To Parelli or not to Parelli?

I've heard so much talk about Parelli, both positive and negative. I've looked at their program, and I'm having a hard time justifying that kind of price tag. What concerns me more though is when I look on eBay for used sets, most of them are only the first series with "only one disc opened."

Does that mean they didn't like it once they got it? Did the first disc or two make so much difference that they didn't need to open the rest of the set? Did they just not have the time? Did their horse not cooperate? Did they lack the desire to work at having that kind of relationship with their horse? Did they sell their horse? Send him off to a trainer?

I've read all the things about their program on their website. I ordered (and watched) their free DVD. I have a book that I picked up from Amazon that briefly describes all of the "Seven Games."

Yesterday my husband and I sat down and watched a couple of the Parelli tv shows I'd recorded on our newly acquired RFD-TV station. I actually really enjoyed Pat. He was down to earth, and entertaining and there were several "oh wow" moments. He no doubt has a wonderful understanding of horses and how to communicate to them. I realize the price tag on the programs is high, but how do you value knowledge and time? For them to put down in writing and on film all of the methods and tricks they've discovered over the years, and offer that up to the general public is a monumental task which should be rewarded. I also think the programs could save some people an enormous amount of time in training and understanding their horse. Something is only valued by what people are willing to pay. Selling their program enables them to work full time at something they love. I'm a firm believer in supporting that.

But I've yet to see Pat actually get on a horse. Surely he knows how to ride. Right? I understand ground work is the foundation for everything you do with your horse. If you have no foundation, you have nothing and riding isn't going to be a pleasant experience for anyone. But where does the riding come in with this program? Why doesn't anyone talk about it? They have the advanced programs which seem to include it, but does anyone ever buy them? Maybe they do and they're the people who use them and keep them and don't stick them up on eBay. I've never seen them there anyway.

There's just something about it. I like that it's not beating the horse into something. And having a horse that's been obviously abused, I'm kind of thinking that it might be a better way to go with her. I guess I'll have to keep doing some researching. I think it's like anything else, no one way is "right" and I'll probably use different methods depending on how she reacts. I really like Pat's mentality though, and so much of what he says really makes sense.