication.

The key to success in these games lies in being honest, reassuring, and consistent. Horses respond to clarity and confidence, not to anger or force. They do not understand malice; they simply react to the cues they are given. Building trust means being forgiving and understanding, allowing the horse to learn and grow without coercion. The ultimate goal is to perform these games with the horse in complete freedom.

1. The Friendship Game

This game is all about desensitisation. The horse is introduced to objects or situations that might typically cause fear – a saddle, a tarp, a ball, or even unusual movements from the rider. The goal is to prove to the horse that it can trust its human partner, even amidst strange sights and sounds. Start slowly, offering plenty of reassurance. The game is considered successful when the horse allows itself to be touched by the object anywhere on its body and remains calm even when the rider moves around it energetically. This isn't about scaring the horse, but about demonstrating that the human means no harm. Patience is crucial; some horses may need more time to overcome specific fears.

2. The Porcupine Game

Inspired by herd dynamics, this game teaches the horse to yield to physical pressure. When a herd leader wants a horse to move, it might start with a look, then a nudge, and if necessary, a nip. This game mimics that by using pressure from your fingers, the carrot stick, or the end of the lead rope to encourage the horse to move away from the pressure. Horses have an innate defence mechanism to resist pressure, much like when they resist giving a hoof. This game teaches them to yield to pressure, thereby reducing that innate resistance. The technique involves applying continuous pressure until the horse yields, even just a little. The moment the horse yields, the pressure is immediately released, and the horse is praised. This is known as negative reinforcement – removing something unpleasant when the desired behaviour occurs. The horse quickly learns that yielding brings comfort and relief.

3. The Driving Game

Building on the Porcupine Game, the Driving Game teaches the horse to respond to pressure without direct physical contact. The rider uses distance cues, body language, and the carrot stick to guide the horse. This game develops the horse's ability to respond to mental pressure. To make the horse back up, the rider stands about 1.5 meters in front and uses a finger-waving motion as if flicking water, advancing towards the horse. If the horse doesn't move, a gentle nudge with the finger on the chest is applied. To make the horse move its forehand, the rider stands near the shoulder and advances with a raised finger towards the horse's eye (without touching), encouraging the horse to move away. To move the hindquarters, the rider stands near the horse's thigh and uses the end of the longe whip to create pressure, encouraging the horse to turn its hindquarters away. In all cases, immediate release and praise follow any yielding.

4. The Yo-Yo Game

This game teaches the horse to move forward and backward in a straight line, facing the rider. It balances two crucial elements: respect (moving away from the rider) and confidence (returning to the rider). Using the longe, the rider first uses a 'no' motion with their finger and swings the longe to signal the horse to back up. If the horse doesn't respond, the pressure increases with the forearm, then the whole arm, and finally a firm swing of the longe, causing discomfort around the halter. The horse will instinctively move away from this discomfort. As soon as the horse backs up, the pressure stops, and it is rewarded. The goal is for the horse to back up a few steps with just a finger motion and then return to the rider with a gentle pull on the longe. The horse should move in a straight line, both when backing up and when returning.

5. The Circle Game

In this game, the horse learns to maintain a specific gait and direction on a circle without constant rider input. It encourages the horse to take responsibility for its own impulsion and momentum. The horse is expected to maintain the requested gait until asked to change. If the horse deviates in pace or direction, the rider applies a gentle correction, perhaps bringing it back to the centre of the circle or asking for a change in gait. The rider should vary the gaits (walk, trot, canter) and directions, and can introduce obstacles like cones to enhance the challenge. The key is to let the horse work when it's doing it correctly and to offer gentle guidance when it falters.

6. The Sideways Game

This game focuses on lateral movement, teaching the horse to cross its legs (both front and hind) to move sideways. It improves suppleness, suspension, reduces the flight instinct, and enhances coordination. To help the horse understand, position it facing a wall or barrier. Stand beside the horse and ask it to move sideways away from you. If the horse understands the Driving Game, using cues towards its head and hindquarters will be effective. Initially, a longe whip might be used to create pressure on different parts of the body, but with practice, a hand cue or the carrot stick will suffice. The horse will gradually learn to move as a whole unit. Ensure the horse can perform this movement in both directions and always reward its efforts.

7. The Corridor Game (Narrow Passage)

Horses can be naturally claustrophobic and sometimes misjudge their own width, leading to dangerous situations when they feel confined. This game helps the horse become more confident in itself and overcome its natural aversion to narrow spaces. The objective is to teach the horse to pass through, over, under, or between various objects. Start by creating a narrow passage between yourself and a wall or barrier. Gradually reduce the space until it's just wide enough for the horse. Introduce obstacles like tarpaulin curtains or fallen logs. The horse learns to trust that if its leader indicates there is no danger, then there is no danger. Practice in both directions and offer ample praise.

Beyond the Games: A Continuous Journey

Mastering the 7 Parelli Games is not an end point but a foundation. Regular practice is essential to maintain and deepen the partnership. These games provide a framework for consistent communication and understanding, paving the way for more advanced levels of horsemanship.

Have you experienced the Parelli method? Do you practice these 7 Games with your horse? Has your relationship with your equine partner improved as a result? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!