Franklin Levinson & Parelli

[phoenix1]

Hi all
I don't know how well publicised Franklin Levinson's recent visit was this week, so I'll need a bit of feedback on that.
Anyway, Castle Leslie in Co.Monaghan hosted a weekend with American horse whisperer, Franklin Levinson (www.wayofthehorse.org) which was very good, I went to the demo on Fri evening.
After the show I was approached by an american lady who may be setting up a parelli demo here in Ireland at the end of June. I gave her my number and she said she would be in touch. Anyone interested can contact me or leave a message here, in case it goes ahead. I told her about this website, so hopefully she'll give it a look!
I'll keep you updated.
If you want to keep up to date with demo's at Castle Leslie e-mail [e-mail] and mention me, Julie from Phoenix Equestrian
Thank you!

[Elaine]

Cool, keep us posted about the parelli demo - is one of the parelli teachers from uk coming over? what kind of stuff was franklin doing in his demo? thanks!!

[phoenix1]

Franklin, like all the good horse whisperers, bases all his techniques on developing trust with the horse. Lightness of touch, patience and love all rate highly. He realised from an early age that you can't make a horse do anything. When working with a horse it's like a dance, with the human leading, with good, compasionate leadership, not dominance.
The most important feeling for a horse is a feeling of safety. It dwells within him. Infact a horse is like a baby-innocent-if he reacts negatively to something we must not take it personnaly. We must help develop the horses sense of safety, be their sanctuary.

Techniques displayed on the night included some you'll all probably be familiar with;
1.working on a lunge in a circle (there was no round pen on the night)
2.head lowering (A horse with its' head down is relaxed, a horse with its' head up is looking for danger)
3.Backing up by shaking the lunge rope.

Horses on the night included a nervous cob, a horse who wouldn't let his back legs be touched and a beautiful big bargy horse.
None of the techniques would be completly new if you're familar Kelly Marks or Tom Widdicombe. But it was wonderful to see in the flesh, without having to travel too far!

[Elaine]

Yes its great there are more trainers appearing over here alright You can get so many ideas even out of just watching a one day course.