Course Content
Which class should I take? Below is a general description of the basic courses that Kelly offers. If you are unsure of which class to take, send us an e-mail and let us know.
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Knowledge, Skill and Confidence Build Savvy
Most riding schools focus on just that ... riding. But that's only part of the skill and knowledge we need to become safe and skillful with horses. Horses are much more than just a riding animal -- they're an attitude on four legs! Horses have instincts, thoughts and emotions about people, and this determines how they respond or react, whether positively or negatively.
Without realizing it, people can trigger survival instincts in a horse and the consequences can be great! A horse does not think he's going to be hurt -- he believes he's going to be killed and will do anything to escape if he perceives his survival is threatened. Because we aren't normally taught how a horse thinks, then the bolting, rearing, striking, bucking, kicking and biting are labeled vices when, in fact, they are sure signs of defense, domination, or disrespect. Understanding horse psychology is essential to becoming skillful with horses.
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Level 1...The Beginning
Level one is more than just basic skills and safety. It is the first step to developing a relationship with your horse based on respect and partnership. The whole aim of Level 1 is to overcome "Opposition Reflex" and to teach you the rudiments of the language called "horse".
What an amazing focus for a clinic! When you realize that Opposition Reflex is the reason you get frustrated, disillusioned, and get mediocre results with your horses, 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.
Allow me to start you on this journey that will take you to places that you could have never imagined would have been possible with horses!
There are no pre-requisites for this course. Previewing the Level 1 pack will greatly accelerate your learning.
Parelli Equipment Needed:
Rope Halter, 12 foot lead rope, carrot stick, and savvy string, saddle & pad
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Level 1...Advanced
Continue to develop your Savvy by taking your ground skills to an even higher level and developing your leadership skills while riding! The Level 1 Advanced Clinic is designed to give you more information and techniques to assist you in obtaining Level 1. You will grasp the concepts and details more easily now that you understand the primary principles.
You must have a good grasp of the natural horsemanship philosophies taught in the Level 1 Primary Clinic or in the Parelli Partnership Pack.
Parelli Equipment Needed:
Halter, 12 foot line, carrot stick, savvy string, saddle, saddle pad, natural hackamore (optional- can use your halter and 12 foot lead to ride in).
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Level 2...Introductory
In Level 1 you made changes in the way you think, learning to consider your horse's point of view and to understand the predator-prey relationship challenges. Now in Level 2 you learn how to develop that relationship into a mutually rewarding experience -- that of being in Harmony with your horse and having a willing partner on line, at liberty, freestyle or finesse.
Level 2 is about confidence. It is about timing-knowing what to do and when to do it. Now, we will begin to develop your feel by working with longer lines and testing your leadership. We will continue to develop your riding skills by learning the keys to having a balanced seat. Most of all, you will begin to have even more fun with your horse now that you are safe and confident!
Begin the next step to a true partnership with your horse by developing the ingredients that will lead to harmony in your relationship!
All students should feel comfortable walking, trotting and cantering. Previewing the Level 2 Savvy System before attending the clinic and you will greatly enhance your learning experience!
Parelli Equipment Needed:
Rope Halter, 12 foot line, 22 foot line, saddle, saddle pad, carrot stick, savvy string, and natural hackamore
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Level 2...Advanced
In the Level 2 Introductory Clinic you learned how to improve your relationship with your horse. This is an advanced clinic that explores all four savvies of Level 2. You will review on line, and be introduced to liberty, advanced freestyle riding, the impulsion program and finesse. I would love to help you with this next step to your journey and prepare you for level 3 and develop a lifelong partnership with your horse!
Students must be proficient with the natural philosophies taught in the Level 2 Introductory Clinic or in the Confidence.Harmony Pack, and must be able to walk, trot and canter your horse comfortably in an enclosed area.
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
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Level 3
In Level 2 you made changes in the way you think, learning to consider your horse's point of view and to understand the predator-prey relationship challenges. Now in Level 3 you learn how to develop that relationship into a mutually rewarding experience --through communication, confidence, timing and fluidity. Ground skills and riding skills covered that are listed on the Level 3 assessment. This class is appropriate for those that have passed the Level 2 or self assessed level 2 . Each Level 3 class is unique and a variety of Level 3 tasks will be covered so even if you have taken a Level 3 class before, you can be sure that you will learn new skills each time you take the class.
Parelli Equipment needed: rope halter, 12’ lead line, 22’ line (optional), carrot stick w/savvy string, hackamore or bridle, saddle & pad. Cradle bridle is highly recommended!
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Trail Riding
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. In this class you will learn Savvy ways to give you and your horse more confidence. You'll start off online and mounted in an arena or playground. Then, with your new skills you'll go on a trail ride and practice your new skills.
Trail riding classes are offered at the Biltmore Estate Equestrian Center. With more than 80 miles of beautiful well marked trails, don't miss this opportunity to go on a trail ride with a Parelli Instructor!
This class is for Level 2 students. You need to have either completed the Level 1 introductory course or passed your Level 1 assessment 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
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