Monday, December 30, 2013

Parelli Program, the first months

Why Parelli?
First of all it happens that my horse has already been through the Parelli program and that's how I met my instructor. As she knew the horse, she offered me an introductory class. But what made me choose to continue with Parelli and not another natural horsemanship school is that it talks to me. I like how the program is designed, there is steps or levels, there is goals. It's clear. I don't have a problem with the business appearance of it, of the very expensive material and all. I think it's like how you choose your yoga teacher or Yoga "style". It's personal, it's a connection.


On Thursday October the 24th 2013 I had my first Parelli training class and first Parelli experience. We did it in the backyard. I loved it right away. It was like finding what I was always looking for to BE with horses: a relation based on trust and respect. My instructor, Tricia, introduced me to the basics and the first games. I feel blessed that the horse I have has already some training and I am really able to learn from her. Very fast I realized that actually she is my teacher. The class went well. Without an hesitation I asked Tricia if she would like to give me another class and she said yes:) She gave me a DVD that would help to review what we did and to get familiar with the vocabulary and the program.

November has been a discovery month. I watched the DVD a couple of time, did some short practices from what I could remember. I felt very clumsy sometime and Finale was very patient with me. I checked the website also and by mid November I was sure it was what I wanted to do. I wanted to go through the program, getting lessons, learning, practicing Parelli. So for my birthday I ordered the educational kit and schedule my next lesson.
The second class was on November 23rd. I was so excited about it! This time we went to the arena which was way better in terms of focus. Now that I knew a little better what I was doing, Tricia showed me the games in more details. I was able to see how a deeper relationship could take place.

December is when it really started. There is no more doubts or questions about Parelli (if there ever was!). First step was about building a relation with Finale. I spent a lot of time with her, grooming, taking care, just being there for her and with her. The goal was to be committed to us, to have this special bond and to let her know that she is very special to me.
A few pointer for December:

  • I received my kit with ropes, carrot stick, DVDs.
  • I tried to practice in the arena 3 times a week and slowly got use to the games, the equipment, the communication.
  • I realized that I have to slow down when I practice with Finale and take time to integrate.
  • I have to be aware of my posture, my energy. I may not know what I do but Finale sees everything:)
  • I started to have some fun in the arena. It's a new way to work with the horse or should I say play with the horse. 
  • I also started to have a glimpse of a beautiful and sweet connection with Finale.
  • It's very important to be consistent. I need to stick to my schedule. It reminds me the path of Yoga: Practice, discipline, commitment, detachment.

I started to practice the circling game. It went pretty well for a few sessions but I had to step back as I lost the backing up in the process. When Tricia came for my third class on December 21st it was broken and we spent the class to review the basics. After one month of progress I had to go back to the very basic and I discovered that actually it is totally fine with me. 
I spent the end of the month practicing the backward motion with the Porcupine, Driving and Yoyo game. Slowly getting it back.

The practice teaches me a lot at a personal level and I realize that the training is going to ask me to work on myself too before even asking something to my horse!


Friday, December 20, 2013

Change of weather

Two days ago a cold front was about the hit the island of Maui. On that morning, it was a beautiful sunny day with wind. Anybody who knows Maui also knows that wind is very common here. It could have been like any other day but there was something different and the horses could sense it.

Maybe the direction of the wind, the temperature, the atmospheric pressure... the horses were very nervous, especially when a lead mare was removed from her herd (for special feeding and care).
As I observed the weather I could find the Vata qualities of it: windy, dry, cool. And I could also see how a Vata imbalance was showing in the horses through nervousness and anxiety. They were agitated, irritated and impatient.
Being aware of the Vata situation, I let every horses with their buddies, gave them food and didn't bother them. I cancelled my class.

Clouds heading for East side of island.

Later that day the clouds came in and it started to rain. Almost a relief as everything was slowly coming back to peace.
I am always amazed when witnessing the extreme sensitivity of horses, at so many levels. It was a great opportunity for me to tune with them and acknowledge our connection to Nature, to respect the moment and to act accordingly to it.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Brahmi Oil - Part 2: Study Cases

This post follows Brahmi Oil - Part 1: Presentation

Study Case #1:
I used Brahmi oil on a mare that was showing a high Pitta condition (anger, irritation). She loved it at first sight (and smell). It helped her to relax toward a peaceful state.

Study Case #2: I used Brahmi oil on a daily basis on a horse with a wound on back and belly from fly bites. After one week of treatment the skin was clean and soft and we could see the beginning of hair growth. After two weeks of daily treatment it was fully recovered with no more traces of wound.


Study Case #3: I gave Brahmi oil to an owner whose horse had a fresh scar from deep cut. It required 14 stitches.


After the wound closed she started to apply the oil daily on the scar for several weeks. Today (a few months later) there is no trace of the scar. The hair grew back, the skin is soft. Of course a really good care of the wound during the healing was an important part of a clean recovery.




Adding a few drops of citronella and lavender essential oil in the Brahmi oil will also act as a repellent during the healing period.