Rescue Horses to be Honored at Parelli Celebration in Lakeland, FL

The Humane Society of the United States and Parelli Natural Horsemanship Team Up to Spotlight Trainability of Rescued Horses

(Oct. 6, 2009) – The Humane Society of the United States and world-renowned natural horsemanship trainers, Linda and Pat Parelli, will join forces to spotlight the trainability and intelligence of rescued horses at the Parelli™ Celebration in Lakeland, Fla., Oct. 9 – 11. The Parelli Celebration is a three-day event celebrating horses and humans, offering the opportunity to learn valuable training skills from worldwide leaders in Natural Horsemanship.

As part of the celebration, The HSUS is working with Equine Rescue Adoption Foundation, Inc. to help a horse in need of training through a three-day development program with Pat Parelli that combines common sense psychology, communication techniques and philosophies. Celebration guests will see firsthand the resilience and trainability of rescued horses, in addition to their ability to form strong bonds with humans if given the proper training.

The featured horse at the Lakeland Celebration is expected to be Reina, a stunning 6-year-old bay Thoroughbred mare. A former racehorse who was retrained as a pleasure horse, Reina was surrendered to Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation, Inc. by her owner. Though the previous owner could not afford to continue caring for the horse, she demonstrated responsible ownership by seeking assistance in finding a home for the horse instead of selling her. Sale at a horse auction could have resulted in Reina being exported for slaughter, and her meat sold for human consumption abroad.

During 2009, The HSUS and Parelli traveled the country to hold Celebrations in seven different cities. Like Lakeland, each Celebration featured an adoptable rescued horse who worked with Parelli for the three-day event and then was made available for adoption through the participating horse rescue group.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:	Holly Hazard, The HSUS’ chief innovations officer Linda and Pat Parelli, of Parelli Natural Horsemanship
WHEN:	Oct. 9-11, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day
WHERE:	The Lakeland Center at George Jenkins Arena: 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland, FL 33815

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About the Humane Society of the United States
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization — backed by nearly 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs.
Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at HumaneSociety.org.

The HSUS works to heighten awareness of the benefits of adopting a rescued horse and to prevent cruelty to our equine companions. Through the Homes for Horses Coalition, co-founded by The HSUS, we provide resources and support to the equine rescue community. Please visit HomesForHorses.org for more information.

About The HSUS/Parelli Relationship
The HSUS-Parelli relationship is designed to raise awareness among the horse community about the plight of rescued horses everywhere, and to highlight the trainability of these resilient, forgiving animals. The goals are to give horsemen and women an understanding of the advantages of adopting a rescued horse, while bringing well-deserved attention to those dedicated to saving the lives of rescued horses.

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About Parelli
The Parelli Program, founded in 1981 by lifelong horseman and teacher Pat Parelli, combines in-depth equine psychology and common sense communication techniques into the ultimate recipe for horse and rider success. The Parelli method allows horse owners at all levels of experience to achieve success without force, partnership without dominance and harmony without coercion. Pat and wife Linda are on a mission to make the world a better place for horses and humans, working to inspire, empower and educate through natural horsemanship. Their award-winning educational TV series can be seen on cable and satellite in the USA and UK.