Problems in the Saddle

People’s problems with horses generally fall into one of two categories: either they’re having problems moving their horse on the ground or they’re experiencing problems when they’re on the horse’s back.

When you are experiencing horse problems in the saddle, we often recommend establishing a good, strong, trusting, partnership with your horse on the ground first. One of the best ways to do that is to play with your horse using the Parelli Seven Games. Actually, all of the Parelli methods of natural horse training are based on developing a good relationship with your horse first and foremost, learning to understand your horse, read your horse, and train him through love, language, leadership, respect, care and concern. This comes from being able to see all horse problems and horse behavior from the horse’s point of view so that you understand what he’s doing and why.

Another step to understanding your horse is to figure out his basic personality – which we call his “Horsenality™” – and learn the training strategies that work best with his individual psychology.

When To Undertake Riding a Horse

Once you have the foundation of a good relationship wherein your horse trusts you as his “alpha,” and you’ve got a good understanding of your horse’s personality type – and know what frightens him, pleases him, motivates him and what makes him tick – then you can consider getting on his back. How do you know when it’s okay to ride? When your horse is calm, relaxed, responsive and cooperative on the ground, then you can comfortably proceed to riding your horse.

Horse Training Solutions

The section to the left provides natural horsemanship solutions to horse problems in the saddle.

Remember that horses are herd animals and instinctively feel comfortable following a trustworthy leader, so much of the Parelli method of natural horse training focuses on teaching you how to become that kind of leader/partner for your horse.

If you’d be interested in sharing your journey of learning to solve your horse problems in the saddle and on the ground in a natural, kind and effective manner, we invite you to become a member of the Parelli Savvy Horse Club.