Which Natural Horseman do you prefer: John Lyons, Pat Parelli, or Clinton Anderson? Why?

Question

I'm interedsted in starting my horse in a natural horsemanship program. I hope to improve my relationship with him, his respect for me, and our overall relationship. I'm an English rider and my horse is a 7 year old thoroughbred gelding.

Answer 1

Each of these trainers has strong and weak points. If you just want to play with your horse and you have all the time in the world to do it, Parelli is probably the flashiest - and the most expensive.

I prefer either one of the other two because my goal is to be able to catch my horse, toss a saddle on and go do something without spending three hours in a round pen first.

I have to admit I use bits and pieces I have learned from all three. Some things work better on some horses than others.

I had one mare that responded to Parelli methods by attempting to eat me. She thought it was BS and let me know she was going kill me if I kept it up. But then she's a use-me-or-put-me-up personality.

I've had others that loved Parelli's games. And another that figured them all out in a few days and started using them against me. Of course, I keep her because she reminds me there are horses out there I can't master.

Answer 2

I ride English. But i have seen a few things that all of those 3 people do. And the only one I totally disliked was Parelli. Also most of the crap he does he stole from everyone else and says he made it up. John Lyons is very well known around here. He is very good with his horses and he wont lie about stuff. Clinton Anderson is very good. He knows what he is talking about and he lets the horse know what he is talking about. And the people that do Parelli are always trying to recruit you! It pisses me off. I knew these two very obviously stupid lady's that got (2) 2 year old mares and immediately started them on Parelli. They all started Parelli at the same time. They bred these mares at the age of 3, still learning Parelli. The first time the one lady actually got on her horse she bucked her off and she broke her hip. Neither of them passed the Parelli test. They left a month after their baby's were born. They felt horrible about failing that test. And everyone made fun of them for it. Because they were rude and would keep their horses in the turn outs for hours at a time and would tell people no you cannot have that turn out. And they would take up the 2 biggest ones.
These lady's obviously had no common sense! I just suggest against Parelli. Also he is very rude! He yelled at my friend in front of a bunch of people. He has also been mean to his horses!
Oh and at all his stupid shows he has horses that "he has never met before that day" that know all his commands? Really? All horses will roll on the floor with you with no question? Hahaha your too funny.
And those big balls!? What is that all about? It takes up half of their stalls and none of the horses like the stupid ball anyways!

Just don't look like the newbie.

Good Luck

Answer 3

I have only heard of Parelli out of your list, but I prefer Monty Roberts anyway.

I have met both Monty Roberts and Pat Parelli.

Monty was more than happy to hang around and have a chat and give advice, whereas Parelli was rude and would not talk to anyone.

I also don't agree with Parelli in that they insist that you have to use Parelli certified equipment or the job won't be done properly, whereas Monty Roberts is all about the way you train, not what equipment you train with.

Monty Roberts uses the horse's natural language to communicate with them, and therefore they are happy to work WITH him, not FOR him. Other NHM trainers use methods that seem corny and I cannot understand them.

Answer 4

If you are looking for slick publishing and an excellent marketing program. I suggest parrelli.. Man he knows how to sell stuff. I suggest the Equine Studies Institute.. Dr. Debra Bennett, was A student of Tom Dorrance... Who is the guy everybody tries to copy,, Dr. Deb has a comprehensive list of various trainers.

Riding a horse IS NOT A NATURAL ACT. It is something we ask them to do outside their normal existence... Our job is to teach them with respect and clarity to help them do what we need.

I have worked close to 2000 head of horses in a 20 year Carrier, and I have seen many well meaning people like you bilked out of thousands of dollars.
Good luck.

Answer 5

Clinton Anderson

Answer 6

I like Clint Anderson b/c hes a little cheaper, and his method is just so real, it works with all kinds of horses. The other two are mainly for western horses I find. Good luck!

Answer 7

for a thoughbred i'd recommend Pat Parelli because his programs are suited for that kind of horse. i have a thoroughbred gelding myself and i tried several different people before i settled on Pat. read his book, it's really good.

Answer 8

Pat Parelli definatly. it's like he's know the horse for ages, and realy gets a strong bond with them!

Answer 9

The decision is ultimately up to your equine. He decides what will work for him and how he'll be trained. The best thing you can do is choose a trainer that suits your horses needs and not your own. You are the passenger, and choosing the wrong trainer for your buddy could mean the difference between clinging to life on your barn chaser or riding into the sunset.

Listen to your horse- they are smart and will communicate what's best for them. But they rely on us to do the speaking for them.

Answer 10

Pat Parelli all the way!! He let's the horse learn and listen. and it is sooo much fun!! He really builds a relationship with the horse and let's the horse know it's okay to play with you. go to www.parelli.com linda parelli rides english. pat does western.