Licensed Parelli Professional-Kristi Smith-Iowa Based 3 Star Parelli Instructor

Which class should I take?

If you are unsure of which class to take, send me an e-mail and let me know.

The Clinic format is a two-day immersion course with two teaching sessions each day. The morning sessions will emphasize theory and simulations to advance your skills. The afternoons will be more about practical skills and advancement. You must be a Savvy Club member to attend any and all activities. If you are not a member of our student body please email me to find out how you can get a temporary pass to take your membership for a test drive.

Level One and Learning to Play the Seven Games

In order to achieve your horsemanship goals you need to understand the language of horses. Parelli Natural Horsemanship takes you step by step through learning how to communicate with your horse. Horses have survived for centuries using Opposition Reflex or reading a predator’s intention and doing the opposite. Pat has broken this language down into the 7 games that horses play. You'll move into a whole new level of understanding about what you need to learn to make incomparable progress ... and it doesn't matter what riding experience level you're at now.

This clinic introduces you to the basic concepts and skills of the Parelli program. The focus of this clinic will be starting and developing a strong lasting partnership with your horse on the ground therefore no prerequisite riding skills are required

What will I learn?

Communication Basic Horse Psychology: Learn why horses do what they do and why force, fear and intimidation do not work
Personal Space
Learning Level 1 Parelli™ Patterns
The Seven Games: Learn how to communicate with your horse in their own language
Opposition Reflex: Learn to tell if fear or dominance is the root of your horse’s resistance and what to do about it.
Saddling as a Friendly Game

Previewing the Success Series (Horsenalities, 7 Games, and Safe Ride) and Parelli Level 1 Patterns as well as the “Get Started” DVD will help you to get the most out of this course.

Parelli Equipment Needed: Rope Halter, 12 foot lead rope, carrot stick, and savvy string, saddle & pad (possibly no riding in this clinic).

Level 2 Harmony & Harmony with the Parelli Patterns

Once safety and basic skills are learned now we can start to have more fun, and establish a deeper communication with our horse. Level 2 is about confidence and impulsion. Put more purpose to your play!

What we will cover:

Add purpose to the 7 games: Learn to increase your online skills and add interest to the 7 games with an obstacle, Level 2 Parelli™ Patterns
Use of phases: from teaching to reinforcing • Make vs. want: How can you help your horse to get exuberance?
Transition to the 22 foot line
Understanding Horsenality and how to use it to develop your perfect partner
Introduction to Impulsion: Learn how straight lines and circles effect how horses think and how to begin a program to balance their whoa and go

Pre-requisite: All participants should be comfortable walking and trotting their horses in an enclosed area prior to this clinic. You are not required to have attended a Level 1 clinic but a thorough understanding of the basic concepts and skills as presented in the home study pack is beneficial. Study/Review of the Success Series (Horsenalities, 7 Games, Safe Ride, Natural Rider, Natural Attraction, Beyond the Round Pen, Calm Ride, and Ride Out) and Level 1/2 Parelli Patterns as well as the Parelli Level 1 & 2 DVDs are recommended before attending the clinic.

Parelli Equipment Needed: Rope Halter, 12 foot line, 22 foot lead, carrot stick, savvy string, saddle, saddle pad, natural hackamore

Level Two Advanced Harmony & Patterns

Now we add more purpose and more challenges, building towards Harmony. Level 2 is about confidence for you and your horse.

What we will cover:

Transitions online: Learn how transitions build respect and attention
Changes of direction online: Learn how body language and position influences your horse
Sideways without a fence and in the saddle
Leads: Learn how body position in both the horse and rider affects leads
Parelli™ Patterns in 2 Savvys
9 step back up
Fluidity Techniques
Parelli Bridle Wisdom and Saddle Fit

Pre-requisite: All participants should be comfortable walking, trotting and cantering their horses in an enclosed area prior to this clinic. You are not required to have attended a Level 1 clinic but a thorough understanding of the basic concepts and skills as presented in the home study pack is expected. Study/Review of the Success Series (Horsenalities, 7 Games, Safe Ride, Natural Rider, Natural Attraction, Beyond the round Pen, Calm Ride, and Ride Out) and Parelli Patterns as well as the Levels 1 & 2 DVDs is recommended before attending the clinic and will accelerate your learning experience! Each participant will move on to riding if both the horse and rider are ready.

