7 Parelli Games?

The key whizzer is when they are used like you are using them. As a tool but not in replacement of a trainer which is what far too many people do. Far too many inexperienced people get the DVDs and think they can just start training horses.

I find the games easy to understand and helps me with my communication with our horses as well but I rely heavily on the experience of our trainer for teaching me what steps to take in what situations. So while I like the 7 games and a lot of the Parelli method Im a huge advocate of having an experienced trainer to always help guide you along.

When I first got my first and crazy horse, it was with the Parelli style that we both learned. I first tried CA, but the tapping stuff would make her see red. The giggling, gentler approach of the Parelli style worked best for us. I was also new to horses during this part of the journey and it helped me learn to read horse body language, slowly. It was something I could do with my horse to build a trust and relationship with her. I was in no rush to get on her and ride, just learn about her and have her learn about me, for months before I rode her. It was also something I felt coordinated to do, which I think helped my horse since I could be clear and consistent.

As the years have gone on now, and I have other horses, I change my method style as needed. I have had to use an approach where I need to be less 'gooey' and mean what I say 'now'. So, I do use some of CA stuff at times too. I really don't use one or the other, kind of a mix. I always love to start with join up type exercises to learn about what the horse is made up of in a matter of minutes...then I can decide what approach to take.

That being said, my first and crazy horse turned out to be a wonderful annd respectful horse. She was a pure joy for me and she was trained when all I knew was the Parelli style. It worked for us, but I can see when another approach may be needed for different horses.

Some of the stuff is really the same anyway....Yoyo game = Hula Hoop method etc. They use the same 'stick' etc.

I have been learning from Buck Brannaman for 21 years. I believe in what he teaches and what he teaches is suiting for the horses and keeps the human safe. Having the horse conneted and respecting you is essential. I believe what he teaches and I teach what he teaches. I work with Mustangs, Problem Horse and Start Colts. I teach others the importance of being aware around horses on the ground and on their backs. I don't think playing games is the best way to work with a horse. I also think humans go to clinics and get a little bit of knowledge and think they know it and can get hurt, confuse their horses or get someone else hurt. If you are not an experience horse person and you are playing games with your horse there is potential for getting hurt. One of the reasons I have stayed with Buck all these years is because what he teaches keeps people safe. But people have to make a commitment and work at the methods any person teaches.

Katie I will say this. The games are for you to remember that working with your horse should be fun for you and him or her.
Now I will say this when I started watching the level 1 material that PP has I would have expected more about safety in there. I mean he does show you some safety measures to take and how to do blocks to keep a horse out of your space but I have to admit I've watched other trainers videos and they talk much more about safety.

This is also where having an expereienced trainer guiding you is important. Its pretty well stupid to think you can watch some DVD's and start training horses. I would say unless you as a person are already pretty in tune with how to work with horses then the DVD's aren't going to be enough for you.