Using this study Guide!
Level 2 is a huge subject. it raises the respect system, works on impulsion, develops mental, emotional and physical fitness to new levels in both you and the horse, increases the riding elements significantly and culminates with manoeuvres such as lead changes, the soft feel and turns on the haunches. In addition you learn to play the 7 Games in a whole new way: first you learn there are 7 categories of games and therefore a thousand ways to play them, and secondly you learn to do more than play the Games… you learn to win them.
- Flick through the whole thing, get an overview. Now don’t get overwhelmed! You can take as long as you need to get through it. The average time taken is somewhere around two years. This of course can be accelerated if you are working with an instructor, and attending Parelli horsemanship courses/camps.
- Notice that there are sections on theory, psychology, tools and then there are 9 stages to work through. Your main information is in the theory and then your tasks and instructions are out lined in Stages.
- Preparation: The Stages are designed to teach you what you need to know before you can do the next thing. By following its path you’ll find yourself being properly prepared, mentally, emotionally and physically for what’s coming up next.
- Be disciplined enough to follow the Stages one by one and not to go to the next one until the one before has been completed. This will keep your confidence high and it will keep both you and your horse safe. Trying things that neither you or your horse are ready for can invite accidents. Have “impulsion”. Follow the program.
- Each Stage can represent a month or more, depending again on your own riding competence and dedication to following the program. It also depends on how often you get to see your horse! (Some may even take you less than a month!)
Three Phases to a session
- Respect & warm up phase
- Teaching phase
- Warm down phase
The respect & warm up phase usually involves ground skills, Online or at Liberty; and also impulsion exercises. Once your horse is mentally and emotionally in turn he will be physically in tune as well. Then he is ready to learn something new.
Warm up on the ground
You can practice things you’ve learned On Line and / or Liberty. You might have long or short ground skill sessions depending on if you will be riding and what you are wanting to do and… what kind of mood your horse is in!
Warm up in the saddle
You will always need to do some impulsion checks when you get on, never failing to check your lateral flexion and hindquarter disengagement first. Passenger lessons are a good way to listen to your horses ideas first, and doing something on your impulsion Program, whether its a full on session of the Clover Leaf or a few transitions to get your horse emotionally steady.
Teaching Phase
This could be on the ground or in the saddle. Either way, once your horse is in a learning frame of mind, is left brain, then he is ready to take on new tasks. Teaching phases don’t have to be very long. What you are looking for is to achieve the first objectives, not perfection. You have weeks over which to keep honing your skills in that Stage. Simply make sure you are finishing on as good a note as possible, horse left brain, even if you have to go back to something else you know how to do well.
Warm Down
This is where things slow down again. The mental, emotional and physical pressure come off. Walk around, you could allow your horse to graze as you’re sitting on him once he’s cool, just be with him until he sweat is dry and his heart rate is normal. If you take him to the “hot walker” for this, he’ll fall in love with the walking machine and look at you as the slave driver. This is valuable relationship time that you should not treat lightly.
Summary
Level 2 raises the respect system and works on impulsion. The goal is Harmony.
There’s lots in store!
Don’t try to read details first, flick through the whole thing.
This is a two year program on average.
Get to know the sections, theories and Stages.
Each Stage prepares you for the next. Don’t skip any.
Do each Stage thoroughly, complete it before going on. This will ensure safety and success.
Each Stage can represent a month or three depending on how often you get to see your horse.
Three phases to a session: Respect & Warm up. Teaching phase. Warm Down.
Warm up on the ground, On line or at Liberty.
You may also need to warm up in the saddle, for impulsion checks.
Teaching Phase could be on the ground or in the saddle. They don’t need to be long and look to achieve objectives, not perfection. Finish on a good note, horse left brain.
Warm down: This is valuable time with your horse, invest it with him, don’t put him on the hot walker.
