A picture is worth a thousand words: here you can clearly see how to tie the knot correctly, and what it looks like when you rope halter wrong knot.
Watch the instructional video here from 3* instructor Nathalie Lagasse of the Belgian Parelli Team:
Choosing the right size Parelli rope halter
The Parelli rope halters are available in 6 different sizes:
- Mini
- Pony/Foal (yearling / pony)
Arabian (Arabian or D-ponies/horses with a fine nose)
- Regular
- Warmblood
- Draft horse (or extra large warmblood)
In any case, it is important to keep your rope halter nice to connect appropriately around the horse's head.
You do this in 2 steps:
1. Push the part on the nose up as far as possible with your finger:
2. Push the knot (with the leather on) at the bottom of the throat as far behind/under the jaws as possible:
This way you can tie the halter nicely to the head with the correct rope halter knot.
What is Parelli Natural Horsemanship?
Natural Horsemanship isn't a separate discipline like carriage driving, dressage, or jumping. It's essentially the foundation, learning a clear language. Through the Parelli program, you'll learn how to best train your horse, both on the ground, under saddle, or in front of a carriage. This way, you'll have a horse that remains calm in all circumstances, is eager to cooperate, is sensitive and responsive to aids, and more, resulting in improved performance—whatever that may be: in any equestrian discipline, competitive or recreational! With the Parelli method, you'll teach your horse, among other things, to load smoothly, to patiently wait for the farrier, but also to calm down quickly when stressed, to ride safely outdoors, and so on. A welcome bonus is that, in the process, you'll build a true friendship with your horse, a bond stronger than any lead rope.
How can you get started with Parelli yourself?
Join the Parelli Savvy Club , and you can start watching videos online, reading articles, listening to podcasts, participating in forums.
Of course, taking lessons from an instructor will help you get started much faster.
Since the beginning of 2010, Kim Moeyersoms has been an official Parelli instructor, 3*, which means she teaches On Line (groundwork with the horse on a rope), Liberty (playing with your horse in freedom), Freestyle (riding) and Finesse, individually or in groups for a maximum of 6 students at a time.
You can also take groundwork lessons with Kim on a horse (pony) from her herd. In that case, the lesson will take place in Merendree. If you have your own horse, Kim will also teach you at your location.
What do you need?
Parelli strives to make communication with your horse as effective as possible. To achieve this, it's best to use:
- a Parelli rope halter in the correct size
- a carrot stick & savvy string (stick with string)
- a 3.7 m Parelli lead rope ( 12ft Line )
As you progress through the Parelli program, you will also play with your horse at greater distances, e.g. with a Parelli rope of about 6.7 m ( 22ft Line ).
While Parelli isn't a miracle cure for groundwork and daily use, it does contribute significantly to successful communication (try the test in the store!). Consider it a worthwhile long-term investment, as you'll enjoy it for years to come!
Feel free to ask for information in the shop or take a look at Kim's website www.Paardenmanieren.be
