Parelli Inspirational Minute - Having Fun On Line

Check out this awesome video of Parelli Professionals playing with advanced concepts On Line with their horses!

Parelli FreeStyle & Finesse Play with Aspen

Thank you for stopping by my blog!  I have had some awesome mini-breakthroughs with my lovely mare, Aspen.  I can't wait to share all the details with you - check back soon!

Below is a little video of some of the things we are working to improve!  Be sure to check out my YouTube channel (link to the left!) and comment, like and subscribe!

oxox - Samantha & Aspen

Parelli Videos!

Have you seen the latest Parelli Inspirational Minute - Fun & Creative JUMPING?

Also - be sure to subscribe to My YouTube Channel for fun, educational & inspirational videos!

Here is a lesson I took in 2013 at the Parelli Ranch in Colorado as an Extern!

New Years Resolutions....

On December 31st, during our morning meeting, we were asked what our New Years Resolutions were for 2015.  It came to my turn and I didn't have one, I couldn't even come up with a quick one because then I'd be obligated to stick to something I hadn't really thought through.

My last New Years Resolution was in 2013 when I vowed to put me first and make decisions not based on what was best for the masses (okay, basically my boyfriend at the time, friends and work) but what was best for me.  That simple resolution allowed me to be bold enough to accept  place in the 2013 Externship and accept an awkward and terrible breakup that summer as the catalyst for major positive change in my life.  I decided in 2013 to do things for me and live boldly!  My breakup happened during my course at the Parelli ranch, the easy thing would have been to go home to Montana when the class was over, pack up my stuff, and move in with my parents in Seattle.  Instead I chose to stay in Pagosa.  I went up to Seattle and collected my dogs from my parents (who had them for the duration of my course) and drove down to Montana to pack up my life.  Leaving all that was secure behind I arrived in Pagosa to start a new adventure.  My time in Pagosa thus far has been challenging, frustrating, scary and rewarding.  I did everything I promised in the beginning of 2013 - doing things for me and living boldly, ultimately culminating in a MAJOR life change.

2014 rolled around and I had another personal life crisis occur right on New Years day, causing me to pack up from where I had just barely settled and relocate again.  I was nearly bitter about my 2013 resolution - it had been good to me, yet it had also put me in this terrible spot I was at currently.

The year proved to have its ups and downs too, it was more just a year of settling into my new way of life.  Trying to build new friendships, find an equally successful job, and continue toward my focus of becoming a Parelli Professional.  

The discussion at the morning meeting caused me to think again about resolutions - what did I really want for myself this year?  What was I brave enough to commit to after 2013?  I asked a few other people outside of work who replied that resolutions were only for people that thought they were living a crappy life before and now just because it was January 1 they were going to magically change.

I disagree.  A resolution is just a resolve, a resolve is a decision.  What decision was I going to make for myself going forward?  

The decision I've made to believe about myself is that I'm okay.  My job is okay, my appearance is ok, my life is ok.  I'm not a failure, I haven't been living a bad life, and I'm not disappointing anyone.  

I'm okay.

Now with that in mind, I will treat myself like I am okay.  My 2015 resolution is to treat myself better.  Treat myself to healthy, organic, vegan food, treat myself to time at the gym, treat myself to as much horse time as I can get, treat myself to self respect and self love, treat myself so good that others see the value I have placed on my life and treat me the same way.

I also want to resolve to push the boundaries.  I like my comfort zone, maybe more than most, and if I don't consciously resolve to live boldly and think outside the box (something Mark Weiler is amazing at!) then it is easy for me to slip away into a life of mundane ease.

I love myself enough to treat myself especially well.

Here is to my year of being okay, of pushing my limits, of doing more and taking the challenging road when it is presented to me.

A few very specific goals I have:

Finish Level 4 and activate my Parelli Professional status.

Go vegan!  Start this by committing to a month of "raw till 4".

Build my financial strength and continue saving and investing.

Much love to you all for 2015! 

Update :)

I feel like it has been ages since I've sat down and written anything.  Lots of small updates on my Parelli Connect page (search Aspen and me there if you're a member!) but no big entries.

I started my new job at Parelli Central in the Professionals Department in September.  It's been so much fun getting to know everyone in the office!  I have especially enjoyed working with the team in the Professionals Department - Tina, Gale and Ashley.  They've been so welcoming, patient, and supportive of me in my new position.

Being in touch with so many Parelli Professionals every day constantly reminds me of the dedication and passion that they have for their horsemanship and their students.  There are exciting things brewing in the Professionals Department!! :)

Aspen has been mostly good lately.  We've had some issues with her choking on grain over the last month... seems to be an issue with her being too dry - as far as not enough blood and bodily fluids and therefore she's become prone to choking on small particles.  This explains why it's just grain (soaked or not) and not choking on hay.  I got some herbs from the vet to see if we can build her blood and fluids back up... Meh.

We've been playing with new jumps - and being more particular about rhythm and relaxation.  I feel like I'm totally stalled out on my riding progress, but everyone keeps telling me that always happens right before a big breakthrough.  I can't expect too much progress given my new schedule at work and the weather - it limits my time and opportunity to ride greatly during the winter months.  I just can't wait for spring - I cannot wait to film and pass my last two Savvys in Level 4!!

Merry belated Christmas!

Here are a couple photos I've taken recently.  Enjoy :)

Pony selfie!!!

Flying lead changes!!

A little bit of liberty :)

Extern, Week 1 & 2

I finally have some time to write since arriving in Pagosa Springs for the Extern program!

My lovely boyfriend helped me out and drove Aspen to Salt Lake City while I followed in my car to meet up with a fellow Extern. From there Aspen loaded onto her trailer the next morning and we continued our trip down to Colorado. She arrived in good health and was happy to unload here in Parelli land! Our instructors, Maurice Thibault and Susan Nelson, along with other Parelli staff helped us get checked in and unpacked and proceeded with orientation and a facility tour.

Week 1 was comprised of establishing our individual baselines - where we're at in the program in each savvy. No testing, just a 'show me what you can do today' kind of set up. Week 2 has been helping us as a class (17 in total) spruce up in a few common areas we all could improve on; such as Porcupine game in preparation for riding (remember, Porcupine Game is the most important game after Friendly - that's why it's game #2!), changes of direction on a circle, connection on a circle, soft touch, and carrot stick riding. We've also done some fun simulations and team building exercises as well as some great Q&A with Maurice and Susan!

 Right now I'm sitting here in the Extern barn gazing out the office windows watching people mosey around, visiting, laughing, riding, shoeing horses - all of our equine partners content in their pens or out in the playground grazing on supervised turnout. It's such a lovely atmosphere full of support and a common goodwill. Nothing is competitive here, it really is about putting the relationship first - with our horses and each other.

Aspen had a little bath this morning and is all shiny and braided and content soaking up the sun. I love seeing her everyday and I am so optimistic to see how our relationship grows throughout this course! We finally got my shims figured out (for now, I think!) and I am no longer having crooked and sliding saddle issues - I can already see a difference in her when it's time to ride. Horses love harmony and now that the saddle isn't falling off her left side anymore we can finally have more of it - the harmony that is!

 I am so excited for this upcoming week as we should be getting to see Pat and Linda and really get into the learning! I will try to write more and keep better updated now that I've settled in and have a routine :)

Freestyle Audition Results - Level 3++