Hi, this is my shortened story! I've had traditional lessons all my life and I've always been taught that way. When Posy, my first ever pony came round on Christmas day, I was over the moon. I had to start from scratch! She was a nervous, speedy, un-confident little mare! Only 12hh but boy was she a handful! A strong headed pony against an 8 year old was trouble....... So my parents got me an instructor! She helped me re-train Posy.
Over the years I gained a trust and a bond with Posy, just using the traditional methods! But then I had my big tumble which ended with the air ambulance crusading to me! After that I knew there was another option! I started the Monty Roberts technique and I found it helped (a little) but it was too complicated for an 11 year old! Then I found Parelli. Of course I looked it up; found the 7 games and the principles of them, me and Posy were finally on the right track, when all of a sudden I got too big for her. We had mastered safety and fun on the ground and riding, only in the indoor school and in her own field but it was a good start.
 
I was begging my grandparents for a new horse, a chestnut Arabian mare with which I could compete and win competitions and have a bond stronger than anyone's. I dreamt of myself at the pony club camp site, waking in the morning and calling out her name, she would come running. That wasn't going to happen. In the end I got a chestnut flaxen Welsh Cob gelding, his name was Harry. By January 2010 I had officially owned him for the year. He was a pushy, mouthy and un-aware 4 year old, he was too strong for me and was 15hh. He was un-willing when it came to riding and had no idea of personal space, I was in for the ride of my life (quite literally)
 
I started the 7 games, but had no idea what or why I was doing them, finally in April as a stroppy teen, me and my father went to the British Open. I was very excited and was greeted by a lady called Julie, who ended up selling me a starters kit and a savvy club membership. I saw Rachel and Phoenix, asked them questions and yes she had had the same dream. We had both read Walter Farley's 'The Black Stallion' and had desired a bond like no other, and this is where my journey began.
 
Since then I've submitted my level 1 and I'm now waiting the results, Harry and I will be attending all we can, so watch out.