Parelli Equipment Needed: Rope Halter, 12 foot line, 22 foot line, saddle, saddle pad, carrot stick, savvy string, natural hackamore, and Parelli snaffle bridle, bareback pad is optional

Level 2/3 FreeStyle & Trail Riding

Pat often says that one of the things we can’t do too much of is to use our horses for transportation. Trail riding can be the most relaxing and enjoyable time spent with your horse. It can also be frustrating and frightening if you or your horse are unconfident on the trail. Jigging, spooking and bolting are many of the problems a lot of students face when taking their horse into unfamiliar territory. You will learn how to Ride Out with Savvy and safety, you will learn ways to give you and your horse more confidence. You'll start online and when mounted we will begin in an arena or playground. Then, with your new skills you'll go on a trail ride and practice your new skills.

Don’t miss this opportunity to go on a trail ride with a Parelli™ Instructor!

This Clinic takes place at the River Valley Lodge and Campground.

Pre-requisite: This class is for Level 2 and beyond students. You need to have either completed the Level 1 introductory course or passed your Level 1 audition to participate. Students should be comfortable walking, trotting and cantering.

Parelli Equipment Needed: Rope Halter, 12 foot line, 22 foot line, saddle, saddle pad, carrot stick, savvy string, and natural hackamore

Level 3 Excellence and High level Communication

Pat will say that not being progressive with your horse can be just as cruel as being unkind to them. Practice does not make perfect, only perfect practice makes perfect. In this clinic you will learn how to refine your communication and start to achieve excellent results. Learn to play on the 45’ line, play at liberty, and head towards bridles riding.

Pre-requisite: This class is for students who are studying level 3. You need to have at least self assessed to level 2 On Line and Freestyle.

Parelli Equipment Needed: Rope Halter, 12 foot line, 22 foot line, 45’ line, saddle, saddle pad, carrot stick, savvy string, and Confidence Snaffle or Cradle Bridle.

Advance Your Horsemanship

This is the ideal format for groups that have a wide range of horsemanship development. Pat is a firm believer in the learn via the task format. We will focus on the tasks in the Self Assessment Checklist in this course. And, since each task has its own version for each level, we can have folks studying levels 2 to 4 in this course. The mornings will begin with a theory session that will include simulations to advance your skills as well as unofficial assessments to give you an idea of what level your relationship is at. Then in the afternoon we will focus on the task lists with an emphasis on “what is missing” in your fundamentals to achieve the advanced tasks.

Pre-requisite: This class is for Level 2 and beyond students. You need to have either completed the Level 1 introductory course or passed your Level 1 audition to participate. Reviewing the Levels DVDs will help you to get the most out of this experience. Students should be comfortable walking, trotting and cantering.

Parelli Equipment Needed: Rope Halter, 12 foot line, 22 foot line, saddle, saddle pad, carrot stick, savvy string, and natural hackamore

Private Lessons

This is a one to three hour lesson. You will discuss your challenges and goals and Kristi will help you to determine what the focus of your lesson should be.

Workshops

Most folks are very familiar with the 2 to 3 day clinic format. The clinic format is for folks who are looking for broad concepts and is a great way to get started on a particular topic. The Workshop format of 3 hours allows us to dive into more detail. Each session will have between 3 and 6 participants. This will allow for lots of individual attention and problem solving. Dive into the details for a short period of time and then go off to lick and chew.

A particular savvy or game may be selected by Kristi based upon observation of the group or we will cover the predetermined subject chosen from the list below. The focus of Workshops is practice, practice, practice. Students new to Parelli Natural Horsemanship™ should consider participating in a clinic and/or private lesson before signing up for a workshop. Workshop participation requires that you have purchased Pat Parelli’s Savvy System, or taken three private lessons, or participated in a clinic.

