Whose Game are You Playing?

Have You Ever Felt Like I Used to Feel?

“Horses were my first love and still are.

Being involved for 26 years in our own trekking business. I have experienced my full share of the frustrations of working with wayward customers, and even more wayward horses.

These frustrations would by now have left me totally disillusioned with carrying on the trekking business, and seen me go in a different life direction. Maybe even one that did not involve horses.

However, instead I embarked on an amazing journey that has taken our horses to unexpected new levels of freedom and willingness, and for me a new level of satisfaction.”

Nicola Megaw, River Valley Stables, Taihape

Why The Journey Starts as a Game

Horses love to play games! They especially love one this one.

“Do exactly the opposite of whatever the human wants by outmanoeuvring him until the human gets so frustrated that he gives up and leaves the horse alone.”

They play this game with us all the time, whether we realize it or not.

That’s why playing their games can change your relationship with your horse so dramatically. They teach you the language that they use with each other, and what their rules are.

This will be the start of the Journey.

Who Will Be Guiding You on The Journey?

Your personal guide will be Russell Higgins, a 4 Star Parelli Instructor

Russell is a horse development specialist. Russell regularly teaches one to five day camps and clinics throughout New Zealand as well as the United Kingdom, Dubai and other locations.

Some of you may remember seeing Russell demonstrating his liberty (bridle less) riding with his 2 horses at the Great NZ Trail Ride in Raetihi in 2008.

What Sort of System Does Russell Use?

The overall guide and system for this journey will be the Parelli program, started in 1981 by lifelong horseman, Pat Parelli.

Early on in his career, Pat realized that horses already had all the skills they needed to thrive and relate with their kind. It was adding the human element that complicated things. Pat discovered that a life-changing human-horse partnership is possible once people begin to “think, feel, act, and play like a horse.”

For horse lovers around the world who follow the Parelli program, an often unexpected gift is discovering that Parelli enhances not only their relationship and communication with their horse, but touches every other relationship in their lives.

The Trail Riding Camp

This is the ultimate get-away with your horse! The camp will be based around how to use the 7 Games that horses play with each other in regards to trail riding both on the ground and in the saddle.

The Camp is being held from the 3rd to 7th February 2012.

What Will You Learn?

How to de-sensitise your horse to things that can cause them to spook

How to prepare yourself for a safe trail ride

How to build a relationship with your horse that you could only have previously imagined

How to become the leader your horse needs you to be

How to ride out on the trail putting principle to purpose.

Where is the Camp Being Held?

The Trail Riding Camp is being held at River Valley Lodge, an Adventure Lodge, situated in the hill country east of Taihape, beside the Rangitikei River. At the end of each day you will be able to unwind and share experiences in the ambience of the Lodge, while enjoying having all your meals provided.

How many People Will There Be on the Camp?

This Trail Riding Camp is limited to 12 people, on a first come first served basis.

What is the Camp Worth?

Attendance at this Trail Riding Camp is worth the peace of mind that you will get, finally knowing that you are now on the right path with your horse.

In dollar terms, the Camp is $1460 which includes 5 night’s accommodation, all meals and teaching. Early Bird discounts are available.

Why Attend this Camp?

Nicola says it best.

“One of my goals is to have horses that are a pleasure and delight to be around. Horses that are safe and easy to ride. Horses with personality that when ridden by a first time rider, respond appropriately to that persons level of experience. But also, horses that are soft and a pleasure to ride even for experienced riders.

Horses that love to do what they do.”

How Do You Book?

Please follow this link to download a Registration Form, or contact Lisa Higgins by email – pnhnz@xtra.co.nz, or phone 027 4366707

Important Note: This Trail Camp has been postponed until February 2013. Contact Lisa above to be kept in touch with details.