Learning to Play the 7 Games/ Breaking the Level 1 Barrier (L1 On Line)

Learn the dynamics of the ABC’s of the language of horses as developed by Pat Parelli. Sensitize your horse to the things you would like for him to be sensitive to and desensitize him to stimulus that doesn’t need to mean anything.

Winning the 7 Games (L2 On Line)

Start playing the On Line Parelli Patterns so that you don’t turn the 7 Games into the 7 jobs or worse, the 7 tortures. Take your basic skills from Level 1 and start having fun with Level 2 On Line!

Preparing For a Safe and Fun Ride (L2 Freestyle)

Get your horse in the mood to be your partner. Learn to read when your horse is ready to ride and what to do when he isn’t.

Riding with 1 Rein (L2 Freestyle)

Gain control of your predator tendencies while learning to get connected to your horse’s feet. Are you playing all 7 Games from on top of zone 3? This topic is one that folks like to skip because it makes us uncomfortable. But, remember that these skills will be essential to your future success. If you have not mastered them, there will be a hole in your relationship.

Rein Positions (L2 Freestyle)

Gain a strong foundation on perfect practice with rein positions. Learn and understand when and why to use each. Get your horse’s feet in your hands.

Expand your Driving Game (L2/3 On Line)

Keep building your relationship and develop your communication skills in all 5 zones. Learn the strategies for starting 1 and 2 rein driving on the ground.

Impulsion Programs and Fluidity (L2/3 Freestyle)

Use the Parelli Freestyle Patterns to get your horse’s whoa equal to his go as well as learn how to flow with his go. Learn strategies for you and your horse to gain some relaxation in and with motion.

Building towards Bridless Riding (L3 Freestyle)

How perfect is your practice? Learn to expand your 7 Games and Parelli Patterns to take your riding to the refinement level. Do the simple things with excellence.

Liberty 7 Games and Patterns (L3 Liberty)

Test your strength of bond. What is the truth about your relationship? Use the Liberty Patterns and the 7 Games to create positive reflexes and play sessions that are fun for you and your horse.

Preparing to Create a Successful Audition (Levels 1-3)

Learn strategies for creating a video that you and your horse can be proud of. Create a session that is fluid and a good example of where your relationship is at with your horse.

Auditors/Spectators

Auditor tickets can be arranged with the host/contact listed in our Clinic Schedule.

Attending a Kristi Smith course as an Auditor Student is more than just auditing. It is an effective, very affordable way to learn and develop your horsemanship skills. You will observe and participate without a horse. This is an interactive opportunity to participate. You'll have the distinct advantage of being able to focus on what the others in the class are doing, and you'll have time to make notes, take photos, and ask as many questions as you like. Kristi invites and encourages questions from the Auditors at all times.

Your progress will be even faster when you first take the time to work on yourself. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in any of the games, exercises and simulations that do not directly involve the horses. This is when students really have time to develop a great feel for the techniques before interacting with a horse. With this kind of preparation you'll communicate much more clearly with your horse, because you'll already have a precise picture established in your head.

Services	What this covers	Numbers	Timeframes	Rates
Video Coaching	Level One, Two, Three or specific problem issues 15-20 minutes of video		You will get results within 10-15 days	$75
Private Lessons	One on one private time Offered either side of a clinic or within local area	1 person	1 - 3 hours	$100/hour
Clinic	Clinics are level specific.	Minimum of 6 people, Maximum 10 participants	Two days-12 hours	$400/person*
Workshop	A workshop covers a Savvy e.g.-On Line, Liberty, FreeStyle, Finesse or a focus session on Level specific tasks	Minimum of 3 and Maximum of 6 people per 3 hour workshop Students can attend one or all workshops	3 hours	$175/person
Horseless Auditors	Join in on some simulations and watch students and horses transform	Email Clinic Coordinator	Two days-12 hours	$35/day

*Travel expenses will be added on at the rate of 75 cents per mile round trip or air fare expense.

**Arena Fees and stall fees will be added on extra.

*** Become a Clinic Coordinator- Ask about Kristi’s Clinic Coordinator Discount